While today’s modern cars certainly offer significantly improved features and updated technology, you can still enjoy high-end performance without shelling out your hard-earned money for a new vehicle. Many aftermarket upgrades are surprisingly affordable, and plenty of them can be installed without having to pay a mechanic. If you’re interested in turning your old clunker into a high-performance machine, here are 5 ways to get started.
1. Upgrade Your Tires
It’s surprising how often drivers forget just how important tires really are. Your tires are the direct connection between your vehicle and the road, so it simply makes sense that they are going to wear down, causing your car’s performance to suffer. This upgrade is especially important if you live in an area with extreme weather conditions such as snow. Buy tires that are rated for your area’s weather with a long tread life, and always buy a full set, as mixing tires can cause performance to suffer. You may also find that simply inflating your tires can make a significant difference.
2. Install a Forced Induction System
Some vehicles can benefit from turbocharging or supercharging. A quality kit can give you some more horsepower, but make sure you buy the right kit from a reputable manufacturer. For example, if you are upgrading your Nissan 350z, make sure you buy from a company that sells Nissan 350z performance parts. Using a forced induction system that is not made for your specific vehicle can be dangerous and it can harm your car. However, if you buy a quality kit from a Nissan performance parts dealer, the difference can be staggering.
3. Buy New Shocks and Struts
Without your shocks and struts, you would not have a pleasant ride. Shocks and struts keep your commute nice and smooth, while also improving handling. If you have been using the same shocks and struts for around 50,000 miles, it is probably time to replace them anyway, but investing in new, better shocks and struts can drastically improve the overall feel of your car.
4. Improve Airflow
New air filters and aftermarket air intake systems can add a few horsepower to your ride, and they tend to be fairly cheap as far as upgrades go. Installing them is usually very easy as well, and you may even be able to get the job done using just a screwdriver. A new exhaust system can also boost your vehicle’s performance while also giving it a more powerful roar. You may want to wait until your vehicle requires a new muffler, as aftermarket exhaust systems tend to be expensive and difficult to install.
5. Clean the Interior and Exterior
While cleaning your vehicle doesn’t actually increase the performance, it will make the car feel new, which makes it far more enjoyable to drive. Vacuum and shampoo the seats and carpeting, clean the dashboard with a damp cloth and use an old toothbrush to get in all of those hard-to-reach places. You can also bring your vehicle to a professional to have it detailed. Improving a car’s aesthetics can give you a new appreciation for your vehicle.
Old Car: Buy Aftermarket Products from a Reliable Source
Remember that using low-quality parts can actually damage your vehicle in many ways, so only use reputable parts from trusted dealers. Always make sure you use compatible parts for the same reason. For example, if you drive a Mini Cooper, don’t buy Dodge Dart performance parts and hope for the best. Always use components that are designed specifically for the vehicle you own. Give your old car new life with these upgrades today!
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