Your car is your pride and joy; you saved up for it, picked the perfect model, probably even named it, and you want it to stay exactly as it is—new car smell and all. Luckily for you, there are easy and affordable ways to keep your car feeling and looking its best no matter how many miles you put on it.
Detail
Getting your car detailed might feel like a luxury, but it’s the best way to make your car look brand new. Best of all, you don’t have to do the cleaning! An interior detail typically involves cleaning the mats, seats, all hard surfaces, any leather, the glass, and usually the trunk. Details can range from $50-$150, depending on the package you choose and the size of your vehicle.
Wax
A car wax will make it look like you just drove your car off the lot; it gives it a new-looking shine that a car wash simply can’t accomplish. Wax can also offer protection from scratches and nicks in the paint, which can make it well worth the effort. Nowadays, car paint is stronger and more resistant than it used to be, so two waxes a year should be sufficient.
New stereo
A new stereo system can make you fall in love with your car all over again. A good system can cost anywhere from $200 and up, and then extra if you pay to have it installed. It can seem costly but hearing your favorite music played on a quality system while you’re cruising down the street might truly be priceless.
New tires
Upgrading to brand new tires (and not just rotating between your winter and summer tires) has so many benefits that you’ll wonder why you didn’t do it sooner. You’ll get better performance out of your car, including increased gas mileage, less wear and tear, improved traction, and an overall improved driving experience. You’ll also have the peace of mind of knowing your tires will last you much longer without a flat or slow leak.
Seat covers
Seat covers can definitely help maintain your car’s interior for the long run, but if you have an older model that is showing its age, seat covers can help you disguise that. They’ll cover up any rips or stains, and can even offer added comfort and back support. Best of all, you’ll get your money’s worth out of them because they can be easily wiped down and are tough to damage. You can even get custom-made seat covers for your vehicle, with any fabric and design that tickles your fancy.
Regular maintenance
There’s nothing like regular maintenance to have your car purring like a cat. It’s so easy to procrastinate on those service appointments, but they definitely help you avoid more costly repairs down the line. You’ll extend your car’s life by years if you get regular “checkups”, and you can’t beat the peace of mind it gives you knowing your car won’t break down on the side of the road.
Repair dents and scratches
Getting small nicks, dents, and pesky windshield cracks repaired will make your car look new again and help keep its resale value high. These smaller repairs are much more budget-friendly than you’d think and quick: depending on the affected area, repairs can be done for $100 or less in an hour. Say good riddance to those annoying little scratches!