We all spend far more time in our cars than we would like to admit, so let's get them in tip-top shape. Your friends at Miracle Mile Motors thought that we'd put together some tips to care for your vehicle's interior.

• How often should I clean the leather in my car?

Here is a list of items in your car that you should clean once a week:

1. First, wipe off all vinyl, leather, and plastic surfaces with a damp microfiber towel. It will leave the surface lint and dust-free.

2. Next, you're going to want to pull out your floor mats. Make sure you shake or brush off any dirt or debris.

3. Now, let's pick up the trash, you know, all those coffee cups you have collected over the week, and console storage bins.

4. Lastly, wipe down your windows and rearview mirror with a towel and glass cleaner.

• What should I clean in my car every month?

These steps will be a little more than a quick wipe-down.

1. First is vacuuming the interior carpet, seats, seat crevices, and console, which help extend the life of your carpets and seats.

2. Apply a UV protectant to all vinyl services such as the dash, console, and tops of door panels. Make sure to focus on the areas that get the most sun exposure.

• What is the best way to vacuum your car?

1. Start by pulling out all floor mats. Shake off any loose dirt. Use the upholstery attachment or the bare hose end to vacuum the carpets forcefully.

2. Push the front seats all the way forward to work on the rear carpets. Use the crevice tool of the vacuum to get into the cracks of the seats, between the seats, and tight carpeted areas.

3. When you are vacuuming the rear carpet, make sure to vacuum around the seat tracks and under the front seats. You can use the round dust brush attachment to vacuum the door panels.

4. When you move to the front carpets, push the front seats all the way back. Use the crevice tool again to vacuum the cracks in the seat between the seats and carpeted areas, and around the gas and brake pedals.

5. When vacuuming the carpet, use your free hand and hit the carpet just ahead of your vacuum hose or tool. This will loosen up and dirty that is lodged deep in the carpet and allow you to vacuum it up.

• What is a cabin air filter?

The cabin air filter is also called a car air conditioner filter. This filter is in charge of cleaning the air circulated throughout your vehicle and is one of the most overlooked neglected filters in a car. A dirty air conditioner filter will not only hinder the HVAC system in your vehicle from working efficiently, but it can become a breeding ground for germs and bacteria, which will be released back into the air.

• Miracle Mile Motors wants to help you keep your car in the best shape.

We hope these tips help you keep your car super clean! As always, we are here to help you in any way possible.

Nebraska weather changes fast, and with that said our vehicles need maintenance more than ever before to make sure that they are prepared for what fall and winter brings. Just like you need to get out your clothes for cooler weather, your very own vehicle should be getting specific maintenance to allow them to last better during these months. At Miracle Mile Motors, we always want to make sure that all of our customers get the help they're searching for, including services that provide them with all of the tools for success that they need. Below, we will be going through key maintenance tips for the fall months that we hope you will seriously consider. After you're done reading, why not schedule a service appointment? We can do all of the services listed below, plus recommend others for your specific needs to get you through to spring and beyond.

• Change windshield wipers

One of the very first things that we recommend to anyone for the fall months is to make sure that their windshield wipers are working properly. The usual recommendation is that windshield wipers be changed every six months, and while we don't always follow that, you want good working wipers during months where it's going to rain more. If they're not working right, it makes it almost impossible to see, and obviously seeing where you're going is a fairly important part of driving, to say the least. So just take the time to get them replaced! They're just about the least expensive facet of car maintenance! Get in touch with us if you're looking for input on which ones would work best for your vehicle.

• Check Heater and Defroster

As the temperatures drop, you'll rely on your car's heater and defroster to keep you warm and maintain clear visibility. Test them to ensure they are working correctly, and if they don't, arrange service to have it checked out. Trust us, you don't want to be caught somewhere in cold weather without a working defroster.

• Schedule Oil Change

We can't talk about maintenance without also mentioning that you should be getting regular oil changes done for your vehicle. It's car maintenance 101, not to mention incredibly cost effective as engine parts breaking down from neglect can be expensive and time-consuming to replace. The bottom line is this, if it's been awhile since the last oil change, this is the perfect opportunity to schedule one and make sure that the cool weather doesn't bring about anything that you're going to regret later.

• Check the Battery

Another key maintenance tip that we want to point out is the overall importance of the battery in your vehicle. This is how everything stays running efficiently, and if you ever end up with a dead car battery, you'll be out of luck until someone comes around to rescue you. Usually, batteries younger than five years old should be fine, but anything older than that should be looked at.

