Rich McClellan, Photo Courtesy of Elite Customs
Keeping your car in top shape doesn’t have to be complicated. Rich McClellan, a lifetime auto enthusiast and the owner and founder of Elite Customs in Tennessee, knows that the smallest details can make a big difference in your car’s performance, appearance, and longevity. Founded in 2015, Elite Customs specializes in body modifications, performance upgrades, and lighting and sound customizations that turn heads on the streets. Drawing from years of expertise and practical knowledge, Rich offers these little-known tips and tricks to help you keep your ride in tip-top shape from bumper to bumper.
1. Master the Art of Touch-Up Painting
Minor chips and scratches are inevitable, but addressing them quickly can prevent long-term damage like rust. And you can make these touch-ups yourself without having to make an appointment at your local body shop. Here’s how!
- Gather Your Supplies
- Touch-Up Paint: Obtain a 1/2-ounce vial of paint that matches your car’s color. You can find the color code on the driver-side door jamb or the owner’s manual.
- Clear Coat: Purchase a vial of clear coat to protect the repaired area.
- Cleaning Supplies: Car wash detergent and wax and grease remover.
- Application Tools: 1/4-inch artist’s brush, micro applicators, paint syringes, and a spot-sanding tool.
- Sandpaper: Assorted fine-grit wet/dry sandpaper.
- Rust Converter: A brush-on rust converter is necessary if rust is present.
- Buffer: A corded or cordless buffer for polishing.
- Clean the Area:
- Wash the vehicle thoroughly with car wash detergent.
- Rinse with clean water and let it dry completely.
- Apply wax and grease remover to the damaged area using a clean rag, then rinse again.
- Remove Flaking Paint and Rust:
- Gently scrape away any flaking paint with a plastic putty knife.
- If rust is present, sand the area with fine-grit sandpaper until you reach bare metal.
- Apply a rust converter to neutralize any remaining rust.
- Apply Primer:
- Apply a thin coat of automotive primer using a fine artist’s brush for deep scratches or bare metal areas.
- Allow the primer to dry for at least 30 minutes.
- Apply Touch-Up Paint:
- Shake the touch-up paint vial thoroughly.
- Using a micro applicator or fine artist’s brush, apply a small amount of paint over the primed area. Avoid overloading to prevent drips.
- Let the first coat dry, then apply a second coat if necessary.
- Apply Clear Coat:
- After the touch-up paint has dried completely, apply a thin layer of clear coat to seal and protect the repair.
- Allow the clear coat to dry as per the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Polish the Repaired Area:
- Once the clear coat is fully cured, use a buffer with a polishing compound to blend the repaired area with the surrounding paint.
- Buff gently to achieve a smooth, glossy finish.
2. Leverage Your Car’s Grab Handles
Grab handles are commonly used to help people get in and out of vehicles. But technically, they’re not designed for that use. Grab handles’ true purpose is to help passengers find a comfortable seating position and provide extra stability on rough terrain.
Rich explains, “While designed for passenger support, grab handles are getting attention because they can be customized and stylized with different materials, colors and designs. Plus, with off-roading vehicles growing in popularity, grab handles have become even more prominent.”
3. Prevent Damage Before It Starts
Rich says, “Prevention is always better than repair.” Some simple habits can help you avoid costly fixes:
- Park Smart: Avoid parking under trees to prevent sap, bird droppings, or falling branches from damaging your paint.
- Use a Car Cover: If you don’t have a garage, invest in a high-quality car cover to shield your car from UV rays, dust and debris.
- Rinse Off Salt: If you live in an area with snowy winters, road salt can corrode the underside of your car. Wash your car frequently during the winter to remove salt buildup.
- Avoid Potholes: Driving over potholes can lead to tire and suspension damage. Drive cautiously on uneven roads, especially after heavy rains when potholes are more common.
4. Keep Your Car’s Interior Clean
The inside of your car deserves as much attention as the outside. Rich recommends:
- Vacuum Regularly: Dirt and grit can wear down your floor mats and upholstery. A quick weekly vacuuming session can extend their life.
- Protect Upholstery: Use fabric or leather protectants to guard against spills and stains, especially if you frequently travel with kids or pets.
5. Upgrade Your Car on a Budget
Not all upgrades have to break the bank. Here’s some inspiration for affordable improvements:
- LED Lighting: Swap out your old halogen bulbs for LED lights. They’re brighter, last longer, and consume less energy.
- Custom Floor Mats: Protect your floors and give your car a personalized touch with custom mats.
- Vinyl Decals and Wraps: A vinyl wrap or decal is an affordable way to personalize your car’s exterior. Whether you want a sleek matte finish, racing stripes, or custom graphics, vinyl options are significantly cheaper than a full paint job and can be easily removed or replaced.
- Window Tinting: Adding tinted windows gives your car a stylish edge and offers practical benefits like reduced glare, UV protection for your interior, and improved temperature control.
6. Long-Term Maintenance 101
Consistency is key when it comes to car maintenance. Rich advises, “Create a simple maintenance schedule to keep up with the long-term care of your vehicle.”
- Monthly Checks: Inspect your lights, tire pressure, and fluid levels.
- Seasonal Maintenance: Before winter, apply a protective wax coat to your car’s paint and check your antifreeze levels.
- Check Tire Pressure Monthly: Underinflated tires wear out faster and reduce fuel efficiency. Use a simple tire gauge to ensure optimal pressure.
- Rotate Your Tires: Regular rotation helps your tires wear evenly, prolonging their lifespan.
“At Elite Customs, we believe every car has the potential to reflect its owner’s personality and style. Whether through simple maintenance or creative upgrades, taking pride in your vehicle doesn’t have to be expensive—it just takes a little care and attention,” says Rich.
