If your car has lost that lovin’ new-car feeling, it may be hard to fathom spending more than a few hours trapped inside. Whether you’ve driven 25,000 miles or 250,000, here are ten inexpensive ways to make your car look and feel brand new.
- Organizing –Organizing the inside of your car is a quick, easy way to clean up and keep any mess that begins to form under control. Car organizers typically hold any electronic accessories, cleaning supplies and small items that tend to go loose in your car. Take some time to organize the middle console, glove box, seat compartments and trunk.
- Dumping –Dumping any trash that accumulates over those long road trips will keep your car from gaining an unfortunate odor. If you are someone who allows eating and drinking in your car, having a designated trash bag will help consolidate the wrappers and excess food products for easy disposal. Add an air freshener to get rid of any unwanted smells.
- Dusting – Dust tends to build up over time. A super simple and effective way to keep your car looking brand new is by frequently dusting the interior dashboard and windows. Pro tip: A microfiber car duster is a great tool for easily dusting off the interior areas with a quick swipe. You can also use this duster to wipe off any excess dirt on the exterior parts of your car such as the hood, front and back lights and sunroof.
- Wiping –Using wipes to clean the interior of your car not only cleans up any dirt and dust, but it also helps protect the plastic and/or leather while keeping it smelling new and fresh! Find an auto car cleaning pack of wipes that will add multiple benefits to giving your car that new car look and feel!
- Vacuuming –Getting in and out of your car brings in all the dirt and street junk that builds up under your shoes. Take out the floor mats, vacuum the floors and under the seats and individually vacuum or brush off any leaves, sand, rocks, etc. from the mats before putting them back into your car. Use the vacuum to pick up any dirt particles that have traveled into the car holders or center console.
- Washing –Give your car a bath! Pull up to your local car wash, or if you’d rather save money, set aside 1 to 2 hours to really clean every nook and cranny. Early morning or later in the evening is best to avoid overheating (yourself, not the car). Pro tip: Don’t neglect the wheels when washing your car. A set of freshly shined wheels can work wonders for your car’s appearance and value.
- Detailing –Auto detailing involves a restoration process to give off a brand new, high-quality cleanliness look to your car as if you just bought it. Detailing can be done on the exterior and interior areas of your car. Some typical work that happens with a car detail is light cosmetic touch-ups and buffering out any scratches or marks. Since detailing is often an extensive job, it’s recommended to be done every 4 to 6 months.
- Replacing –If you find it easier to start over (without having to buy a new car), replacing old floor mats, seat covers and your car’s stereo system are good first moves to making your old car feel brand new. Pro tip: If your floor mats are cleanable, clean them, but if they’re sporting golf ball-sized holes or excessive wear and tear, it’s best to just replace them. New floor mats are a lost-cost way to improve the look of your car while infusing a little bit of personality.
- Painting –Nothing says new car like a new paint job! The paint on cars tends to fade over time. The more you drive, the more your car is being frequently exposed to the sun, rain, snow and air. Weather and air quality can have a big impact on the exterior conditions of your car. Pro tip: Rather than paying for a completely new paint job, look up options for covering discolored spots, scratches and marks with a smaller paint touch-up marker.
- Fixing –If your car has dents, deep scratches and extensive damage to the exterior, fixing those areas might be something you want to consider. Natural wear and tear tend to get worse over time. The quicker you fix a dent or scratch as they begin to surface, the more beautiful your car will be with less noticeable damage.
Just like cleaning your room or house, cleaning your car is just as important. Although a car is a way to get you from point A to point B, having a spotless and fresh-smelling car during the drive makes for an extra enjoyable experience. Use these ten inexpensive ways to make your car feel brand new again. Share in the comments any other tips and tricks for keeping your car in tip-top shape!
Nicole is our Content Strategist. She enjoys long walks to Taco Bell, rollerblading into the sunset, and eating Reese’s Cups for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Find her writing about iPhone cases, holiday card messaging and even music festival tips!
