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Your car is one of the most valuable investments you will make.  Time and miles can take their toll, reducing the value of the car and erasing that new car feel.  Instead of trading your car in to get that feeling back.  Van's Tire & Service recommends five simple things you can do to make your old car feel new again.

 

1. Wheel and Tire Upgrade - Nothing makes an impression like upgrading  to a new set of alloy wheels that complement the look of the car and adding a great set of new tires.  New wheels and tires make your car look better and can improve road feel, performance and handling.  An experienced professional   like the folks at Van's Tire & Service can help you choose the right look and feel for your car and keep you on budget.

 

2. Clean Your Ventilation System - As your heat and A/C work their magic, changes in temperature and humidity cause moisture to pool in your ventilation hoses creating a perfect environment for mold, mildew and bacteria.  Clean the ventilation system by removing any debris and grime that has accumulated on the intake, located at the base of your windshield under the hood.  Change any fresh air filters.  You can check your owner's manual for location or have Van's Tire & Service replace them for you.  Once you have completed these steps, use an air conditioning deodorizer, available over the counter, to kill odor causing growth in your ventilation hoses.

 

3.  Clean Everything Else - We are not talking about a simple wash and vacuum job here.  After you thoroughly wash and wax the exterior and vacuum the dirt from your carpets, break out the spray bottles and clean the whole car.  Wet a large towel with water and use a household spray cleaner like Simple Green to clean door jambs, under the hood and around the trunk opening.  Purchase a foaming auto interior shampoo to remove stains from interior upholstery and carpet.   To get in crevices around interior bits, buy a 1-1/2" wide paint brush and cut the bristles to down to about an inch long.   If you have leather, use an approved leather cleaner and conditioner to clean and protect your hides.  Finish off with a wheel and tire cleaner, using a small, soft bristled brush to detail the wheels.

 

4.  Clean Your Headlights - Dust and road grime can make your headlights look old and can reduce effectiveness.  Wash with car soap and water, then remove cloudy excess build-up with a headlight renewal kit available at most auto parts stores.

 

5. Touch Up the Paint - Find the color code for your car and get some matching touch-up paint to fill small scratches.  For bigger scratches and dings, consult a professional.  Renew aged black plastic trim with a kit available from most auto parts stores, or remove faded parts and paint them with a flat or satin black plastic specific spray paint.

 

With these car renewal tips and a visit Van's Tire & Service you can turn back the clock on your car and make it feel new again.