If you own a car, you probably spend a good amount of time in your vehicle, whether it’s commuting to work, bringing groceries home, or driving your kids to school. Everyone wants to maintain that shiny, new car feeling without actually spending the money on a new car, but it’s not always easy to keep your older car looking new. So here are some simple, budget-friendly ways to refresh the look of your car.
Clean and organize
It’s tempting to use your car floor as a trashcan, especially if you’re always grabbing fast food on the way to work. Make it a habit to empty your car of trash each time you reach your destination. For glove compartment organization, try using separate Ziplock bags for tools, manuals, and paperwork.
Although there’s no need to invest in deep cleaning, there are a few steps you can take to increase your car’s value and make it look good as new. You can wash your carpets and floor mats with a hot-water extractor to keep them looking clean, as well as shampoo any upholstery to remove stains.
After washing upholstery, make sure to treat it with a fabric protectant to prevent future staining. For the exterior, a car wash every few weeks keeps it looking shiny and fresh.
Repair dents and scratches
Every well-used car experiences a few dents and scratches along with basic wear and tear. If you’re looking to make your car look new again, it’s important to conceal those blemishes. Believe it or not, there are cheap ways to remove dents and scratches from the body of your car.
Do-it-yourself methods, like the hot glue method and the suction method, are great for saving money. If you have an older car, an investment to repair deep scratches will prevent rust and future damage.
Overspray removal
Overspray is the level of dirt, crud, and grime on top of the exterior layer of cars that makes them look older and dirtier. Overspray also occurs when someone is spraying a car and not paying attention, creating a layer of spray paint all over your car.
Paint damage leads to more serious problems, such as rust and weakened panels, so it’s best to set aside some money to invest in overspray removal to make sure your car remains reliable.
Keep a maintenance log
If you don’t already keep a maintenance log, it’s time to start. Buy a binder and keep all your car’s current records inside. A maintenance log should contain the most recent records of mechanical work and maintenance performed on your vehicle. You should also consider saving the receipts as proof of work if you’re looking to sell your vehicle in the future.
You should conduct a search for a car dealership near you, like “car dealership in Avon, OH,” to add an estimate of how much your car is worth to your maintenance log. Additionally, get an inspection from a professional mechanic to obtain a verifiable report that your car is in good working order. Keeping a record of all work done to your car will allow you to keep track of when new work is needed and help you gain the trust of potential buyers.
Keeping your older car looking as good as new doesn’t have to break the bank. These cost-effective steps will make your car more eye-catching and desirable. Once you’re ready to trade in your used car for a new one, you’ll be surprised at how far maintaining the aesthetics of your car goes in increasing its value.
