We all know that cars do not last forever. They wear out over time, but that does not mean you cannot prolong your vehicle’s useful life and make it look brand new. With a better paint job, increased protection, and extra TLC, you can preserve the beauty and longevity of your car. Here are eight ways to help you make your old car look like new again:
1. Give Your Old Car a Thorough Clean
This one is painfully obvious, but, believe it or not, many car owners overlook this step. As seasons change, your vehicle collects grime, salt, and road elements that eventually become difficult to remove. That’s why regular cleaning is a must – and that means both interior and exterior cleaning. Here are some tips to help you out:
- Wash, rinse, and dry the tyres one at a time.
- Use feathered bristle brushes for the wheels to avoid scratching the surface. Polish them after.
- Don’t use dish detergents or hand soap on the car paint.
- Always start at the top of the car and work your way down, rinsing the car first to remove loose dirt.
- It’s a common mistake of car owners to move a sponge in circles. The correct way is to wash in lines to avoid swirl marks and scratches. A back-and-forth motion also ensures even coverage, reducing the likelihood of missed spots and streaks of soap left behind.
Make sure the car is parked in the shade before washing, as direct sunlight will speed up the drying process, which can cause water spots.
2. Hire a Professional for a Detailing Service
Sometimes, your old car needs more than just a thorough washing. Car detailing increases its appeal by removing dirt and grime from the exterior whilst restoring its shine. It also includes interior rejuvenation, leaving it fresh and clean.
A professional auto detailer can apply a sealant to help protect the exterior paint and provide a protective barrier against ultraviolet rays and contaminants from the environment. And here’s a great benefit if you’re looking to sell the car in the future. Detailing improves resale value as it makes the vehicle more attractive to potential buyers.
3. Repaint the Car
We don’t recommend that you do this step on your own, as it is complex and certainly labour-intensive. However, if you have the skill, experience, and equipment, you may try your luck in repainting your car and save some bucks.
Before you begin:
- Ensure you’re in a well-ventilated, dust-free space like a garage.
- Wear safety gear, such as gloves and protective clothing.
- Remove the old paint, as well, using a paint stripper or sandpaper.
- Repair any dents and clean the car before painting. You will need an automotive primer, a base coat, and a clear coat before buffing and polishing.
You may want to leave the job to the pros to avoid imperfections, such as uneven finish and paint runs.
4. Upgrade Accessories and Add Technology
Various accessories and technology upgrades can make your car look and feel like new again. Here are some suggestions:
- Switch from old to stylish wheels and quality tyres.
- Refresh exterior trim, including emblems and mouldings, to get that polished appearance.
- Add new LED headlights and taillights for a modern look.
- You can also install some LED interior lights for ambience and better visibility.
- Invest in quality floor mats to not only add a touch of luxury but also to protect your car’s carpet.
- Upgrade to Apple CarPlay or Android Auto for your infotainment and use better speakers and amplifiers.
- Install a backup camera and a dash camera for added security. Plus, you can use the dash cam to capture road trips.
If you still don’t have GPS, it’s time to add it for convenience. For more recommendations, please read this blog.
5. Restore Worn Out Dash with a Dashboard Cover
Your dashboard can easily make your car look old because it’s one of those parts that frequently gets exposed to UV rays. Aside from cleaning, you can hide the cracks, fading, and other imperfections by dressing it with a dashboard cover. Not only that, but this covering can help reduce car temperature by blocking the sun’s heat. Dashboard covers can regulate the temperature inside the car, making driving more comfortable even during midday.
6. Hide Unsightly Scratches Using a Console Cover
The centre console is one of the most used parts of the car. Therefore, it naturally gets dirty and retains damage over time. Protect it from the results of abuse with a console cover, which can hide ugly signs of wear.
Quality console covers can also keep your centre console from spills, dirt, and even your pets. If you eat and drink inside your car, which most of us do, you never have to worry about sticky fingers leaving dirty marks on the armrest. Before you purchase, make sure that the cover is the right size for your car, so measure the centre console before you order.
7. Spruce Up the Seats with Seat Covers
Like console and dashboard covers, seat covers can contribute to keeping your vehicle clean, fresh, and looking new. They protect the upholstery from stains, rips, and tears, which are unavoidable, especially if you have kids around.
Seat covers prevent direct contact with objects, pets, and individuals, shielding them and preserving their condition. You’ll also feel more comfortable, which is beneficial for long drives. Seeing that your seats are well-protected boosts enjoyment each time you climb behind the steering wheel.
8. Follow a Good Maintenance Schedule
Finally, the best way to ensure your car looks new for years is to have a preventative maintenance regimen. Create a systematic schedule or plan of action that works for you to help prevent issues with your car. That means scheduling routine inspections and ensuring that problems are repaired as quickly as you can to prevent failures and breakdowns.
Making your old car look like new again involves several tasks, from cleaning to maintenance. Sometimes, repair and restoration may be necessary. Either way, the often meticulous and demanding process results in a rewarding experience. Breathe new life into your ageing vehicle by visiting the Shevron shop today!