If you aren't happy with the way your car looks or functions, your first instinct is to go to a mechanic. It's true that a qualified mechanic can do many things you can't, and they can greatly enhance the look and function of your vehicle, but that doesn't mean you have to pay outrageous prices every time you're ready for an update!
There are many things you can do to your own car without compromising its safety. With just a little knowledge of your particular vehicle and some time spent researching installation methods online, these modifications are surprisingly easy to do yourself.
Install a Supercharger or Turbocharger
There are just some things that you shouldn't do yourself. For example, replacing the brakes on your vehicle should be done by a professional. Installing a supercharger or turbocharger sounds like one of those things you should leave to your mechanic.
Although a mechanic can definitely install one in your car, they will charge you an arm and a leg. If you know a little bit about the way vehicles work, and you probably do if you know what a supercharger is, then you can most likely do it yourself!
MAPerformance encourages you to try installing a system yourself, "While modifying your vehicle with forced induction does require some effort and expertise, anyone can learn. It is especially easy with a complete supercharger kit or turbocharger kit. These have everything you need to boost your engine and get more power."
Redecorate the Interior
It's true that repainting the exterior of your car should be left to professionals who know how to provide you with an even application, but you should also think about the interior of your car. Not only will you spend more time looking at the interior of your car than the exterior, it's also the case that you can do a lot of the interior decorating yourself!
New floor mats can completely transform the interior of your vehicle, as can a steering wheel cover and seat covers. You can even custom order seat covers so they don't look like covers at all!
A few other ideas include:
- Add an interior vinyl decal to your dashboard
- Hang something from your rear view mirror
- Cover up the middle console
- Install door lock accents
Line Your Trunk or Truck Bed
Car floor mats are a great way to enhance your interior. They make cleaning up spills and messes easy, all without the need to worry about damaging your car's interior.
Take things one step further by lining your trunk too! Not only will a liner protect the floor of your vehicle, you can find wraps that include storage, so sorting your latest grocery trip is a breeze. They can even keep your eggs secure so they don't end up getting broken before you get home!
Have a truck? You can learn how to install a new truck bed liner yourself!
Upgrade Your Windshield Wipers
Windshield wipers are not meant to last as long as your car. Fortunately, you don't have to pay to have them installed because you can replace your windshield wiper blades yourself!
Not only are new wipers more functional, they can also enhance the exterior of your vehicle. You can find wipers in a variety of colors and styles that will give your car a little bit more personality when you're driving down the street.
Replace Knobs and Pedals
Did you know you can modify the knobs and pedals in your car? You can!
Replacing the shift knob in a manual car is a quick and cheap way to modify your car. If you're technologically savvy, you can even create your own with a 3D printer!
The pedals in your car can also be replaced. Racing pedals are a fun modification that makes your car's interior look cooler, and updated pedals can make you feel cooler while you're driving too!
Light Things Up
Nothing makes a car look cooler than colorful LED lighting. You do have to be careful though. Exterior lighting could be illegal where you live, but an interior lighting kit isn't!
You can light up the interior designs of your car in almost any color with lights that are placed underneath the dash. You can also modify your interior dome lighting with something new, or you can choose an LED light that is more efficient.
Even if you can't update your exterior lighting with the colors of the rainbow, refreshing your headlights can transform the way your car looks from the outside. Clean your headlights, update to HID lights or cover them with a smoky decal.
Don't think your vehicle is doomed to look the way it does because you can't afford to bring it into the shop for modifications. With a little knowledge and the right directions, these are fun modifications that you can do yourself!
