Tips on ‘resurrecting’ a dead car back to life

A dead car is defined as a very poor conditioned car that is worth selling rather than keeping – or even worse, scrapping the dead car for extra cash. Most people decide to sell their dead car rather than fixing it because in most cases, fixing car costs almost the same as buying one. 

But, what if one day, you get the need to restore a dead car? Or you just don’t want to let go of an old one? Then you’ve come to the right place. Here are our tips in resurrecting your dead car.

1.  Plan Ahead

This is the most important thing to consider. Yes, you guessed it right – budget. Budgeting is the alpha and omega of your project. How much money will I spend? Do I want the basic or the premium option? Which car part will be compromised and which car part will be rewarded? Where will I get this or is this available in my local market? Where will I work in my car? These are the questions you need to be asking yourself.

Get the right Automotive tools. We know tools can be expensive, but you don’t ‘need’ expensive tools; you can start with budget tools. We recommend you get the essential tools like sockets, ratchets, hammer, screwdrivers set, pliers set, wrenches, jack stands, and of course, safety equipment.  If you don’t have any, you can always borrow from your friends. Who knows, maybe they will help you with your project.

Be sure to use the right tool because it can either make or break your car

Our last tip in planning ahead is to attend car meets or join local car communities. This way, you will get inspired and maybe learn new things you never knew were even possible. Always seek advice and don’t be afraid to have someone help you. You might also be able to get some tips on where you can get the parts you need for your project.

2. Things you need to work on

Battery

Before anything else, get yourself a voltmeter. A voltmeter is an instrument used for measuring potential difference or voltage. Car batteries should show 12.6V on the voltmeter or higher.

Assess the battery your car currently has – is it necessary to replace it or it is just a dead battery? If the battery is older than five years, consider replacing.

To check, start your car. Batteries are mostly used for starting, and once the engine starts, the alternator will do the rest. In fact, the alternator charges the battery once the engine starts running.

If the engine fails to start, then consider charging your battery. If the engine fails to start then consider buying a new battery. Battery deteriorates the same way as our phone batteries do over time.

>>> Related: 

• 2 must-know tips to reactive dead batteries on road
• This is how you can diagnose your car's dead car battery

Paint and Detailing

Car repainting and the choice of the paint job will definitely speak so much about you, so you better be careful with your choice.  There are four different paint jobs.

The affordable solid paint is the basic paint job that you commonly see every day. The standard metallic paint obviously creates a metallic look, while the pearlescent paint not only reflects light but also refracts it, as well. This paint job is the most beautiful and most expensive choice among the four. Lastly, we have matte paint that gives a dull and no-shine look.

Just to give you an idea what pearlescent paint job looks like

After every work is done, we recommend detailing your car. This will give your car a fresh out of the dealership look. There are three things you can detail on your car – these are engine, exterior, and interior. The cost of detailing your car ranges from Php 1,000 to Php 8,500, depending on the car service provider.

Wheels and Tires

One of the common mistakes when buying wheels and tires is choosing the best-looking set of rims. You shouldn’t also compromise the quality of your tires by choosing a cheap option.

Remember, safety first. If you have the budget for quality tires, then give it a go. The last thing you want to deal with is a tire blowout. Some of the options in choosing your tires are all-season, performance, all-terrain, and mud-terrain, among others.

Aftermarket wheels will definitely give your car some life – just make sure to get the right wheel size and bolt pattern. Steel wheels are your go-to wheels if you are on a budget. Alloy wheels, on the other hand, are more durable and lighter. Chrome wheels are expensive but they shine the brightest – if you’re going for something flashy.

>>> Related: 3 tips to choose the right tires for your car

Upholstery

This is where your car can bring out class and elegance. Choosing the right upholstery for your car can be quite tricky, this is why we listed the 5 options you can choose from.

• Vinyl – this is one of commonly used upholstery in a car: non-porous and waterproof.
• Nylon – also known as the fabric type, nylon boasts in durability but is very porous.
• Polyester – with no doubt, polyester is very soft and comfortable but difficult to clean.
• Faux Leather – this is the upholstery to go if you are on a budget. However, faux leather is prone to ripping, pealing, and tearing.
• Leather – if you’re going for luxury then leather is the upholstery for you. This is very easy to clean and very stain-resistant.

Lastly, we want to talk about bucket seats. These seats will give your car a complete makeover in its looks. Consider bucket seats if you want a more sporty feel to your car.

Oil

If you plan to resurrect your car, changing your car’s oil is important. This will prevent any contaminants from scratching your engine. Oils are not only used for lubrication, but also for engine cleaning and engine cooling. Changing your oil is essential in restoring your car’s former glory.

Motor oils cool, clean, and lubricate your engine

There are three types of oil you need to remember. Mineral oil is recommended if you want to save up some cash but remember that this oil needs to be changed frequently. This would cost you around Php 1,400. 

Semi-synthetic oil, on the other hand, is a blend of mineral and synthetic. It’s priced at approximately Php 2,000. This oil is best used for cars with 100,000 km mileage and above and we recommend this oil as your regular lubricant. 

Lastly, synthetic oils are used for high-performance engines. However, this oil type is not recommended for old cars. If you wish to do so, try consulting your mechanic first. Priced at approximately Php 3,700, this sure is an expensive option but is worth the try.

3. Resurrecting your dead car: Conclusion

Bringing a car back to life can be really costly, stressful, and time-consuming. There will be nights of overtime, missing parts, and fatigue – but all we can say about it is enjoy the process. Each phase in restoring your car offers different stories in your life – that’s why we recommended doing this restoration with your friends or family.

Be careful with all the aftermarket items you buy, especially items from online. Check the authenticity of everything you’ll put on your car including production date and shelf life. Don’t forget to check if your manufacturer restricts certain parts before buying them as this will save you time and money. Whether it would be as small as a bolt to a gigantic carbon-fiber wing, every part plays a role in your car. Keep your tools after working on the car and work with precision and care. Remember, safety first.

For more automotive tips and advice, keep reading here on Philkotse.com.