One of the greatest feelings in the world is to drive around in a new car with no rattling noises and with that distinctive new-car smell. Buying a new one, though, requires a considerable expense, so we resort to the next best thing - investing in repair and maintenance on cars we already own until the day comes for them to retire.

If you have an old car, here's some good news: you can make it feel new once more! Here are the top 10 ingenious mods and maintenance steps that will give your car a new lease on life. 

1- Give It a Good Wash

It's not enough to run some water over your car to take care of all the dirt stuck to it. Your goal is to restore the car's shine to its former glory, and that is only possible with some elbow grease and the use of necessary products. Get a good car cleaner, car wax, and some soft towels, and get to work until your car gleams like it did when you first bought it.

2- Get Performance Tyres

Old tyres are instantly noticeable by the eye and also when you drive. Replacing them with new performance tyres can significantly improve both handling and appearance. While looking for car wheel parts, keep in mind that the more they cost, the more likely that they would deliver superior performance. Hence, don’t be shy when it comes to spending a little extra on a new set of wheels as it would be worth the investment. 

3- Need New Floor Mats?

One of the defining features of a new car is the newness of its floor mats. They don't remain in mint condition for long, though. Fortunately, floor mats are cheap. It is a good idea to replace them every once in a while for two reasons. Old floor mats contribute to an unhealthy cabin environment, and they give your car that 'old and used' character stamped all over it. So waste no time – make a trip to a nearby car interior parts store and get suitable floor mats that match your car’s interior. 

4- Adjust the Cable Slack of Your Car’s Throttle Body

The throttle body's stability is responsible for getting a quick response from the engine whenever you step on the accelerator. This throttle response makes a lot of difference to the driving experience that your car is capable of delivering. 

Over time, the throttle system will require adjustment, which you can do yourself. You may refer to the owner's manual for detailed instructions on adjusting the throttle system. In case you cannot figure it out yourself, take your vehicle to any throttle body shop for the necessary adjustments. 

For replacements, Accufab and BBK throttle bodies are good options you may want to consider. 

5- Get Rid of Dents and Scratches

A dented car or one that has a lot of scratches screams its age, and you need to get rid of these imperfections. You can use home-repair methods or take your car to a nearby car repair shop to help your car hide its age.  

6- Reevaluate the Braking System

An excellent braking system can make a lot of difference in the performance of your car. Besides, replacing the brake pad is extremely affordable and quite easy. With some mechanical knowledge, you can do this yourself. All you need is a new set of car brake pads, and you are good to go. 

However, we recommend that you hire the help of a professional to make the replacement, as some other adjustments may need to be made as well for the new system to function flawlessly. 

Recommended replacements include EBC brake pads and the Carbotech performance brakes. 

7- Get a New Paint Job

Although a new paint job can prove to be an expensive fix, it will shed years off and make your ride look good as new. 

8- Replace the Air Intake

The factory-installed air intake system of your car is sufficient to do its job of ensuring that only clean air gets into your car’s engine. However, air intakes available in the aftermarket may be better at providing cooler air that prolongs engine life and enables it to deliver superior performance. 

Replace the air intake component in your car with a new one is pretty straightforward. If you’re not that handy with vehicles, don't be shy to seek the help of a professional. 

Some recommended air intake brands are Injen SP Series and K&N FIPK. 

9- Get New Seat Covers

Nothing says 'new car' like brand-new seat covers. Even if your car's existing seat covers look good as new, changing them, for the sake of giving the interior a new look, is a good enough reason to do it. Take time when choosing colours and patterns. Make sure that the new seat covers blend in with the rest of your car's features.

10- Upgrade the ECU

The ECU could be the most expensive upgrade you're going to spend on. How remarkably it impacts on your car's performance, though, more than makes up for the high cost. Manufacturers program a car's ECU to suit its optimal operating range, giving users limited options, if any, to modify the car's performance. Fortunately, this programming can be modified, allowing you greater control over your car's performance.

The AEM Infinity 6 ECU and the Haltech Elite 2500 ECU are both great options to consider, but it is a good idea to consult a professional to figure out the best ECU replacement for your vehicle.

For more information on maintaining your car, visit Carpart.com.au to access how-to guides on car maintenance. What's more, we have a new online platform where you can easily search auto parts and accessories from thousands of sellers.