Sprucing Up Your Ride – Three Simple, Inexpensive Tips

I’m sure most of us can remember our first cars, mine being a 1994 Sentra that I bought with $500 cash. It was a symbol of becoming adult, and was my first taste of freedom. I could go anywhere, do anything, and be my own man. Of course I soon found out that $500 doesn’t buy much car, but that a few quick additions really turned it around. Below will be some easy maintenance, and a few tips for sprucing up your ride without going for a total over haul.

Sprucing up your Ride

Upholstery is an item that will see consistent wear and tear, from sliding in and out of your seat to simple sun damage. I myself transport my dog often enough and let me tell you her hair should be studied by scientists at NASA. It took at least four solid hours to remove all that hair, and that’s when it dawned on me: Seat Covers!

car seat covers

Now I know when I use that word most of you immediately think of tacky neon blue dragons, flaming skulls, and some thinly veiled reference to sex, bitchiness, or your masculinity. That is not what I am talking about. I’m talking about a higher-end product that can help breathe some new life to your car’s interior, or protect it from damage. From a simple monotone cover to a wonderful canine blanket, these small investments can protect your vehicle from spills, tears, and the damage caused by everyday use.

The next item on our list that provides increased performance for a low price is your brakes. I have personally learned the lesson of keeping your brakes in good condition, and could have avoided costly rotor repairs if I had just been diligent with my normal maintenance. Of course, if it had come down to a hard stop I would have been looking at an even larger bill, likely from a hospital. Given the function they play, and the relative costs, I’d wager that the brake is the most important system on your entire vehicle.

car brakes

Now while I try to keep an eye for the practical, I also expect my car to have that extra “umph” when I need it. With that in mind I use a more efficient clutch, tires that give a little extra grip, and recently purchased a new Superchips Tuner. The Superchip Tuner is an excellent piece of hardware that lets you get under the hood of your car, without the need for a greasy mess and extended cleanup. Using mine I was able to squeak out a few more MPG’s, which can add up to some real savings after a couple visits to the gas station.

Superchip tuner

Remember that buying a car is less about purchasing a product and more about making an investment, and that it’s always cheaper to protect your investment than it is to replace it.

[Photo by John Lloyd]

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Scott

Scott brings philosophical insights and witty wordplay to his writing for Unfinished Man. With wide-ranging interests from bikes to beers, he explores the novelty in everyday life. Scott aims to both inform and entertain readers with his perspectives on culture, technology, and the pursuit of living well.

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