That Mercedes of yours is not some fuel-saving, spendthrift, racing-striped go-cart you're driving here. It consists of sumptuous, high-performance Mercedes parts arranged in a manner of technological mastery in order to deliver a driving experience that is second to none. What you're driving is the confluence of advanced engineering and custom Mercedes Parts compiled into the very definition of luxury.
So tell me, can you explain the sullying layer of dirt and grime so thick that you see nothing but darkness in the rearview mirror? Can you tell my why the magnificent black and chrome luster sparkles in the afternoon sun about as well as a tortoise shell? My goodness, are those door-dings I see on the paintjob?
Sit down, sir. It's time we had a little chat. It's about time I let you in on a growing epidemic that is rocking the very foundations of our beloved Mercedes vehicles: car care ineptitude. It has become all-too-common a problem among Mercedes enthusiasts, as well as all luxury car owners in general. This is puzzling, to say the least, since taking proper care of all those fine Mercedes parts is much easier than one might believe.
Personally, I like to think of owning a Mercedes as analogous to having a pet. Owning one brings you satisfaction and contentment. It adds an extra jig to your step and makes you feel proud that wherever you go, whatever you do, your loyal pet is there accompanying you.
On one hand, you can treat it with the utmost care, feeding it the best food, bathing it regularly, and training it to obey your commands. And in the end, your pet will reward you with years of problem-free service and devotion.
On the other hand, you can neglect it and take it for granted. Then some years down the line, the embittered and lackluster piece of machinery that was once a joy to own will ultimately fill you with regret and self-consciousness. The once formidable mass of custom Mercedes parts that comprised your luxury vehicle simply ceases to be luxurious, and all that remains is a dingy, shell of a vehicle that sputters down the highway collecting dust.
Welcome to Mercedes car care 101. Contained herein is the true Mercedes enthusiast's guide to taking care of not just Mercedes vehicles, but all luxury vehicles in general, making sure that every last inch of those custom Mercedes parts stays in pristine - and lasting - condition.
Wash Me
Every so often, some purported jokester might leave some finger trails in the layer of accumulating dirt on your car, as if to mock your lack of cleanliness with a personal decoration.
Do us all a favor and give this person a piece of your mind, both because it's an old and unoriginal joke that isn't even funny anymore, and also because the half-hearted work of art is actually dragging dirt particles across the precious Mercedes parts that compose the exterior of your car, causing minor scratches. Yet don't be too quick to hand out the blame, as the weak attempt at humor could have been easily avoided if you were prone to regular washes.
For those who are proud enough of their fine luxury vehicles such that they regularly wash and upkeep the appearance of their cars, I salute you. On the other hand, if you're the type that skips the wash and instead waits for a rainy day, or looks for the parking spot next to an errant sprinkler head, please sit down, my friend. We need to have a little talk.
Yes, washing your car is cumbersome. Yes, it can be annoying at times. Yes, it's frustrating when you polish every inch of those custom chrome Mercedes parts to a high shine, only to have it ruined minutes later when driving through a decent-sized puddle in the middle of the street. But trust me when I tell you that the consequences of neglecting your vehicle's appearance can be far worse than having to go through the process of washing regularly.
Allow me to regale you with a personal experience that has changed my car care habits forever...
I once had the privilege of owning a 1999 Mercedes C43 AMG, fully customized and garnished with all the latest Mercedes parts that earned it an AMG badge. The white paintjob deceptively enshrouded 8 cylinders of glorious muscle under the hood, and the blue on black interior was the most polished and stylish interior I have ever seen in any vehicle, even to this day.
It was my first luxury car, and sure enough, I knew nothing of taking proper care of it. A layer of dust would accumulate on the paintjob, leading onlookers to believe that its color was more pepper than salt. A thick layer of brake dust gathered on the custom alloy AMG wheels, and who knew what putrid dregs festered deep in the floor mats.
Even after an extensive detail, when compared to another similar vehicle, the once luminous sparkle of glorious Mercedes parts appeared tainted and bland. The paintjob had noticeably faded, and the wheels had acquired a dark tint due to brake dust stains. My formerly glitzy, high performance machine was now dull and ordinary. And really, why invest in a luxury vehicle in the first place if it ends up looking stale?
Accessorize!
Naturally, those who are consistent with washing, detailing, and maintaining the overall appearance of their Mercedes need not apply. Yet for those who move at a more hectic pace, or perhaps simply just aren't aware, a number of measures can be taken in order to make upkeep of your Mercedes parts much easier.
Accessories such as floor mats, car covers, and other useful Mercedes parts can go a long way in both enhancing and preserving the appearance of your vehicle, and with a number of custom aftermarket options available, you're sure to find a vast selection of quality Mercedes parts that complement your vehicle perfectly and don't look cheap or tacked on.
Additionally, while I certainly hope it's just my imagination, there may be some out there who may not take proper or regular care of their Mercedes vehicle. Well, though we may not see eye-to-eye, such indiscretions can be both forgiven and remedied. In addition to aftermarket Mercedes parts that can help to preserve and protect the appearance of your vehicle, there are also numerous aftermarket Mercedes parts available that can restore your vehicle to as close to brand new as possible.
The following are a few examples of simple, inexpensive Mercedes parts that can do wonders to either protect or restore your vehicle.
Floor Mats:
Yes, floor mats. I do realize that of all the possible Mercedes parts I could recommend floors seem a bit of a puzzling choice. But let's think about this for a moment. Essentially, everything that gathers on the bottoms of your shoes is tracked onto your floor mats. Wherever you go, wherever you step, as days turn into weeks turn into months turn into years, those deceptively simple Mercedes floor mats are soaking up all the muck and dirt from each time you enter your vehicle. In the meantime, while you may be meticulous in taking care of all the interior Mercedes parts of your vehicle, there's always the floor mats lying there, like the ketchup stain on your white shirt.
Floor Mats tend to be one of the most neglected and overlooked Mercedes parts in your vehicle. Particularly if they come in darker colors, dirt, grime, and anything else that comes into contact with your feet finds its way into those comfy Mercedes floor mats, and even after successive vacuuming jobs or cleanings, they still won't be completely clean.
Fortunately, Mercedes floor mats are also one of the most easily replaced Mercedes parts in your vehicle. Aside from factory replacements that are available either direct from the manufacturer or most Mercedes parts outlets, a number of aftermarket Mercedes floor mats are custom fitted for your vehicle, and will do the job just as well, and at a fraction of the cost of factory ones.
Though probably the wisest investment you can make in Mercedes floor mats is to purchase a set of rubber or all-weather ones that are impermeable to liquids and much easier to clean. In addition, a set of custom rubber Mercedes floor mats gives your vehicle a sportier and more rugged style, as many with sleek grooves and designs are available.
Car Cover:
While I could produce a rather lengthy list of parts, accessories, washing materials, and replacement items, there really isn't much that I could say that you wouldn't already know. Besides, I think I've lectured you enough about washing your car regularly.
Instead, what I will suggest is one of the simplest, inexpensive, and forgotten accessories available that can go a long way in preserving the condition of your vehicle - Mercedes car covers. It may be hard to believe, but a simple layer of fabric is all that is needed to preserve the exterior and interior Mercedes parts to help maintain a lasting appearance through the years.
Extended wear and deterioration due to sun and inclement weather are the most obvious potentially damaging factors. When it comes to those really hot days, Mercedes car covers protect the paintjob and all your interior Mercedes parts from fading and cracking. And yes, even exterior Mercedes parts can fade, crack, and deteriorate, particularly if one does not pay heed to regular washing and waxing.
