If you're having your car repainted, take advantage of the new paint technologies. You no longer have to settle for lacquer, which looks great but lacks durability. Or enamel, which is more durable but also has more orange peel.

The new 2-part polyurethane paints are much more durable than either lacquer or enamel, and they'll give a glass-smooth shine that rivals the best hand-rubbed lacquer. Colors have also gotten deeper and richer, thanks to paint systems that employ a base color followed by an ultrahigh-gloss clear coat.

Metallic colors also got more dazzling when paint makers began adding mica chips, which pick up and reflect light more brilliantly than standard metallic chips. Even if you decide to stick with your car's original color, ask your body shop about the newest paints. Your paint job will last longer and look better.

Beware, almost all of the new paint systems use toxic chemicals, so drive-way respraying is out.