Practicing to get your license online, then going into the DMV and actually getting it is exciting. You’re finally ready to hit the road and be more independent!
Unfortunately, the way your car looks can quickly dash your dreams of driving down the road in style.
Whether you’ve just gotten your license and you’re stuck driving a beater or you’ve been driving the same car for a few years and it’s starting to look a little tired and worn, there are a few things you can do to make your car look newer without spending a fortune.
Clean Every Nook and Cranny
Dirty cars look old. That goes for the outside of the vehicle and its interior. One of the best ways to make your car look newer is to have it cleaned regularly.
Visit the car wash frequently, but don’t forget to detail the inside of your car. It takes a lot more than just a rag wiped over your dashboard too! If you really want to give your car that just-off-the-lot look, you need to deep clean it by:
- Getting rid of every scrap of trash in the car
- Using a magic eraser to scrub vinyl and leather
- Using a toothbrush to get into the nooks and crannies of textured vinyl
- Using a spray bottle and a squeegee to get rid of pet hair and lint
- Shampooing the seats if they are stained
- Cleaning the inside and outside of the windows
- Using a foam brush to clean between the AC vents
- Replacing your cabin’s air filter for a fresh, clean scent in the car
Replace Your Floor Mats
The floor mats in a vehicle can really take a beating. They are there to take the beating so your car doesn’t have to. That way, instead of trying to deep clean your vehicle’s floors, you can simply replace the floor mats when you want a clean, updated look in your car.
Floor mats come in a variety of price points, but consider getting high-quality car floor mats. Not only will they make your car’s interior look more expensive, they will last longer than cheaper mats that will need to be replaced every few years.
Cover Your Seats
The upholstery in an old or used car can look dated pretty quickly. Seats can quickly gather dirt and dust, not to mention stains, which can make your ride look dingy and gross.
You can always try to clean the seats, but if their style is outdated, or you just can’t get that stubborn stain out, consider covering your seats instead.
There are seat covers available at every price point, so you have plenty of choices that will fit your budget. Custom slip covers will make your car look like it has been reupholstered, while tie-on seat covers in a funky pattern enable you to add a personal touch to your vehicle.
Fix Scratches and Dents
Scratches and dents undoubtedly make your vehicle look old and used. You may shy away from having them fixed because surely it will cost thousands of dollars. It doesn’t have to!
There are many home remedies for removing dents that include hot glue and suction. You could feasibly remove small dents yourself without spending a penny.
Fixing scratches can get costly if they are large and deep, but many surface scratches can be removed easily. Toothpaste can be used on scratches that only penetrate the clear coat, while affordable scratch removal products can be effective at removing scratches in the clear top coat and base coat. If you have the right color, paint can be used to fix deeper scratches.
Upgrade Your Car Speakers
It’s true that upgrading your car’s speakers is the most expensive option on the list, but it’s still a lot more affordable than some other upgrades, like repainting your car or having your seats reupholstered.
Replacing your speakers will definitely make riding in the car more enjoyable, especially if you have a long commute or you take long road trips regularly. If you plan on keeping your vehicle in good condition, the installation of high-quality speakers can also increase the value of your car.
You don’t have to drive a brand-new car off the lot in order to feel proud of your ride. Even used cars can look like a million bucks when they are taken care of properly! The tips on this list will ensure your vehicle looks like new for years to come.
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