Keeping Your Car in Order-automotive

Okay, especially for parents, keeping the car clean and in good looking condition can sometimes be a challenge. For some parents, such things as the "no food rule" need to come into play. For others, the parents are just as messy if not messier than the kids. For those that do not have children to blame the messy car on, these rules apply to you too.

It seems simple enough, but really we all can use a little reminder. Things just seem to pile up in the care until it's a disaster area. As soon as you pick up your things to go in the house, remove everything else out of the vehicle as well. Throw away all the papers and return the coffee cup to the kitchen sink. This goes for items in the trunk as well. If it's not meant to be used in the car or you're not taking it to someone else, don't use your trunk as a storage bin.

Things that need to remain in the car should be sorted into piles. Keep maps and manuals together and separate from the music and videos. Have a clear idea of where things should be and keep them there.

Set aside a day that you do a quick vacuum of the floors and seats. If this is done frequently, the job takes only a few minutes. If it is saved for months on end, expect to be cleaning out the car for hours with that vacuum. After you vacuum, give a quick wipe down of all your windows, dashboards and doors. Take out the floor mats and give them a good shake.

If you collect a lot of trash, keep a small trash can on the floor in the back seat. Keep the kids toys in organizers within reach. If you have a bunch of CD's or kids DVD's, keep them in an organizer on the visor so they are easy for you to access and switch out when the time comes.

Always keep your vehicle registration, auto club information, list of emergency contacts, insurance information, notepad, pen, flashlight and a tire gauge in your glove compartment. These are things that need to be reached at a moments notice, and if they are always there, you won't have to dig around the floor trying to find them

It's never a bad idea to have some sort of emergency kit in the trunk. Keep it there with your jumper cables and a simple tool set. A first aid kit may also be added. It is never a bad idea to be as prepared as possible.

For luxury cars that are seemingly always spotless and beautiful, auto mats are used and easily found at GGBailey. Car mats made to design can be found and there are some fabulous styles that will really speak volumes about your personality. Heidi Ball is a freelance writer.