4 Tips for Making an Old Car Look and Feel As Good As New

USA Today recently reported that car prices have increased in the past few months. Much of this has to do with the lack of resources as well as logistic difficulties. Whether or not the prices will decrease in 2023 is yet to be seen. At present, however, it seems it’s a financially wiser choice to keep using your old car.

You could even buy a used car for this. According to CNBC, used car prices have dropped recently. This gives you an opportunity to invest in an old car and then give it a makeover to make it look and feel as good as new.

The question is, how do you make an old car look and feel like new? Let’s find out.

#1 Give the Whole Car a Good Wash

Giving your car a good wash can make it look new, and it’s not just about the paint job. A good wash will clean off dirt, dust, and grime that can collect on your car’s exterior over time. It’s also a great way to give your car a thorough inspection. You’re sure to find some little things you might have missed otherwise.

A clean car also feels better to drive because it reduces glare off the windshield and makes it easier to see out of, not to mention making you feel more confident behind the wheel.

Use a bucket and sponge or mitt to apply soap and water to the surface of your vehicle. Apply this solution sparingly. You don’t want too many suds because they can dry out your paint job and strip away any waxes or sealants that are already on there.

#2 Give the Car a Nice Paint Job

A new paint job can make an old car look like it just rolled off the lot. You can even do it yourself, but if you don’t feel comfortable with that, take your car to a professional. You’ll want to make sure that you bring in all of the old paint so that they can match it exactly, and then they’ll apply the new coat right over the top of it.

First, decide whether you want to paint your entire car or just parts of it. If you’re painting only areas that are damaged or dull-looking, all you’ll need is some paint and a paintbrush (or airbrush). However, if you want to change the color entirely, you’ll also need primer and sandpaper to prepare the surface before applying the new color.

#3 Use Decals Wisely

There’s nothing wrong with wanting to make your car look as good as new, but you should be careful with the decals you use.

Decals are great because they’re easy to apply and remove, but they can also damage paint if they’re not applied correctly. If you don’t know what you’re doing, you could end up with scratches or cracks in your paint job that will cost more than the decals themselves would have cost.

If you want your car to look like it just rolled off the lot, don’t go overboard with the decals.

If you do decide to tackle this project yourself, make sure that you have plenty of room on your car’s body before starting. You also need to remove any dirt or debris from the surface where you will be applying your decals so that they stick properly.

When using decals, make sure you’re using the ones made using the Oracal-651 vinyl. Oracal offers high-quality products with options for either a glossy finish or a matte finish. They are also made using a solvent-based permanent adhesive, which means your decals will be long-lasting. 

#4 Replace the Car Upholstery

If your car’s upholstery is looking a little worse for wear, consider replacing it. This is an easy way to make your car feel new again without breaking the bank.

If you have leather seats, they may just need a good cleaning. However, if they’re cracked or torn and are showing their age, it’s time to replace them with new ones.

It can be a little intimidating to make big changes like this to your car, especially if you’re not sure how to do it yourself. That’s why it’s recommended that you consult with a professional upholstery shop to handle this project for you. They’ll be able to help you choose the perfect fabric for your needs and install it properly so that it looks great for years to come.

According to The Zebra, the average car price in the U.S. is at an all-time high. In such a situation, it wouldn’t be wise to invest in a new car. Instead, give your old car a makeover or do the same by buying a used one. This will be more cost-efficient and save you a ton of money.