The majority of cars on the road today are manufactured by companies who want to sell to the masses. That means most people don’t get the option of driving unique cars on a daily basis. So, many people make changes to their cars to create personalization and feel like they’re driving something bespoke. The problem is, a lot of these changes make drivers look stupid. How many times have you rolled your eyes at the boy racer revving his engine at the traffic lights? So, how do you customize your car without looking stupid?
Aerodynamics
The go-to option for many drivers is to stick a huge spoiler on the back of the car and pretend it makes a difference to the car’s speed. It doesn’t! Unless you’re driving on a race track every day, it’s going to make no difference at all. However, there are ways you can improve your aerodynamics without having a monstrosity of a wing pinned on your car. Unfortunately, it can be a bit costly because you’ll need to take your vehicle to your manufacturer and changing the aerodynamics is different for every make and model.
Custom Seats
One of the easiest ways to customize your car is to change the seats. It could be as simple as getting some Sparco seat covers or as complicated as changing your basic seats to red leather. Obviously, that also means the cost can vary hugely. If you managed to get a little more power out of your car with the aerodynamics, you may want to invest in sports seats that hug the driver and passenger and stop both from sliding around.
Personalized Number Plates
There’s something about a personalized number plate that immediately puts your car a class above the rest. It’s why you see them so often on executive cars. It’s a great way of putting your own stamp on your car and it can cost as little as £150. It can take a little time to find the right private number plates for you, but once you have them, you’re free to transfer them to any car you own.
ECU Software
Many of the newer cars on the road are controlled by computer electrics. So, it goes without saying that a car can be improved if the computer software were to be updated. It’s not a visual personalization, but it will make your car unique. Changing the ECU software could make your car more powerful, improve throttle response and increase the redline. However, don’t attempt to do this yourself. Tampering with the ECU software when you don’t know what you’re doing could destroy your engine.
Sport Pedals
This isn’t just about appearance. Yes, you may feel a bit of a thrill when you open your car door and see new aluminum pedals there waiting for you, but it can improve your driving experience. Some cars come with a tiny gas pedal that you can barely feel under your feet. That being said, those tiny pedals don’t often aid you in increasing speed or changing gear smoothly. Replacing the pedals could give you more control over your car.
Performance Exhaust
Now, when it comes to exhausts there’s a fine line between beauty and tacky. Don’t buy an exhaust just because it makes your car sound louder. People will laugh at you. If you can’t hold a conversation with your passenger because your exhaust is too loud, you’ve gone too far. Choose an exhaust that makes your car purr, not scream.
Winch
This is one for all the 4×4 drivers. The main point of an off-roader is to go off road. If you have a 4×4 that designed specifically for driving through terrain, mud, water and the rest of it, a winch is a huge practicality. Not only could it save you and your car from being buried in a muddy ditch, but it also tells everyone else on the road that you’re a keen off-roader.
Custom Paint
No, that doesn’t mean buying a stencil and some paint and having a go yourself. If you’re not getting a professional to do it, there’s no point doing it at all. Don’t attempt to paint characters from your favorite TV show or cartoon and certainly don’t put fake sponsors on your car. A custom paint job can look amazing on a classic car, but any more than three colours is going overboard.
Making changes to your car can be fun, but ensure your car stays stylish by avoiding classic boy-racer mistakes.
