As much as you may hate to admit it, there are times when your car simply needs some TLC. Even though you take care of it as best as you can, the simple act of driving it every day can subject it to wear and tear. With that being said, there are some simple ways that you can help give your car the makeover that it so richly deserves. Here are just a few of them.
Look at The Carpets
Even when you clean them weekly, the carpet mats in the car can look worn and tired over time. In fact, constant cleaning is one of the causes of them looking less than desirable. It’s a catch-22 situation, however, and the only real solution is to simply replace them with new ones. They don’t cost too much and new mats will go a long way towards giving your car a freshened-up look.
Clean the Seats
The seats in the car are another aspect that can make a car look older than its actual years. If the seats are made from leather, invest in a quality leather cleaner that can bring the material back to life. Not only will they be much cleaner, but the smell of clean leather always gives a car that brand-new feel. If the seats are fabric instead of leather, give them a deep shampooing to eliminate any stains or ground-in dirt that may be present.
Replace the Window Tint
Over time, the window tint on your car can crack, peel, or bubble. This makes the car look very old and rundown, even if it isn’t. According to an auto blog, one trick to removing old window tint is to use a garment steamer to gently warm it and peel it away from the window. This method removes both the actual vinyl tint as well as any adhesive so that you can apply fresh tint to the windows. You can check out more tips on removing old window tint with this very helpful guide.
Replace Your Headlight Covers
Over time, the headlights on your car may seem to dim. This usually has nothing to with the bulbs on your vehicle. It is usually the plastic covers on your headlights that become dirty from road grime or discolored from the sun. If the covers are dirty, you can simply clean them but if they are faded, they will need to be replaced. Luckily, they are not very expensive and the replacement process is quite simple.
Add an Air Freshener
Skip the cheap cutesy air freshener found at your local dollar store. While spending a little bit of extra cash on an air freshener may seem like a silly luxury, it actually makes a lot of sense. A quality air freshener lasts much longer than the bargain-bin kind and the smells are usually much more pleasant as well. Since scents are tied to memories, you can make some good ones while driving your vehicle free from the odors of smoke, pets, and who knows what else.
Replace the Wipers
While windshield wipers may not be at the forefront of your mind, they should always be in good condition. This is not only for the sake of looks but for safety reasons as well.