Do you remember how fun it was when you first had your car? As time goes on, however, there are car components that will need repairing and some features of your car’s performance which inevitably decline. The good news is that there are some simple auto performance upgrades that can help your car reach its full potential. With the amount of time we all have to spend in our cars each day, it is always worth taking any steps available to make the experience more pleasurable.
To put the fun back into driving, here are our top actionable tips for improving your car.
1. Add a Cold Air Intake
Let’s be honest, everyone wants more horsepower and one of the ways to achieve this is to add a cold air intake system. That is because cold air is dense and less moist while the oxygen is more concentrated, and so with a cold intake system, you are actually overriding the engine’s usual temperature regulation, which makes the internal combustion more powerful. As a result, the engine gets more air (and oxygen) and performs at a higher level.
2. Fit a Double Din Head Unit
Driving is always twice as fun when you are listening to your favorite music. If you upgrade to a double din head unit you will immediately take your car’s sound system to a whole new level. Most units are compatible with both Android and iOS devices so you can connect your phone or tablet and load up your playlist. Once that is done, all you need to do is sit back, relax, and enjoy your drive to a soundtrack of all your favorite tunes.
3. Install Sway Bars
If you are struggling when handling sharp curves, sway bars are one of the most effective improvements you can make to your car. You will be amazed at how much more control you get after installing new sway bars on the front and rear of your vehicle. While many people immediately add new shocks and springs, upgrading to sway bars is a far cheaper option but is often just as effective.
4. Upgrade Your Exhaust
If you are looking to increase the efficiency of your engine, you should try to maximize the airflow out of it, which means modifying your exhaust system. The faster air exits the engine, the more effective your engine performs. While a standard bent pipe can slow down the exit of exhaust fumes, you can upgrade this to a straight pipe to improve airflow. As an added bonus, you will also get that cool rumbling, fun growling sound that usually comes with genuine muscle cars. You can also modify your current exhaust system with thinner-walled pipes and lighter mufflers to increase your car’s performance and fuel economy.
5. Performance Reprogramming
Every car has an internal computer to regulate its many systems, from the braking system to the fuel-to-air ratio in the engine. Upgrading your old factory settings and unlocking hidden auto performance upgrades will enable your car to use fuel more efficiently and allow you to control fuel injection timing for a more exciting ride.
6. Install a Turbocharger
Installing a turbocharger can be particularly beneficial for smaller engines. Turbochargers are powered by lost energy from your engine, which spins a turbine and powers an air compressor that forces extra oxygen into the engine’s cylinders. This can significantly improve fuel efficiency which will make your daily drive a whole lot more enjoyable because you will be aware of making some big savings.
7. Switch to a Short Throw Shifter and Shift Knob
If you are a manual car enthusiast, you should look at short-throw shifter options and a fresh or aftermarket shift knob. A new short-throw shift kit can help tighten up the slope from years of fun driving thanks to their fresh bushing. It’s important to know that, the shorter the throw, the more arm strength you will need to shift the gears.
8. Check Your Suspension Bushings
The bushings of a car are very important because they control the suspension arms and keep the other components in line as they move. Weak bushings can translate to inconsistent suspension movements, leading to poor handling, and potential accidents. Therefore, it’s very important to make sure your suspension bushings are not showing signs of wear. If they are, there are several replacement options you can consider, such as poly, rubber and delrin bushings.
9. Replace Your Dampers
If your car bounces like a spring and dives like a whale, your dampers are most likely worn out. Dampers are designed to absorb the spring compression and bring the car to its proper level, in addition to keeping your car from nose-diving under braking. If it’s been over 100,000 miles since your dampers were last replaced, the chances are they have been toasted for a long time already. Switch out your current dampers for some quality replacements, such as Koni, Bilstein, or OE Sachs. Ohlins are often considered the best, but it comes with a price.
10. Check the Wheel Alignment
Neutral and predictable handling is very important for a fun driving experience, and for good handling, proper wheel alignment from a professional mechanic is key. While a little too much toe-out can make your car twitchy at higher speeds, it still pays to add a little camber with aftermarket camber plates or control arms.
11. Replace Your Tires
Tires are the last but by no means the least important upgrade. Quality tires can greatly enhance your car’s performance, and while they may be a little expensive, a good set of tires can significantly increase grip levels. There are many tire choices available, so it’s important to do your own research and choose a set that suits your driving style and local road conditions.
Before committing to upgrades, It’s important to do your research and make sure that your car is compatible with these parts. While some auto performance upgrades can be pretty easy to handle yourself, others require the help of a professional to ensure your vehicle is safe. If you are not sure about what to upgrade, an experienced mechanic can give you advice on which parts will most benefit your vehicle.
