Knowing when to take your car in for a complete remodeling can be tricky. Sometimes, especially for older models, a complete restoration is needed to keep it in shape. For instance, if you’re trying to sell your car, remodeling must already be at the top of your to-do list.
Figuring out when your car needs a makeover or a simple paint job might be hard for someone who doesn’t know what to look out for. If you’re still undecided, here are some signs that your car needs remodeling.
Look at the Paint Job
If the paint or the car’s topcoat is obviously starting to fade and erode, then it might be time for a new one. This is one of the more obvious signs. But it’s not an immediate indication that you need to remodel your car. A simple paint job can be all that you need. But how do you tell the difference?
If the damage is collected at only one or two specific areas, a little paint detailing could quickly fix it. One paint job can work wonders for any car and make it look entirely brand new. You can concentrate your efforts on one spot or run your vehicle through an auto spray booth to be sure.
However, if the entire car looks like it could benefit from a new coating, or if the blemishes can’t be fixed with some touch-up or detailing, you might be in need of more than just paint. If you run into problems that can’t be fixed by just glossing over it with new paint, such as apparent dents and rust, then a whole new topcoat could be in order.
Check the Damage
If you see apparent dents and even rust on one or more parts of your car, then you know you might want a makeover. Whether the damage is big or small, it’s always a good idea to fix any damaged parts, especially ones that can be seen by others.
While you can certainly try to remove rust spots and dents by yourself, trusting your vehicle with a professional is always the best way to go. They might even be able to spot damage that you glossed over. A general rule of thumb is, the more damaged your car appears, the more it needs a facelift.
Update Your Parts and Tech
You might be used to changing your car’s tires on a regular basis, but making sure that the rest of your car’s parts are up to date is just as important. If your car radio has started to get choppy and faulty, or if you’ve grown tired of your seat covers, or even your steering wheel cover, it might be time to replace them.
When things have started to slow down, or some things aren’t doing it for you anymore, a restoration isn’t a bad idea. You could also take this chance to install some new tech, like a new Bluetooth speaker or a rear-view camera. If you’ve always been meaning to upgrade your car, here’s the sign you’ve been looking for.
Redecorate the Interior
A car’s interior is just as important as its exterior, and if you’re getting a new paint job, then you’ll need the inside to complement your car’s shiny new color. Other than just replacing your seat covers, car interior detailing can do wonders to the way your vehicle looks and smells. You could clean or replace your car’s carpet, scrub and soap the interior, clean out the air conditioning system, and vacuum whatever’s left. Cleaning the interior is a fundamental part of car maintenance, and no complete overhaul is complete without it.
Consider Your Budget
Complete restoration can be a significant transformation, especially for older cars. It can make your car look and feel newer and upgrade its appearance and performance. But it doesn’t always come cheap. Consider how much you can afford or how much you’re willing to spend on your car. If you can find a good deal for a complete restoration, then all the better. Otherwise, focusing on fixing one or two of the flaws instead of a full restoration might help to upgrade your car while staying within your budget.
Conclusion
A damaged car doesn’t automatically mean that it’s in need of a facelift. Most damage can be fixed individually, while the damage that affects the car’s appearance might just need a new paint job. The car’s age, overall condition, and usage rate are essential factors to keep in mind when you’re considering remodeling. Whether you’re planning to sell or pimp your ride, these are all critical things to help you decide.
