In today’s throwaway culture, many people seem quicker to replace than recycle. Perhaps it’s the rate of technology – or maybe it’s our unquenchable thirst for new things. Whatever the reason, very often, a little TLC is all that’s needed to bring a much-loved treasure back to life – your car included.
With just a little care and attention, you can breathe new life back into old wheels and make your car feel and drive like new again. Read on for eight surprisingly inexpensive ways to make your old car feel like new again.
Thoroughly clean the interior
It goes without saying that an untidy car looks old and unkempt. Dirt and grime lodge themselves in the most inaccessible of places – the footwell, the stitching between seats, in the dash, the central storage console between the list goes on and on.
To get a car interior properly cleaned takes dedicated cleaning equipment. Check out Auto Clean Freak Car Reviews for reviews of the latest and best interior vacuum products – from handhelds to wet/dry systems, industrial vacuums and wall-mounted units. The site also offers comprehensive tips and tricks to get the inside of your car as clean as possible.
Wash, wax and polish
A proper clean, wax and polish can have your car gleaming brighter than the day it first left the showroom. Nothing has such a dramatic, head-turning effect for such a low price.
Many service stations now have cleaning ports equipped with a carwash and automatic wax/polish services. However, while these automatic machines do an ample job at a cosmetic touch-up, the wax used is inferior to a manually-applied product – as is the way it’s administered.
Rather, if you want the job done properly, you should take your car to a specialist wax and polishing company or, better yet, do it yourself. There is a multitude of DIY wax and polish products available online or from your local car-care dealership.
Repair dents and scratches
One of the best ways to breathe new life into an old car is to buff out those scratches and patch up those dents. No matter how well it’s been looked after, most cars have at least some signs of wear and tear, either inflicted by the owner or by other road users. Repairing dents, scrapes and scratches are all very inexpensive ways to improve the exterior of your car without breaking the bank.
Just simple touch-up work and repairs can make a world of difference to the exterior of your car. Alternatively, body repair shops can deal with more significant problems.
Respray your car
Unless you’re properly qualified, a full-body respray is maybe above the ability of most enthusiasts. However, even if using a professional auto spray company, repainting your car is still a relatively inexpensive way to completely renewing its look. Consider full body resprays or, for a truly unique look, opt for a half and half approach – with different colors for the top and bottom of the body. Reputable spray firms will offer advice on the best approach – or check online for innovative ideas. Alternatively, if you insist on doing things yourself (and why not – sometimes a challenge is fun!), there are numerous online car spray guides offering advice and tips.
Upgrade your audio
There are few better places to listen to music than inside your car, cruising along an open highway. Car audio systems just seem to envelop you as you drive, filling the space with your music. Upgrading your stereo and speakers can have a dramatic effect on your feeling for your car as well as giving an overall more pleasurable drive. Of all stereo equipment, probably the most important is your choice of speakers – however, also consider looking at the stereo itself as well other touches like connectivity to your cellphone. Check online for advice. Upgrading your car audio doesn’t need to cost the earth – but it will make a huge difference to how you feel while driving.
Fit new seat covers
It’s surprising just how much difference new seat covers can make to the interior of your car. Seat covers can change the entire cosmetic feel and ambiance inside the vehicle while also massively improving the ride comfort. They’re also great for protecting seats and, as they’re removable, are much easier to clean.
Rather than upgrading to completely new seats, consider fitting new covers to spruce up the interior. You’ll be amazed by the difference it makes to the general look of the car.
Upgrade the tech in your car
Car tech has come a very long way in recent years ranging from parking automation to fully self-driving cars. While it’s unlikely you’ll be able to upgrade to full self-driving automation, even small car tech upgrades can vastly improve the driving experience. Not only that – car technology doesn’t just improve driving; it also looks cool. Affordable car tech upgrades include sat-nav units, heads-up displays, voice-only GPS, dashcams, voice assistants and more. Nothing shouts “cool” more than a tech-aware car!
Tires
Your wheels are your connection to the road. Most people don’t realize it, but new tires can make your car feel and drive like a new vehicle. For the best and most reliable advice, take your car to a specialized mechanic or auto shop to let them test your tires for wear and tear. Also, consider adding new trims to change the exterior appearance of your car. Your tires make a bold statement on the kind of driver you are, so don’t just stick with the factory defaults. Get creative and make your mark on your vehicle.
Upgrading the core components of a car is a great way to extend the life of your vehicle while also adding a personal touch. Spending just a little time effort on your car’s interior and exterior can have it looking, feeling and driving like a new model in no time and with minimal outlay.
