Used Vehicles: How to Make your Paint Shine Again

Was buying a used car the only option that fit your budget? That’s not the end of the world! Considering that most vehicles depreciate as soon as they’re driven off the dealership lot, it’s often smarter to wait a few years and then buy the same vehicle used. For example, some large luxury sedans lose almost 25% of their value after their first year on the road!

The biggest drawback with used vehicles is that they had an owner before you. Just because you take good care of your car doesn’t mean the last owner did the same.

• Also: Used Vehicles: are Clunkers Really a Good Deal?
• Also: The Best Used Vehicles According to Consumer Reports

If you’re the type that likes a flawless-looking ride, dull paint can get you down. Some of the bigger used-car dealerships offer detailing services, but if you’re buying directly from the owner, what you see is what you get!

Let’s suppose that your car paint isn’t what it used to be. How can you make it shine again without spending a fortune on a professional polish or a new paint job? Fortunately, you can do everything yourself with minimal hassle and minimal investment.

The first step, of course, would be to wash your car with the right soap until the paint is clean. You might also want to get a paint decontamination kit to remove the dirt.

Once you’re finished washing your car, apply a sealant over the paint. This will protect it against the elements and bring the colour back to life. As an added bonus, most products available today are designed to reduce the appearance of streaks, so you can skip the expensive polish!