No matter how long you’ve had your car and how tired it feels, it’s possible to make your old car feel new again. Nothing beats a new car but sometimes the old one will just have to do.
Little things add up to make your car feel dated and sluggish over time. Working on some or all of these things can breathe new life into your car once again. So let’s break down what they are.
Table of Contents
- How to Make an Old Engine Run Like New
- How to Make an Interior Look and Feel New
- How to Make and Restore Exterior to Look New
- How to Make Your Car Nicer Overall
- In Sum
How to Make an Old Engine Run Like New
Maintenance is the key to keeping your car feeling newer for longer. Nothing makes a car feel older than when it’s not running right.
If your engine is old, the fuel mileage is not what it should be, and there could be performance issues. Here are some ways of making your old car engine run like new.
Replace the Air Filter
A combustion engine is basically a giant air pump. It needs to breathe in order to function properly. A clogged air filter will prevent your engine from getting the proper amount of air, leading to a decrease in performance.
Replacing the air filter is an easy way to improve the performance of your engine. Air filter replacement kits are inexpensive and easy to install. You can replace the air filter regularly by yourself.
Replace the Spark Plugs
Old spark plugs can cause your engine to misfire, leading to decreased performance and decreased fuel economy. Replacing the spark plugs is a relatively easy task that most people can do. You can buy replacement spark plugs for most engines at an affordable price. Spark plug replacement is an inexpensive way of significantly improving the performance of your engine.
Replace the Fuel Filter
If your fuel filter is dirty, it can lead to engine stalling and rough idling, as well as decreased fuel mileage. Replacing a fuel filter is not difficult; you can usually do this yourself without too much hassle. You can buy fuel filter replacement kits at most auto parts stores.
Replace the Fuel Pump
The fuel pump circulates fuel from the tank to the engine. A malfunctioning fuel pump could lead to hard starting and stalling, as well as decreased fuel mileage. You can buy a replacement fuel pump for most engines at an affordable price.
Replace the Air Conditioner Refrigerant
The refrigerant in your car’s air conditioning system helps cool your car’s interior during hot weather conditions. An old or low amount of refrigerant causes reduced cooling and increased energy consumption.
Replacing the air conditioner refrigerant is generally not too difficult; you should be able to do it yourself without too much hassle. This is a relatively inexpensive way of improving your car’s performance in the summer months.
Remove Exhaust Restrictions
Old exhaust systems cause decreased performance and decreased fuel economy. Restrictions in your car’s exhaust system can be caused by rust build-up. Removing restrictions from the exhaust system improves the engine’s performance and runs more smoothly. You can use a car-specific removal tool or get professional help for this task.
Replace the Fuel Injectors
Fuel injectors allow you to control how much fuel is injected into your engine. If your fuel injectors are dirty, they could lead to rough idling and decreased performance. Replacing dirty or malfunctioning fuel injectors is not difficult; you should be able to do it yourself without too much hassle.
Replace the Battery
The battery keeps your engine running. If the charge in the battery is low, it could lead to hard starting and stalling. A new battery can be very expensive; you should get yours replaced by a mechanic if necessary.
Tune-up Your Car
Performing regular tune-ups can help keep your car running smoothly and efficiently for many years. Perform regular tune-ups every 30,000 to 60,000 miles (48,000 to 96,000 km). You can complete most tune-up tasks yourself or have them completed professionally at an affordable cost.
Taking care of your car mechanically is very important to its longevity. A tired car will age much faster than anything else.
Check out our total guide on taking care of your car here.
How to Make an Interior Look and Feel New
Your car’s interior is one of the first places you’ll likely notice wear and tear. Over time, the fabrics and surfaces inside your car can become stained, faded, and cracked. Fortunately, there are ways to make your car’s interior look and feel new again.
Vacuum the Interior
Vacuuming the inside of your car is an easy task that most people can do, and it helps keep your car’s interior neat and free of debris. Regular vacuuming can prevent the build-up of dirt, dust, food particles, etc., which can damage or ruin your car’s upholstery. You should vacuum the interior at least once a week.
Clean Your Car’s Windows
Clean windows are very important for improving your driving safety, as well as the appearance of your interior. Dirty or streaky windows make it difficult to see other vehicles on the road – especially at night!
An automotive glass cleaner is preferred in order to really get the glass free of all water spots and streaks but using shampoo diluted with water works also. Carefully clean the dirt from inside of your car’s windshield and front side windows.
Polish Your Dashboard
If your car’s dashboard is made of plastic material, you can use polishing cream to keep it shiny and new. When using the cream, be sure not to over-apply because doing so might cause damage or peel in some cases. You should always follow directions when using a polishing product.
Clean the Leather Seats
You should clean leather surfaces with a cleaner on interior leather finishes. If this task is done incorrectly, the surface of the seats may become damaged or discolored. You can do most of this work yourself by purchasing a good automotive leather cleaner and following instructions carefully – but if you’re unsure about anything, have a professional detailer help out!
Clean Your Car’s Mats
Regularly cleaning floor mats ensures that they do not become stained or discolored from dirt or spilled liquids. Use all-purpose cleaner for fabric mats attached to the car with metal hooks; otherwise, use water and a damp cloth. Be sure to let mats thoroughly dry before replacing them in the car.
