7 ways to make your old car feel like new

If you’re bored of your car or can’t stand the sight of those dents and scratches, but you’re not quite ready to get a replacement just yet, this post is for you. Here are seven ways to make your motor feel brand new - and hopefully to put the pleasure back into getting behind the wheel.

Have it professionally cleaned and valeted

When’s the last time your car had a deep clean? If you can’t remember, chances are it’s time to put this on your to-do list. Instead of attempting the task yourself or opting for a standard commercial car wash service, consider going the extra mile and arranging a thorough professional clean that targets all the nooks and crannies of your car, including often neglected  areas like the wheel wells.

 It might be worth getting the inside of your vehicle valeted too, and if you really want that new car feel, you could take it to an auto cleaning specialist for a detailing service. Here, they will deep clean your car’s interior, shampooing the rugs and upholstery to remove any dirt, stains and bad smells.

2. Get a new paint job

f the bodywork on your car has seen better days, you could take it to a specialist for repairs. They will be able to get rid of dents and scratches to give your car back its sheen. Whether your car simply needs some minor touch-ups or a full bodywork paint job, the cost of the work should be far less than you’d shell out for a new vehicle.

To keep your motor looking good, consider polishing it once a month to maintain the shine.

3. Give your car some TLC

Having good quality tyres with plenty of tread is a must for safety, so make sure you keep tabs on the condition of these essential components. If yours have worn down too much or are showing any signs of damage, such as bulges or cracks, you’ll need to get replacements. Bear in mind that premium tyres benefit from reduced stopping distances, better grip, improved fuel economy and lower noise levels.

To beautify your tyres, you could get the rims spray painted. This will conceal any unsightly scratches. Alternatively, you could buy some attractive new wheel covers. If you’re prepared to spend a little more, you might want to think about getting a set of stylish alloys.

4. Wax and polish the dashboard

Over time, the colour of plastic dashboards tends to fade and they can become dull. The good news is, with the help of some wax or silicone polish, you can breathe new life into this part of your car. The products will soak into the plastic and give it back its shine. Because this is the part of your car you spend the most time looking at, it’s well worth putting a bit of effort into enhancing it.   

Another top tip is to purchase a steering wheel cover. You can take your pick from a variety of designs and materials to find one that suits you. For a premium look and feel, it’s hard to beat a classic leather cover.

5. Get new seat covers and floor mats

Another easy way to revamp the interior of your car is to purchase a new set of seat covers and floor mats. This will make a big difference to the inside of your vehicle. Why not choose a completely new colour or theme for your upholstery? This can be a great way to inject some personality into your car. Some upholsterers will even colour match the floor mats and door pad inserts for a sleek, coordinated look.

If your seats have lost their foam, you might want to get foam added to the new covers, or pad the seats themselves.

6. Upgrade the tech

If you’ve been driving your car for a number of years, now could be the time to upgrade the tech. A range of features may be available for your vehicle now that weren’t included when you purchased it. For example, you could add a Bluetooth receiver and invest in a new sat nav unit. You could also attach a tablet mount to the back of the front-seat headrest to create your own rear-seat entertainment system. This is especially useful if you have kids as it will help to keep boredom at bay on long journeys.

If your budget will stretch that far, you might also decide to upgrade your speakers to improve your sound system.

7. Arrange a full service

It’s recommended to have your car serviced on a regular basis. Doing this will help to improve your safety behind the wheel, reduce the risk of breakdowns and make your car more efficient to drive. In fact, you could see an improvement in fuel economy of 10 to 15 per cent as a result of a service. It will also help to make the driving experience as smooth and pleasurable as possible. The technicians who service your car will check everything from the brakes and engine oil to the windscreen wipers.

Ideally, you should get a full service every year or 12,000 miles, and you might want to get interim services every six months or 6,000 miles.

By following suggestions like these, you can freshen up your car and make it look and feel completely different - saving you the hassle and expense of buying a new one.