Most people today buy used vehicles. This is because of the fact that such a purchase is always cost-effective and the value that you get is long-term. New cars are expensive but used cars can be very affordable.
Older cars actually have proven dependability. While resale value is lower, the purchase makes sense because of efficiency and even the potential sentimental value. Also, it is not at all that difficult to make the car feel like it is new. You just have to take the following tips into account.
Make Sure Your Car Is Clean
Cleanliness is mandatory if you want to make any car feel new. If dirt is present all around, even a very new car ends up feeling very old. When the used car receives detailed cleanings, washing, and regular care, it does feel newer. This means that you have to make sure that when you clean you reach every single cranny and nook where dirt can be present. Even valet cleaning can be considered to make older cars feel new and special.
To ensure the cleanliness of your car, here are some of the most important tips you can apply:
- Wash, wax, and polish regularly. This is something that you can do yourself. But if you have the budget to have an expert do it for you, then it’s best to bring it over to the car specialist.
- Have rubber mats to protect your carpet from mud and slush. Car rubber mats can be bought at almost every hardware store, but there are also those that you can personalize according to your car’s specific size and needs.
- Repair scratches and dents. If you have a spare car to use, there’s no reason for you to be negligent about scratches and dents. If your car, unfortunately, has a dent, it’s ideal to get it fixed as soon as possible to reduce the risk of rust and other damage occuring.
- Ship Your Vehicle When Relocating: If you move around extensively for work like seasonal employee or seasonal traveler such as a snowbird. Shipping your vehicle instead of driving it can keep your vehicle from experiencing extra wear. There are many hazards on the road and so much as a tiny rock can chip your paint or even windshield. Not only do you preserve your vehicle but reduce the amount of maintenance. Tires last longer and oil doesn’t have to be changed as often. You even help reduce your carbon footprint because it’s taken on a car carrier taking several cars.
Change The Filters Regularly
Air filters need to be changed periodically, and it has a simple reason. For one, you shouldn’t be using your car for more than three or four hours at a time. This is because the longer you use your car, you’ll need to replace your filters regularly.
If you only do oil changes once a year, then the process may seem easy. However, there are different types of filters out there, and you need to know which one is the right one, which is especially true if you have an older car.
Don’t Forget About Tune Ups
The engine has to be tuned up in order to improve the performance of the vehicle and guarantee a proper fuel economy. Every single engine ends up being out of tune from time to time. This is much more frequent with older cars. If the used car is reliable and is nicely tuned up, it can feel and perform just like a new vehicle.
Get An Extended Warranty
When you buy a new vehicle, you get what is known as a factory warranty, which practically means that the auto manufacturer covers many possible repairs in the event they are needed. This warranty only lasts for a number of years or miles. With the extended car warranty, like the Mazda extended warranty from Olive, you gain access to a very similar policy as what you receive when you buy a new car, making the vehicle feel new.
Improve Suspensions And Brakes
When the car ages, longer distances are needed whenever using the brake system. At the same time, comfort is reduced because of the fact that the suspension system ends up depreciating. Due to this, make sure that the brakes are kept efficient and sharp. In regards to the suspension, it has to be upgraded whenever necessary. Do this and the used car ends up performing as optimally as possible, in a similar way to when it was new.
Pay attention to how the drive feels like. If you feel that your brakes are not as efficient as they used to be and you notice that car rides are bumpier, take a look at these two parts of the engine.
Paint Your Car
This is one of the simplest things you can do to make your car feel like new. Paintwork always ends up depreciating and fading as time passes. By repainting it you make it feel much younger than it actually is. There are many kits available on the market that help you to perform paint touch-ups and you can always take the car to an auto shop to fully paint it.
Final Word
If you take the time and know what you’re doing, you’ll be able to maintain your car. The tips enumerated above are only a few of the means to do so. But, when done religiously, you’re guaranteed to have a better-looking car.
Just because your car is old, it doesn’t mean that you’ll have to keep it looking that way. Moreover, the more that you give your car some TLC (tender loving care), the higher the chances that your car is going to last longer.
