It’s safe to say that purchasing a secondhand car isn’t quite the same as buying a brand-new one. Whether there’s a lingering smell of cigarettes, the stubborn stench of a dog who was a frequent passenger, or the old owner left some of their belongings, you may be left with a car that doesn’t quite feel like yours.
Of course, buying a secondhand car does have benefits, especially if you got it at a bargain price. With a few simple steps, you can ensure your vehicle feels like yours in no time.
Get a professional clean and valet
The previous owner may have attempted to clean the vehicle themselves or opted for a standard commercial car wash service. However, getting a professional clean can ensure targeting of all the nooks and crannies of the car they may have missed, including often-neglected areas like the wheel wells.
Although you will never get that true ‘new car’ smell with a secondhand vehicle, getting the inside valeted can get it feeling pretty close! If you take it to an auto-cleaning specialist for a detailing service, they can deep clean the interior, shampooing the rugs and upholstery to remove any bad smells, dirt and stains.
Restore the dashboard
As the driver, your car’s dashboard will be the area of the vehicle you’ll see the most. Dashboard plastics can fade and dull with age, dampening your driving experience. Investing in good-quality dashboard waxes and silicone polishes that will soak into the plastics can restore its shine, making your vehicle feel like new.
Is your steering wheel looking old and worn? Consider buying a steering wheel cover to hide wear and tear and make each ride more comfortable.
Buy new seat covers and floor mats
Another way to revamp your car’s interior is to buy a new set of seat covers and Car Mats. With custom options widely available, you could choose a new colour or theme for your upholstery to make your secondhand car feel like it’s truly yours.
Some online retailers, such as Official Car Mats, even have the option to include your favourite sports team’s logo on your floor mats so you can show your support whilst also showcasing your unique personality through your vehicle.
Check under the hood
Making your secondhand car feel like new isn’t all about looks—ensuring your vehicle runs smoothly will make it feel much younger to you and your passengers; this means getting under the hood and taking care to help tune it up and make it run better.
Oil changes, regular maintenance and the occasional check-up can go a long way—if you’re not comfortable doing these things yourself, have a mechanic perform a service and get them to advise you on how to better care for your vehicle in future to keep it in top shape.
Conclusion
Give your secondhand car the care it deserves to make it feel like new. With a deep clean, a few cosmetic upgrades and some attention under the bonnet, you can transform your vehicle into one you’re proud to drive, ensuring every journey is a pleasure.