Keep The Trunk Neat
If you store anything in your car’s trunk, keeping it organized and tidy is important. This will help prevent items from becoming damaged or lost and make finding what you need much easier. Use storage bins or boxes to organize your trunk, and label each container with specific contents (e.g., tools, sports equipment, first-aid kit, etc.).
Protect Your Car’s Finish
One of the best ways to protect your car’s finish is to keep it clean! Dirt and dust can easily scratch a car’s paint job if left uncleaned for long periods. In addition to keeping your car clean, you can also use a car cover to protect it from the elements when it is not in use. A good car cover will keep your car’s finish looking new for many years.
Use a Sunshade
If you often park your car in direct sunlight, you should consider using a sunshade to protect its interior. The sun’s rays can fade and damage car interiors over time, so it is important to prevent this from happening. There are many different types of sun shades available on the market, so find one best suited for your needs.
How to Make and Restore Exterior to Look New
If you’re not happy with the appearance of your car’s exterior, there are a few things you can do to restore it to its former glory. Here are some ideas to implement.
Wash and Wax Exterior Surfaces
Washing your car helps remove grime, dirt, sap, road salt, and other foreign substances from the exterior. It is important to wash your car regularly – at least as often as one might vacuum a home’s carpeting! In addition to washing it yourself using a standard garden hose and sponges or towels, you can have it professionally washed at a commercial car-wash facility.
Polish Your Car’s Paint Job
Polishing paint helps protect the surface of your car’s finish by making it more resistant to scratching and UV damage. You should polish your car every few months so that its shine does not fade due to oxidization, especially if your vehicle is stored outdoors. There are many different types of polishing products available, so be sure to select one best suited for your car’s paint type.
Remove Stains and Scratches
If your car has any unsightly stains or scratches, you can remove them using the appropriate touch-up materials and techniques. For light scratches, you can usually use a touch-up pen or marker designed for your car’s paint color. If the scratch is more severe, you may need to use a touch-up kit that includes an application brush, sandpaper, and other materials. Be sure to follow all instructions carefully when using touch-up materials.
Protect Your Car with a Sealant
A sealant is a clear coat applied to your car’s exterior to protect it from the elements. It can be used on paint, chrome, plastic, and other surfaces to help keep them looking new for longer periods. Sealants usually need to be reapplied every few months or so, depending on how often your car is exposed to the elements. Ceramic coating is a popular sealant being used at the moment, check out how to DIY with our guide.
Use a Car Cover
If you cannot wash and polish your car regularly, you can use a car cover to protect its finish. A good car cover will keep your car’s finish looking new for many years. There are many different types of car covers available in the market, so find one that is best suited for your car’s specific needs.
If you’re interested in learning how to properly detail your car at home, check out this guide here.
How to Make Your Car Nicer Overall
So what If you want to upgrade your car a bit? Well here are some ideas for you.
Add Accessories
There are many accessories available for cars that can help make them look and feel nicer. These include seat covers, floor mats, sunshades, window tinting, and more. Be sure to select accessories best suited for your car and your taste.
Change the Interior Lighting
One easy way to make your car interior look nicer is to change the lighting. There are many different types of lightbulbs available in various colors that can help brighten up the inside of your car. If you do not want to replace the lightbulbs yourself, you can also purchase lighted accents that attach to various surfaces inside your car (e.g., the ceiling, the dashboard, etc.).
Upgrade the Sound System
A good sound system can make a car’s interior feel more luxurious. If your car’s sound system is not up to par, consider upgrading it with a new set of speakers, amplifiers, and a subwoofer. Not only will this improve the sound quality, but it can also make the driving experience more enjoyable. Check out our guide on how to do just this exactly here.
Add Carpeting or Floor Mats
Adding carpeting or floor mats to your car can help make it feel more comfortable and luxurious. Carpeting helps insulate the vehicle and prevents noise from entering or leaving the cabin. Floor mats protect the interior of your car from dirt, dust, and other debris. There are many different types of floor mats available, so be sure to select the ones that are best suited for your car.
Treat the Leather
Leather seats can quickly become stained and faded if not properly cared for. You can treat leather seats with a leather conditioner to help keep them looking new and shiny. Leather conditioners are available at most automotive stores, and they are easy to apply. Be sure to follow all instructions carefully when using a leather conditioner.
Add a Dashboard Cover
A dashboard cover is a great way to protect your car’s dashboard from sun damage, dust, and other debris. It is also a good way to add color and style to your car’s interior. There are various dashboard covers available on the market, so be sure to select one that is best suited for your car.
Use Seat Covers
Seat covers are an inexpensive way to protect the interior of your car from dirt, spills, stains, pet hair, etc. They are easy to install and remove when necessary, and most seat covers are machine-washable for added convenience. There are many different types of seat covers available on the market, so be sure to find one best suited for your needs.
Add some Window Tinting
Window tinting is a great way to add some style and privacy to your car’s interior. It is also a good way to protect the interior from the sun’s harmful UV rays. Window tinting can be done at a variety of different levels, so be sure to select the level that is best suited for your needs.
Get a New Set of Wheels
If you are looking for a quick and easy way to make your car look nicer, consider purchasing a new set of wheels. There are many different types of wheels available in various sizes and colors. If you’re wondering if you can switch wheels with another car or just how wheel fitment works, be sure to check out our guide on swapping wheels between cars.
In Sum
These are just a few ideas on how to make your old car feel new again. Using some or all of these tips can give your car a fresh new look and improve the overall driving experience.