Whether your car is four, 14, or 40 years' old, it can start to feel a bit baggy, asthmatic, and past its best. There's no need to fork out for a new car, though - here are some ways that you can perk up your much-loved motor that won't cost you the earth, and you can do in your own garage.
01 Full service and fluid change
This may seem obvious, but if you let the annual service lapse then your car's not going to like it. Fresh oil, filters and plugs will perk up your pride and joy, and a thorough spring clean inside and out is going to make you feel better about driving it, too. And for the perfectionists, there's always a full valet and detailing...
02 Computer Chip
Particularly effective with turbocharged engines, a gentle remap will liberate some extra horses from your engine without the need to heavily modify it, plus most remaps will also bring increased fuel economy too, due to increased engine efficiency. Just remember to tell your insurance company.
03 New tires
One of the simplest and most effective ways to transform the way your car drives is by fitting the best tires you can afford, that suit the conditions regularly drive in and the car's suspension set-up.
Do a bit of research in car magazines, websites and forums to discover what experts and other drivers reckon is the best tire for your car, and you'll be amazed at the difference it can make.
04 Performance air filter
The simplest and cheapest way to increase your engine's efficiency is to increase the amount of air that gets into it - and that means throwing out the restrictive paper air filter and replacing it with a foam panel filter.
Better engine breathing means increased throttle response, and perhaps even a few extra bhp - it's a no-brainer!
05 Sports suspension
To make your car corner harder and flatter, but without mortally sacrificing ride comfort, try fitting sports suspension either from your car's manufacturer or aftermarket specialists like Eibach.
A few hundred dollars will transform the way your car handles, and if it is too much of a compromise for you, it is easily reversible by swapping your old springs back in.
06 Wider wheels/tires
Another option that requires some research is buying and fitting wider wheels and tires. You'll need to ensure that the new ones will fit, with means checking offset, bolt size and pattern, and maximum width your car can fit. Not only will your car corner better it will look better too.
A simple way to do this is to purchase the largest OEM wheels your car could be optioned with second-hand, but be sure to check them thoroughly for defects before buying.
07 New steering/suspension bushings
Perhaps the ultimate measure for tightening up your car's handling, new rubber bushings in all the suspensions and steering joints will cure that saggy, sloppy handling especially on older cars.
Be aware, though, that getting those old rubber bushings out can be a nightmare, and before you splash out on racing style solid bushings, these can create a bone-shaking ride and exacerbate existing steering and suspension issues.
