If your wheels have that black brake dust on them, don’t try to scrub them clean. The dust is super-heated
metal particles that have come off your semi-metallic brake pads when stopping. The heated material from
the pads impregnates the wheels’ surface. There are special cleaners designed for this. Be sure you use the
correct type of cleaner for your car’s wheels. Using the wrong type will seriously damage their finish!
Carpet and vinyl: Floor mats protect the carpet from dirt and wear. Just as
important, they protect the carpet from harmful salt and other chemicals that
break down the carpet pile. Even if you don’t live in a salt region, you still get
chemicals on the bottoms of your shoes (for example, lawn fertilizers and bug
sprays) that can permanently damage the carpet. Replace floor mats when
needed; it’s cheap compared to carpet replacement or lost value if you decide to
sell or trade-in the car. Moisturize all vinyl. Interior and exterior vinyl should be
treated once a year to prevent drying and cracking (especially if you live in a sun
belt). Use a cleaner specifically recommended for vinyl. After cleaning, buff dry
and apply a vinyl dressing.