• Clean and Wax Your Car

Fall is an excellent time to give your car a thorough cleaning and waxing. Waxing isn't just about making your car look great, it's putting down a protective layer can help shield your vehicle's paint from the elements, including falling leaves, rain, and most of all, road salt: one of the biggest factors that contribute to rust. Salt creates chemical reactions that can corrode any exposed metal. Brake and fuel lines are especially susceptible to this kind of corrosion: two things you'd prefer to keep working through you throughout the colder months.

Top Hacks To Clean Your Car Inside & Out

Does your car feel old and tired? The upholstery appears a little tattered, and the formerly gleaming windows are now…well, not so shiny. Sure, you could pay someone to clean your car &mdash —or save money by cleaning it yourself.

You can use these tried and true cleaning hacks to get your car clean, both inside and out. After researching we found some great websites that go into great detail. Be sure to visit them for more great tips

How to Clean and Restore Car Headlights

After a few years of usage, the plastic in car headlights oxidizes, causing them to become hazy and yellowish. That film can cause you not to see as well when driving at night. You can use this headlight restoration technique to clean and restore your headlights.

According to Family Handyman there is an easy 4 step process that will restore your headlights

Step 1 - Wash and Sand Horizontally

• Wash the cloudy headlight with warm soapy water.

• Rinse with plenty of clear water, then let it dry.

• Then mask the area around the lens so you don't scratch the paint.

• Soak the sheets of sandpaper in water, then start with the grit that suits your situation.

Sand in one direction.

With sandpaper, the higher the number, the finer the grit. If the headlight is just dull or yellowed, start with the 1,500 grit and work up to the 2,500 grit. If there are light scratches, start with the 1,000-grit paper.

Step 2 - Rinse and Sand Vertically

Rinse and change direction with the next grit. Keep doing this until you're finished with the 2,500-grit paper.

Step 3 - Buff the Lens with Polish

• Wash the headlight with plenty of clear, cool water and dry.

• Wet one corner of the flannel cloth with the polishing compound.

• Using firm pressure, polish the headlight in a circular pattern until it becomes smooth and clear.

Step 4 - Polish the Lens

• Allow the polish to dry, then use the clean end of the cloth to buff off any polish residue.

• Repeat the polishing process.

• Depending on the damage to the headlamp, small areas may still appear foggy. Try re-polishing only those spots with a polishing compound. Buff the area again and inspect. The lens should look perfectly clear!

• To keep foggy headlights clear, wash often with a mild detergent and a soft-bristle brush or sponge, flush with plenty of water and dry.

Never clean clear plastic with wax, polish or any chemical that's not formulated for the task. And that is how to clean headlights yourself!

Credit: Family Handyman

How To Clean Your Car Windows Streak Free

The key to getting your car windows clean and streak free is all about the tools and techniques you use. The great news is that it's not difficult to do, and once you learn how, you'll be able to get your car windows looking amazing in no time.

1. Use a clean, soft microfiber cloth or towel to avoid scratches.

2. When using a cleaning solution, make sure work in small sections

3. Start at the top and work your way down

4. Use a quality glass cleaner

5. Wipe in a circular motion

6. Use a second clean microfiber cloth to dry

7. Polish with a third clean microfiber cloth

How To Clean The Dashboard

The best things to clean your car dashboard according to DetailCentralAve are.

• Vacuum with Attachment

• Soft Microfiber Cloth

• Water and Mild Soap

• Toothbrush or Soft Paint Brush

• Polish

To begin, use your vacuum with brush attachments to vacuum the dash. Attempt to pick up any dust or debris on the dash.

Next, take a soft microfiber cloth, dipped in water, to wipe down your dash. If the interior of your car is particularly grimy, fill a bowl with warm water and mild soap. Use this to wipe the dashboard, steering wheel, hand brake, and interior plastic of your vehicle.

Likely, it will be difficult to clean in the small crevices and vents. Use a toothbrush, soft paintbrush, or designated dash brush to gently remove dirt. Be careful so you don’t scratch the delicate parts of your car.

