It’s a maxim that applies to many a product, not excluding products in the auto industry: if you want peak performance from your investment, the default won’t do.
That’s the reason why people jailbreak their iPhones, the reason why people upgrade or replace security systems in their homes, and the reason why people invest in new parts for their cars: it’s commonly understood amongst consumers (especially those who are more class-conscious) that those who sell products will always equip consumers with the bare minimum, looking to save money by skimping out on quality. Whether the product involved is a rushed renovation job on a “flipped” house that leaves it with myriad issues, a piece of tech that limits your ability to access services that compete with the parent company, or auto parts that don’t tend to perform super well when on the road, customers have found time and time again that they have to take matters into their own hands if they want to make the most out of their investments.
If you’ve just pulled a brand new car off the dealership lot or even invested in a used car that cost a pretty penny, you’re likely feeling the weight of all the money you just spent on that vehicle. Cars in the U.S. have been more expensive than ever as of late, so if you’re going to be sinking thousands upon thousands of dollars into a vehicle, it’s important that you get the best possible performance out of it, as well as make sure that your overall experience is optimal while using it.
If you feel like your car might not be operating at peak performance, and you want to get the most out of your investment, take a look at installing any of the upgrades below: you may find that your car serves your needs better than ever.
New Tires
While not the flashiest upgrade on this list, your driving experience can be severely impacted by the amount of wear and tear on your set of tires. Failing to replace your tires every so often can actually put you in danger, as well, as your car can lose traction quickly on tires that are on their last legs, causing you to get into a potentially life-threatening accident.
Especially if you’re working with a used car, investing in new tires might be a great place to start, increasing your comfort as you drive, improving functions like accelerating and braking, and with the correct set, even making it possible for you to drive smoothly in inclement weather.
Tint Your Windows
On a more stylish note, choosing to have your windows tinted by a professional can be a great aesthetic choice that adds a bit of functionality to your vehicle. In addition to adding an aspect of style to your car, tinted windows also tend to give you a modicum of privacy while driving and reduce the impact of glare, so nobody has to see you lip-synching to your favorite pop songs while stuck in traffic.
New Brake Pads and Lines
The importance of having a braking system that is responsive can’t be understated, so a good place to work on if you find your car doesn’t adapt quickly enough when you have to slam on the brakes might be to have your pads and lines replaced. Ceramic brake pads and steel brake lines are among the best materials for modern braking systems, ensuring that your car stops when you need it to stop: the ceramic pads, in particular, are known for adding oomph to your braking system, and the steel lines improve your response time while degrading less over time.
New Dashboard/Stereo System
If you find that your current car lacks connectivity, that you have to take out ye olde aux cord in order to listen to your music or put your GPS on speaker to be able to hear it, you may want to consider updating your car with the latest tech. For vehicles that lack Bluetooth or vehicles without digital interfaces, there are plenty of options on the market that can add some much-needed digital connectivity to your car.
If you’re looking to customize your car and improve its overall performance, you’ll be pleased to hear that there are options on the market for just about every improvement you can imagine. Conduct some research in the areas you feel your vehicle might be lacking: you’ll find yourself talking to an experienced professional in no time, and future you might just thank you for expanding your investment in your vehicle.
