Whether your car is your pride and joy or you just view it as a ride that you would like to keep clean and looking good for as long as possible, there are things you can do to preserve its look. Perhaps one of the most important things you can do to protect your vehicle is to pay close attention to where you park it.

Parking location can be critical for keeping a car in tiptop cosmetic condition. This is especially so when you go to heavily trafficked places or park your car for long periods of time. To increase your chances of protecting the body, make sure to:

•Never park too close to other vehicles – Parking lots can be your worst nightmare when trying to preserve a paintjob. To increase your odds of avoiding damage, make sure to park far enough away from other vehicles to allow clearance for doors. If a space looks too tight, move on to another one.

•Avoid parking near car returns – To avoid dings and dents caused by errant carts, try to park as far away from cart returns as possible.

•Stay out of direct sunlight – When parking your car for hours on end, try to shoot for a shady area. If this is not possible, get a window protector to put up. Direct sunlight can fade your interior colors over time.

If keeping your car looking good is the plan, you will want to go beyond basic cleaning. Being mindful of where you park can make a big difference.