Once your dash is clean and dry – you can use another dry microfiber cloth to rub down the dash if needed – you can add shine by polishing it. You can pick up a wide variety of polishes at automotive parts stores. Pick the polish of your choice and put a small amount onto a clean and dry cloth, then rub the cloth over the dash. Repeat until the entire dashboard is polished. You can polish the center console as well. If there is excess polish when you rsquo;ve finished, remove with a dry cloth.

Credit: DetailCentralAve

How To Remove Dead Bugs From Your Car's Exterior

The paint on your car's exterior is delicate. When you drive, bugs hit your car and can leave behind stains or etchings in the paint. You may not notice them right away, but over time these can become more visible and difficult to remove.

To remove dead bugs from your car's exterior, start by washing the area with soap and water. Then, using a soft cloth or sponge, gently scrub the affected area in a circular motion. If the stain is still visible, you can try using a mild abrasive cleaner or rubbing alcohol. Be sure to test any cleaner on an inconspicuous area of your car's exterior first to avoid damaging the paint.

Once you've removed the dead bug stains, be sure to wash and wax your car regularly to protect the paint and keep your car looking its best.

The Importance of Maintaining Your Car

Regular oil and filter changes are a crucial part of protecting your vehicle from many issues down the road. Not only do these services protect the components within your engine, but they can also be cost-effective in avoiding expensive repair bills due to negligence.

Benefits of Regular Oil & Filter Changes

Oil plays a crucial role in keeping all components of the engine in working order, yet sometimes dirt and debris can get mixed in, creating sludge that can build up and clog the system over time. This can lead to decreased performance, misfires, and even more serious issues down the road if left unchecked.

By regularly replacing oil and filters you help keep your engine from becoming bogged down by dirt or other particles, minimizing chances of major malfunctions later on in its life span. Properly maintaining oil levels helps ensure tensions between components remain at bay since they all have a constant source of lubrication needed to function properly without worrying about excessive friction leading to seizures or other potentially catastrophic events.

What You Should Do

The optimal mileage for an oil change is typically between 3,000 and 5,000 miles however this may vary depending on the type of car and oil being used as well as environmental conditions like climate or terrain being driven on regularly with the vehicle. Checking manufacturer recommendations found in your owner’s manual is important for further clarity regarding when it is best to change out a car’s engine oils and air filters.

Are you feeling overwhelmed by all the car maintenance you have to do? Are you worried about the cost of taking care of your car? Don't worry! You’re at the right place. We can find the right car with the right price. Contact us now for any questions you may have.

How To Check Your Antifreeze

It may not cross most people's minds, but checking your car's antifreeze protection level is an important part of regular maintenance. Anti-freeze helps protect your car from damage caused by cold weather, and keeping it at the proper level could save you from costly repairs down the road. In this article, we will show you how to check your car's antifreeze protection level and what to do if it needs to be adjusted.

What You Need

Before you begin, there are a few items you need for the job:

• An anti-freeze tester: These are usually sold for just a few dollars at any auto parts store.

• Paper towel or rag: This will help keep the anti-freeze off of surfaces like paint that could get damaged.

• Ziplock bag: This will help keep dirt out of your anti-freeze tester while you’re not using it.

Step 1: Locate The Reservoir

The first step is to locate the reservoir where your car’s anti-freeze is stored. This is usually in the engine compartment, and it looks like a plastic container with a lid on top (as seen in Figure 1). There should also be a warning label telling you not to open the lid while the fluid is hot – so always make sure that your car has been sitting idle for at least two hours before proceeding! 

Step 2: Testing The Anti-Freeze

Now that you have located the reservoir, insert the end of your tester into the fluid (you may have to use a straw attached to the bottom of the tester). Then pump up and down until about half of the fluid has been drawn up into the glass chamber on top (Figure 2). Now look at how many “balls” are floating on top of the fluid; this number tells you how well protected your car is against extreme cold temperatures (see Table 1 below). Once done testing, pour any remaining liquid into its original container, then wipe off any residue with paper towel or rag. 

Step 3: Storing The Tester

After testing, take a ziplock bag and store your anti-freeze tester in it until its next use. This will help keep dust and dirt off of it when it’s not in use! And don't forget - always remember that antifreeze is poisonous so make sure none gets on any surfaces outside of its original container!   

Checking your car's antifreeze protection level doesn't have to be difficult or complicated; with these simple steps anyone can do it themselves! With regular testing every few months, you'll know exactly how well protected against extreme cold temperatures your vehicle really is - potentially saving yourself hundreds or thousands of dollars in repairs down the line!