When it comes to protecting your cars paint, there are more than a few things you can do.Supplied / iStock.com via Getty Images Whether your daily driver deteriorated to the point where strangers raise an eyebrow when you cruise by, or you just want to make a few improvements for your own personal satisfaction, there are plenty of possibilities to class up your ride. Sure, some cost more than others, but these eight add-ons are sure to make your car feel instantly more luxurious. Leather steering wheel cover Your hands are literally wrapped around this thing every time you drive, so why settle for the stock option your car came with? The guys at West Coast Customs make a DIY version look easy, assuming you have an industrial sewing machine in your garage. If not, there are plenty of options on Amazon that’ll do the trick. Upgrade your floor mats Floor mats get filthy, and depending on wear and tear, will need to be replaced once in a while, regardless of how religious you are about caring for them. They’re a cheap update and will improve the overall aesthetic, plus give you that rubbery new car smell you can’t help but love. Or switch up your carpet entirely It’s the pricier option, but gutting your interior carpet and replacing it with entirely new material will have a big impact. There are companies that specialize in this, and you can order exact-fit carpeting online. Then, simply decide to install the carpet yourself or have an expert do it. Change up the wheels Forrest Gump’s mother knew how important people’s shoes are. Cars are the same — you can tell a lot about a driver based on the type of wheels and tires on their vehicle. Upgrading the pair can earn you a smoother ride (or rougher, if you go much larger), but it also instantly changes the look. You don’t need to go super flashy with chrome, spinning parts, or wrap them in expensive performance tires, but upgrading wheels — particularly if your car comes with steel wheels and hubcaps — is an effective way to change the aesthetic. Add a collision avoidance system So your vehicle is a bit, shall we say, mature and lacking certain modern features. Depending on the aftermarket upgrade kits, you can install safety features like a back-up camera, a blind spot monitor, or a collision-warning system without having to buy an entirely new vehicle. Modern technology without the modern price tag. Replace your shocks and struts Some manufacturers suggest replacing them every 80,000 kilometres, but really, it depends on what and how you drive. If your shocks and struts have deteriorated over time, and it’s been years since you’ve done anything about them, you might not even realize how much of the road you’re feeling when you drive. Consider new seats Look, sitting behind the wheel shouldn’t feel like you’re in a La-Z-Boy recliner, but it also shouldn’t feel like you’re strapped onto a seat on a budget Ryanair flight. Upgrading your entire seats is another switch that’ll cost you, but it’s a high-end upgrade you’ll literally feel every time you sit down. If your seats are still in decent shape, consider swapping the material from fabric to leather. Give it a wax Spring has sprung, which means you’ll be able to spend some quality time giving your machine some TLC. A fresh coat of wax will protect the paint and make it shine, plus anybody can do it at home. Just make sure you do it
Origin: 8 ways to make your car feel instantly more luxurious