Easy Ways to Make Your Car Look Better

Have you had your current car for a few years now?

You've put it to good use over the past few years - maybe you've left it unwashed and exposed for a bit too long on occasion, or you haven't cleaned up the kids' backseat mess build up for a bit too long.

Now things are starting to show their age but you love your car - it would be foolish to dump it for a new one right now - you just want it to feel (almost) new again.

Why not try some of these easy ways to put a little pizazz back in your ride?

Give it a wash

Sometimes the simplest solution is the best.

Giving the outside of your car a proper clean can instantly lift its look—and we’re not talking about a quick hose-down. Grab a bucket, sponge, some decent car shampoo and go over the panels, wheels, and windows. You’d be surprised how much newer a car can look just by removing all the built-up dirt and grime.

Once you’re done outside, don’t skip the interior. Clear out the footwells, vacuum the seats, and wipe down the dash and console. You’ll feel better every time you hop in. And if it’s feeling like a bit too much effort on a hot Brissy day, there’s always the option to get it professionally detailed.

Don't forget the tyres

When it comes to giving your car a fresh look, clean tyres can make a surprisingly big difference. Dirt, brake dust and faded rubber can all make even the best-looking wheels feel a bit neglected.

A quick scrub with a tyre brush and some soapy water will lift off the grime, but the real magic comes from applying tyre black or a rubber protectant. These products restore that rich, dark finish to your tyres and give them a subtle shine that instantly makes your car look more polished.

It’s a small detail, but it pulls the whole look together—like putting on clean shoes with a nice outfit.

Bring those bumpers back to life

If your car has black plastic bumpers or trim, chances are they’ve started to go a bit grey and chalky—especially after a few years under the Queensland sun. The good news is you don’t need to replace them.

Bumper and trim restorer products are easy to find and can darken up that faded plastic in minutes. Some people even swear by DIY options like a bit of heat from a hairdryer or carefully applied olive oil (yes, really) to bring the colour back.

Whatever method you go with, just be sure to clean the area first and apply it evenly. Your bumpers will thank you—and your car will look younger instantly.

Upgrade factory features

Let’s be honest—nobody wants to be stuck fiddling with old-school dials or listening to static-filled radio. If your car didn’t come with Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, now’s the time to upgrade your head unit.

You can get affordable aftermarket infotainment systems that bring your car up to speed with Bluetooth, touchscreen controls and voice navigation. And if it’s wireless? Even better.

Young drivers especially want their phones to connect seamlessly, and this is a solid way to make your car feel modern again—plus, it’s a nice bonus if you ever decide to sell.

Upgrade your look

If you’ve got a performance model or an off-roading vehicle, decals can be a cost-effective way to enhance the profile of your car without springing for a sports kit or lift kit. Rather than your average My Family stickers, professionally applied decals, often from the dealer can set your car apart from the same model next to yours on the road.

Tinted windows can often add value to a car, as an immediately visible modification to the car, while also providing benefits of reduced glare & heat in the cabin. It’s best to get tint applied by a reliable service centre, which won’t apply illegally dark tint and can guarantee workmanship.

Tidy up your wheels

Your wheels are usually one of the first things that give away your car’s age. Factory alloys tend to change design every few years, and the black or silver finish on older wheels can start to fade or scratch.

If you don’t want to fork out for a whole new set, a repaint might be the answer.

Many car brands even paint their alloys at the factory—so giving yours a refresh can give them that same premium look for a fraction of the cost.

Give the engine bay a clean

You don’t need to be a rev-head to appreciate a tidy engine bay. Even if you never pop the bonnet yourself, anyone taking a peek (like a potential buyer) will notice if it’s looking rough.

Giving the engine a clean—done properly—is a simple way to make your car feel more cared for. Just don’t go blasting it with the hose.

A professional engine bay clean will make everything look neat without risking water damage to sensitive components.

Revive those headlights

Cloudy or yellowed headlights are clear signs that your car may be showing its age.

Fortunately, many affordable DIY headlight restoration kits are available at Repco, allowing you to restore them with a bit of effort.

If you're looking to save time or prefer a professional touch, hiring a detailer can make your headlights look almost like new.

Once restored, you’ll be surprised at how much cleaner and fresher your entire front end looks.

If you’re looking for to upgrade your car, or want to just freshen it up, book your car in at your local Motorama Tyre & Service Centre and get it running like new - you'll even get a complimentary car wash with your service!