At some point during your car’s lifespan, you face a decision: Continue making repairs to keep this model running or trade it in for a new vehicle? Although many think the latter scenario is a better deal, it nearly always costs more to purchase a new vehicle than it does to fix up your existing one.
If your car is not yet on its last legs, but needs frequent repairs, the right improvements can make your vehicle feel like new.
Get It Thoroughly Cleaned and Painted
By “clean,” you might think that all you have to do is take it to the car wash and wax it. But your car’s interior and exterior have accumulated dirt and debris over the years and a more thorough cleansing is often needed for that almost-new look and feel. Consider:
- Shampooing all carpets and upholstery.
- Removing all trash and supplies sitting in the trunk.
- Removing the spare tire, cleaning it and the space where it sits.
- Taking out the seat cushions and even the front seats and vacuum under them.
- Cleaning any buildup in the engine bay.
- Seeing if you can clean under the car too.
- Cleaning and restoring your headlights, since their composite shell can start to show signs of wear and tear. The result not only looks better, but improves illumination out on the road.
In addition to these steps, if rust has formed on the exterior, get it removed and have your vehicle re-painted for a more even appearance.
Upgrade the Electronics
Aside from its visual look, nothing dates a car more than its entertainment system. However, that does not mean you need to spend a fortune on speakers to create mind-blowing sounds. Rather, if you still have a radio you have to manually tune or a tape deck, consider swapping it out for modern equipment if your car’s system allows it. This way, if you listen to music from your iPhone, you can hook it up in the car to charge as well and avoid fiddling with the radio.
If your car has more modern entertainment features but lacks other enhancements, take the practical route by installing a GPS navigation system. Although you can use a GPS through your smartphone, having a clear, larger screen that shows you where you’re going is more helpful on longer journeys.
Keep Up with Regularly Scheduled Maintenance
When a car gets up there in years, an owner often stops following the maintenance schedule, thinking, “This car might fall apart at some point – what’s the use?” Yet with that attitude, basic steps get ignored. As a result, the car can fall into disrepair far more quickly. As one step, even if your car is approaching the 200,000-mile mark, make it a priority to schedule oil and other fluid changes, get the filters replaced and periodically check the brakes, belts, battery and more for replacement.
Whether you need interior and exterior detailing, auto repairs or car restoration services, DaSilva’s Auto Body is here to assist with fixing up your older-model car to get more life out of it. To learn more about what we can do for you, give our Naugatuck shop a call today.
