Top tips for pimping out your garage in style
If you really love your car, you’ll want a garage that’s not only roomy enough to park easily – no bumps or scrapes – but has a clever set-up.From good lighting and ventilation to wall bumpers, shelving to remove clutter from the floor, a cleaning kit and even race car memorabilia, pimping your garage is a project that really gives back. Not only will you impress on Instagram, but you’ll find it easier to navigate your garage and keep your car looking sharp.
Size does matter
Start by measuring your garage and your car to see how much space you have to work with. You need at least 80cm on either side of your car to open the door without the risk of scrapes or dents; more to clean, or work on it.
Make room for your investment
Grab the garbage bags or the charity box, a broom and/or hose, and get ready to lay the foundations for what comes next by decluttering. Once you’ve discarded no longer wanted items, you’ll want to clean the floors, walls and roof of dust and debris that can accumulate on and in your vehicle.
Going forward, a regular wet/dry vacuum of your garage space will help prevent dirt from the floor being tracked into your car.
Get smart about storage
Installing stylish shelving, storage cabinets or even a bike rack will help you locate anything you need easily and, more importantly, clear the floor.
Save a shelf for tools to clean and protect your car, including a glass cleaner, wheel cleaner, engine degreaser, leather/interior cleaner, rubber dressing and wax to seal the paint and fill in minor scratches.
Let there be light
Parking your car in the right space shouldn’t be a guessing game. Your headlights are not always enough and, when people are exiting the vehicle, motion-activated garage lighting can prevent car damage from walls or even carry bags.
An ultra-bright, LED garage light is easy to install while wall and door guards and parking mats reduce the chance of damage to both your car and your garage. We love the Striker Ultra-Sonic Adjustable Garage Parking Sensor, $45.64, with red, amber and green lights, that will stop you in just the right spot.
Find more anti-scratch tips for your car here.
Ventilate the space
Ideally, your garage space should be neither too cold nor too hot because cars are designed to operate best in a certain temperature range. In Australia, it’s more likely to be heat and humidity that you’re up against.
Your options include air conditioning your garage, installing a ceiling vent, or buying a stand-up fan and a dehumidifier to create airflow and suck mould and rust-causing moisture out of the air. Condensation also makes your garage floors slippery, which is a hazard risk.
Bring out your inner stylist
Essentials sorted, it’s time to get creative.
If you now have plenty of room to park, clean, or work on your car, you might want to add:
- A work bench and tool kit
- A small table for crafting or creating.
- A light-coloured paint to walls or a dingy concrete floor to brighten the space
- A sound system for when you’re working in the garage
Related: Pimp your ride with these Kmart accessories under $10
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Related: The days of chipped and scratched car doors from your garage could be over
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