There is an undeniable wow factor when it comes to luxury cars. Those buttery leather seats, polished finishes and the unmistakable scent of sophistication greet you the second you open the door. But you don’t need to trade in your current vehicle or blow your budget to get that high end feel that you’re chasing.
It only takes a few smart updates and affordable tweaks to seriously upgrade your car’s comfort, style, and value. If you’re in the mood to turn your everyday car into something that feels a lot more luxurious, we’ve got some of the best tips to help you to give your car that luxury update it’s been lacking.
- Deep clean it. It sounds like such a simple thing to do, and that’s because it is. A sparklingly clean car can look and feel just as fancy as a brand new luxury model that you’ve just driven off the lot, if not better because it’s yours. The first step to make sure that your ride is luxurious on the inside is a full, deep clean. So think with the outside for the washing and waxing and then inside vacuuming the seats, carpets and trunk. Wipe down every single surface and shampoo fabric or condition leather seats. You can buy detailing supplies online too, so that you can tackle everything from headlight restoration to tire shine to ceramic coatings. There are full detailing kits available out there that rival what the pros use, and the best part is that you can do it all yourself at home and save on trips to the car spa. A well detailed car can instantly feel more luxurious, like it just rolled off the showroom floor.
- Upgrade your floor mats. You probably don’t give the floor mats of your car much thought, but they’re one of the first things that people see when they get into the car. Replacing old stained mats with high quality all weather or plush carpet versions can change the entire look and feel of the interior. You can even go for a custom fitted set if you want that seamless finish. There are some out there that come with your car’s logo switched in for that added touch of class. These are not just stylish, but they protect your car’s flooring and make cleaning so much easier.
- Change out your steering wheel cover. It’s such a small thing to do, but a good steering wheel cover makes all the difference. Look for covers that are made from genuine leather or microfiber for that soft and upscale grip. Some come with built in heating or ergonomic padding too for extra comfort. It’s a subtle upgrade, but it’s one that you’re going to notice every single time you drive.
- Invest in ambient lighting. That soft glow under the dashboard or around the cup holders in luxury cars is there for a good reason.It’s ambient lighting and it’s a complete vibe. You don’t have to buy a high end vehicle to be able to enjoy this perk, however, because you can install ambient line tickets yourself. If you’re not comfortable doing it yourself, you can hire somebody to do it with customisable colours and brightness levels.You can stick on LED strips under the seats, too!
- Give your sound system a tune up. A luxury car experience is not complete without a rich and clear sound system. If your car’s speakers are crackly or flat, you should consider upgrading to a new system as soon as you can. You don’t necessarily have to go for a custom install. You can start small with better quality speakers or even a compact subwoofer. If you love music, podcasts or audiobooks, then this one is a must. If your car currently doesn’t support Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, installing a new head unit with these features is a good way to add that modern touch without having to change cars entirely.
- Make it smell good. Smell is one of the most powerful senses. It’s why we love the smell of leather in a luxury car. Luxury cars always have that just right scent, and you can recreate that with a high quality car diffuser or air freshener. By skipping the standard hanging trees and opting for essential oil diffusers or solid gel sense, you can choose a scent that gives your car a more elevated atmosphere. You can keep it subtle because less is more when it comes to car fragrance.
- Replace your seat covers. While we’re talking about interior detailing for your car, think about your seat covers. If they’re worn, faded, or just plain uncomfortable, you can give them a full makeover with new seat covers installed. Today’s seat covers don’t have to look bulky or obvious because you can find sleek leather look or suede finish options that fit like a glove. Some even come with added features like massage settings, lumbar support or heating pads. This brings true luxury to your everyday commute, especially in those winter months when a warm bottom is much appreciated.
- Declutter. Luxury and clutter do not go together, so if your car is clean but messy, chargers tangled, receipts everywhere, kids toys in the corners, it’s not going to feel luxurious. It’s time to put in some organisers to make sure that things can’t fall between the seats or get lost underneath the ones in front of the kids. You should also hang some storage bags in the back of the car so they can put their toys in there when you’re driving.
You don’t have to spend 6 figures on a new ride to enjoy the look and the feel of luxury. With a few thoughtful upgrades that we’ve already listed for you, you can turn your car into a space that you genuinely love to drive in. All you have to do is start by buying the right detailing of the supplies online and giving your car that full refresh that you’ve been looking for. Luxury is about how something feels, not just the price tag.
