Is that holiday money burning a hole in your pocket? Are you waiting for the snow to thaw in your area so you can get back on the road? Or are you just obsessing over how to upgrade your car for a New Year’s resolution?
No matter the reason, there are plenty of ways to pump up the performance, the looks, and the tech of your vehicle without breaking the bank in 2018. Here are just a few:
Performance
Besides doing all the regular maintenance and tune-ups (that you’re definitely doing when you’re supposed to, right?), there are ways to teach an old dog new tricks. Or at least keep it running.
The easiest mod is a cold air intake. If you haven’t done it yet, do it! By bringing cold air (surprise) into your engine instead of hot, recycled air, things will work more efficiently.
Another conventional change is a modified exhaust system. Cat-backs exhausts - “behind the catalytic converter” - are popular for performance and they don’t even have to be obnoxiously loud. Although, we salute you if that’s what you’re going for.
One word: Tires. You know them, you need them. Consider getting them custom for all types of performance and looks. More on that later.
Tuning modules are easier than ever now. You can hook them into the computer brain of your ride in 30 minutes, opening up possibilities that have been locked away or set to keep things balanced. Beware of shoddy brands though, this isn’t something you want to cheap out on.
If you want something with a little more peace-of-mind, consider a remap. Remapping your vehicle will reprogram how your car’s computer functions, but you’ll have to get it done at a shop. Beyond that downside, it’s also permanent, whereas tuning modules can be removed.
Although these methods can mean a shortened overall lifespan for your car’s components, they’ll let you live in the now at the highest performance your car can put out. Just be aware that they can void your warranties. Do your homework!
Don’t forget that these mods are usually make/model specific and may have different laws in different states. You knew that already though, right?
Looks
Most of us care about how our car looks just as much as how it drives. It’s all part of the obsession.
We’re rolling out Custom Color Matching and reflective color standards this year so you can really nail the look you’re going for. And - of course - there’s the tried-and-true classic TireStickers. That’s why you’re here and you know it!
Car wraps are a great way to give your ride new life, although the quality you get will depend on your location. Do your research! Check out some of these from fellow LA residents CarWraps.com for inspiration.
Is that holiday money burning a hole in your pocket? Are you waiting for the snow to thaw in your area so you can get back on the road? Or are you just obsessing over how to upgrade your car for a New Year’s resolution?
No matter the reason, there are plenty of ways to pump up the performance, the looks, and the tech of your vehicle without breaking the bank in 2018. Here are just a few:
Performance
Besides doing all the regular maintenance and tune-ups (that you’re definitely doing when you’re supposed to, right?), there are ways to teach an old dog new tricks. Or at least keep it running.
The easiest mod is a cold air intake. If you haven’t done it yet, do it! By bringing cold air (surprise) into your engine instead of hot, recycled air, things will work more efficiently.
Another conventional change is a modified exhaust system. Cat-backs exhausts - “behind the catalytic converter” - are popular for performance and they don’t even have to be obnoxiously loud. Although, we salute you if that’s what you’re going for.
One word: Tires. You know them, you need them. Consider getting them custom for all types of performance and looks. More on that later.
Tuning modules are easier than ever now. You can hook them into the computer brain of your ride in 30 minutes, opening up possibilities that have been locked away or set to keep things balanced. Beware of shoddy brands though, this isn’t something you want to cheap out on.
If you want something with a little more peace-of-mind, consider a remap. Remapping your vehicle will reprogram how your car’s computer functions, but you’ll have to get it done at a shop. Beyond that downside, it’s also permanent, whereas tuning modules can be removed.
Although these methods can mean a shortened overall lifespan for your car’s components, they’ll let you live in the now at the highest performance your car can put out. Just be aware that they can void your warranties. Do your homework!
Don’t forget that these mods are usually make/model specific and may have different laws in different states. You knew that already though, right?
Looks
Most of us care about how our car looks just as much as how it drives. It’s all part of the obsession.
We’re rolling out Custom Color Matching and reflective color standards this year so you can really nail the look you’re going for. And - of course - there’s the tried-and-true classic TireStickers. That’s why you’re here and you know it!
Car wraps are a great way to give your ride new life, although the quality you get will depend on your location. Do your research! Check out some of these from fellow LA residents CarWraps.com for inspiration.
Tech
If you haven’t noticed, we’re living in the future. There are some killer apps and tech that will make your driving life so much better in the good times and the bad.
The BlueDriver Bluetooth Scan Tool is a must-have. It can read your car’s diagnostic codes and beam them directly to your smartphone. It uses the same database as professional mechanics and gives you all the information you need to deal with your car yourself or walk into the shop with confidence.
Ever have a moment while driving you wish you got on video? Or how about an accident you wish you had some evidence for? Dashcams aren’t new, but they’ve gotten sleek and powerful in recent years. Check out this front and rear cam kit by Apeman; 1080 HD footage and plenty of others features on a budget. There are plenty of other options too, so do some Googling and find the one that’s right for you.
There’s so much more out there and I’m sure there will be plenty of surprises this year too. Get that list going!