Buying a used car can be a great way to save a little money if you’re looking for a new set of wheels. And while many used cars may work like new, you may not be able to find one that looks like its new.
Fogged up headlights, stains on the upholstery, and minor scratches and dents are minor issues. But when fixed these problems they can completely change the look of your used car.
Ready to make your used car look brand new again?
Here are five DIY car projects guaranteed to breathe some fresh life into your ride.
1. Buff Your Headlights
Fogged up headlights can make any car look much older than it is.
Whether it’s the product of buildup or a bunch of tiny scratches, odds are you can fix your clouded headlights in the comfort of your own garage.
For this DIY car hack, all you need is a tube of your favorite toothpaste and a soft cloth.
Squeeze a quarter-sized drop of toothpaste onto the cloth and rub it over the headlight in a circular motion. After a few minutes, any minty residue will be gone and you’ll have crystal clear headlights.
2. Freshen Upholstery
Grease stains, coffee stains, and those dreaded mystery stains can make the interior of any car look gross.
While you may be tempted to spend an arm and a leg on a professional upholstery cleaning, you might want to give this DIY project a try first.
Mix three tablespoons of your favorite dish soap, one tablespoon of Borax or washing soda, and a cup of hot water together in a bowl.
Then, after vacuuming your seats, dip a scrubbing brush into the solution and gently go over all the upholstery. Once you’re done, wipe everything down with a dry towel and let it air dry.
3. Polish Your Tires
Making your tires and hubcaps look like new again is about as easy as creating a science fair volcano.
All you have to do is mix a half cup of baking soda with a tablespoon of your favorite dish soap and two cups of warm water. Then, using a sponge, scrub your tires and hubcaps with the mixture.
Once you’re done, give everything a good thorough rinse, then sit back and enjoy your shiny like-new tires.
4. Conceal Scratches
The moment a new car leaves the dealership for the first time it begins collecting scratches.
While scratches are a part of normal wear and tear, they can be unsightly. But, they can also be very easy to fix — if you’re willing to visit the cosmetics aisle.
Nail polish can make for an excellent and cheaper alternative to regular touch-up paint. And, odds are, you’ll be able to find one that matches your car’s color.
You can also use clear nail polish to cover scratches and dings to keep them from rusting.
5. Knock Out Dents
Dents, like scratches, are one of those battle scars cars tend to pick up once they hit the road.
Fortunately, if you have a hairdryer and a can of compressed air you can make those annoying little dents a thing of the past.
Heat the dented area with the hairdryer. Then turn the can of compressed air upside-down and spray the liquid CO2 onto the dent for a few seconds. Wait for the ice to clear away and then wipe any remaining residue away.
Easy DIY Car Projects
After a couple of years, cars tend to pick up a little superficial wear and tear that can make the car look like it’s in much worse condition than it is.
These DIY car projects can help undo a lot of that minor damage and leave you with a car that looks brand new.
Have a problem that’s a little more serious than superficial?
Think it might take a little bit more than baking soda and nail polish to get your car to 100%? We can help you find the perfect professional to take on the job.
Visit us today, and find the best auto repair shops in your area.