Five Ways to Renovate a Used Car, Make it Sparkle Anew

Reconditioning an old car is a great way to save some cash. Slightly changing just a few things can make a used car look just like new. Not only can you make your car look better, but you can also improve its functionality. Here are five approaches to reviving used cars and making them look like new.

1. Freshen Up the Paint Job

The most apparent way of refurbishing a used car is through repainting. The paint on a car can chip and fade with time, making the vehicle look old, but a fresh coat of paint completely changes that. You can allow a professional to do it for you or decide to take the challenge on yourself. If you choose to do it yourself, make sure you clean and sand the car before painting so that there are no bumps. You can experiment with custom paint kits to add a personalized feel. There is a wide range of colors and patterns that you can select to make your car unique to you.

2. Upgrade the Interior

The interior quality of a car is essential to those who ride in it often. If the seats are worn or there is a crack on the dashboard, it can make the car look old. This can be easily fixed with interior upgrading. First, vacuum and polish the inside of your car–especially on the carpeting. If the seats are beyond repair, consider getting them reupholstered or adding seat covers for a different modern look. You can replace any cracked or faded plastic panels on the dashboard as well as add accessories, such as new floor mats or a steering wheel cover, to provide an updated look.

3. Install New Headlights and Taillights

The headlights and taillights are important from both a visual and safety standpoint. Over time, these lights could fade, becoming foggy and making them inefficient. When changing them, you can decide between the same stock lights or switching to the energy-saving LED ones. Consult the car manual to ensure that the lights you buy will connect properly to your car. This change will not only make your car look better, but it will also give you a clear night view.

4. Add New Wheels and Tires

The wearing out of the wheels, tires, or both has a massive effect on how a car appears. The switch to contemporary wheels and tires makes your second-hand vehicle look more stylish as well as elegant with a single sweep. You can opt for various designs and sizes depending on your car’s style and size. In addition, upgrading to good quality tires can also boost the performance and safety of a car on the road.

5. Repair Mechanical Defects

Restoration of a secondhand car does not only mean cosmetic changes. Mechanical repairs are just as important, if not more so. Have your car fully checked by a mechanic if it hasn’t been run in some time. This will allow you to detect any potential issues and thus fix them before they get worse. Minor repairs like fluid replacement, worn-out belts, and switching out old filers can improve your used car’s efficiency and safety.

By: Katherine Robinson, a writer for Liquid Concepts