There are almost 287 million registered cars in the United States. It can be hard to stand out.
Customizing your car is a great way to express yourself. Many upgrades not only add style and individuality but performance as well.
For such a personal aspiration, car customization is a huge industry. This means there are lots of choices you can make and many aftermarket manufacturers to select from. It can be difficult to know where to start.
Fortunately, there are a few major categories you can zero in on to get going. The information below lays out three easy ways you can customize your ride that will fit your personal preferences and your budget.
Wheels
New rims are popular for vehicle customization because there are so many options. Not only can personalized wheels give your car a unique look, but they can also increase control, adding performance to your vehicle.
Look into forged vs. cast wheels, which are two different methods used in wheel production. Which one is right for your car depends on your budget and vehicle usage.
Forged wheels are manufactured from a large piece of solid metal. For this reason, they are durable and long-lasting. They also offer better performance, since they can be lighter for the same level of strength.
Forged wheels are more expensive than cast wheels, which are made by heating metal and pouring it into a mold. Once it cools, the cast can be trimmed and altered further. Cast wheels come in a variety of alloys and are a more affordable option.
Window Tint
Window tinting is a great custom option because there are many different designs to choose from. You can go with classic charcoal, or opt for a gold or blue hue. Choose between a metallic sheen or a matte finish.
Tint also comes in a range of materials. Dyed, carbon, and ceramic tints offer different benefits and at varying price points.
Window tinting is a great way to give your car a custom look, but it comes with many other benefits besides style. The most notable is that it can guard against the sun’s ultraviolet rays. The American Skin Cancer Foundation even recommends window film as a way to stave off cancer.
Besides blocking UV rays, window tint deflects heat from entering your vehicle. This means you can better regulate internal temperatures even during the hot summer months. Window tinting also gives you greater privacy and added protection against theft.
Interior
Customizing your car’s interior can bring a lot of style and personality to it. Upgrading your upholstery is the first logical step. You can’t go wrong with leather, which comes in many different styles and colors.
You also might consider upgrading plastic components, like door panels, to match your upholstery. Custom lighting is a nice touch as well.
Think about upgrading your audio and video components. Original manufacturer sound systems have become quite good in the last decade. But that does not mean there’s no room for improvement.
Besides replacing the head unit with one that can integrate different amplifiers and auxiliary components, be sure to add a mix of speakers for different frequencies. You can search on the internet for the best car audio speakers and upgrade your car’s audio system. For video, you can find front headrests with integrated screens built-in.
Get Started Customizing Your Car
Now that you have any idea of the most basic options for customizing your car, you can decide which ones are right for you. Remember that you can do so incrementally, as your time and budget permits. Enjoy the journey of making your car a representation of your style.
If you found this information useful, be sure to check out some of our other posts on all things automotive. We cover everything from industry trends to car maintenance, racing, and automotive technology.