If you’ve had your car for years, you might start thinking of giving it a makeover. You can either make some small, subtle changes or go all out.
There’s only one issue, though: modifying your car sounds like a tedious and expensive task.
While some mods are fancier than others, not every upgrade to your vehicle needs to be. Here are some simple ways to pimp your ride without potentially breaking the bank:
1. Make some subtle changes in the interior first.
Before you spend tons of money on exterior mods, you may want to consider upgrading the insides of your car first. It doesn’t have to be extravagant. You can start by getting a new steering wheel.
Consider upgrading your steering wheel to make it more visually appealing and comfortable to use. After all, you touch it more than most parts of your car. If you’re going for a classic look, go for the round wooden one. But if you want your dash to look classier and more modern, black, chrome, and red are the way to go.
You may also want to consider installing new floor mats and seat covers. Besides making your car look more visually pleasing, they also protect your vehicle from several hazards like dirt, spills, and stains.
Rubber mats are the best choice. They are flexible, durable, and absorb moisture best. Some rubber mats can be quite expensive, though, but they are definitely worth the investment. But if you’re looking for something cheaper, then fabric, carpet, and nomad mats are your best options.
On top of this, if you have some extra cash to splurge, you may also want to install a car massage seat. Not only does this upgrade driving comfort, but it also keeps your back pain at bay, especially when you’re stuck in traffic.
2. Tint your windows.
Tinting your windows will make your car look more sophisticated. Besides offering a better appearance, tinted windows give you an extra layer of privacy. They also help you protect yourself, your passengers, and your vehicle’s upholstery from harmful ultraviolet rays.
Scientists say that UV rays can lead to premature aging and skin cancer. Having tinted windows can help you control your exposure as it can block out 99% of sun rays.
If you’re on a budget, dye window tints are your best option. But if you’re looking for a more sophisticated one, then go for the ceramic window tints.
3. Upgrade your audio system.
Car stereos have become an essential accessory for vehicle owners. Upgrading to a better sound system can make your weekend drives more enjoyable and your long commutes more bearable.
Having a good sound system can also prevent you from getting into road accidents. Studies have shown that optimized audio cues can improve a driver’s focus and awareness on the road.
If you have extra cash, better invest in high-quality in-audio technology with modern features like voice command, GPS, and touchscreen functions. They allow you to multi-task, like answering phone calls and keeping track of your destination while keeping your eyes on the road.
But if you’re on a budget, you can replace your radio or your speakers separately to boost your car’s audio quality.
4. Get a paint job.
What better way to customize your car than having some cool graphics on the outside? You can seek some professional help in upgrading your car’s exterior, or you can do it yourself!
If you’re capable, you can paint your vehicle to your liking with rust-resistant paint. Make sure to research what types of paint are perfect, though. Choosing the wrong kind can make your damage your car with chips and cracks, making it look terrible than otherwise.
5. Install a personalized plate.
Make a statement with your car by getting a license vanity plate. Personalized plates can be expensive and cheap, depending on the material and the combination of letters and numbers you use.
6. Light up your wheels.
If you want to add hot splashes of color or neon accents to your car’s exterior, installing the wheel and fender lights will do the trick. Aside from making your car look extra attractive, they can also increase your visibility when driving at night, lowering the risk of car accidents.
Wheel and fender lights come in various packages. If you’re not worried about the budget, you may consider getting a multi-colored kit. But if you’re into the cheaper version, the single-colored variant may work just as fine.
Personalizing your car requires time, effort, and a little cash. However, you don’t need to go over the top (and your budget) to upgrade your ride. All it takes is a dash of creativity, a couple of on-hand resources, and a little bit of craftsmanship.