If you have a car that you have been using for years it’s time to upgrade. Although many people stick with what they know, there are several upgrades available to make driving more comfortable. In addition, if your vehicle is still under warranty, these changes may even qualify as manufacturer-recommended modifications.
Seat Warmers
A seat warmer will take the chill off cold mornings and an extra layer of lumbar support can take the ache out of a long drive. The majority of vehicles made in 1989 or later offer an aftermarket add-on to heat up both front seats simultaneously. If you don’t mind spending a little extra money, heated seats installed by a professional can be an even better option. It’s important to do your homework, though, because not all heating elements are created equal. A cheap aftermarket option may cause more harm than good in the long run.
Steering Wheel Cover
Adding a steering wheel cover will give you a better grip when it’s damp or cold outside and help keep your hands from slipping in hot weather. You can find heated models if you want added comfort in winter conditions too. Just be careful with using chemicals to clean these upholstery covers as this could damage them over time. An exterior leather treatment is what you should use instead to help protect the material.
Floor Mats
Floor mats are important for protecting carpeting and helping to prevent stains on the floorboard; however, there’s no reason you can’t step it up a notch by spending more, especially with coupon deals; Swagbucks have some great coupons for you. Rubber mats with a non skid surface are an upgrade from the traditional carpet-covered model and they also tend to be more durable.
HVAC Controls
You’d be surprised what a new set of HVAC controls can do for your comfort levels while driving, especially during the summer months when temperatures rise. Shifting into higher gear can lower both heat and air conditioner output, but changing out knobs and buttons might be all that is needed to eliminate this problem.
Seat Inserts/Cushions
If your car’s seats have seen better days or aren’t as comfortable as they used to be, there are several options available to provide additional comfort on longer trips. Seat cushions and inserts that offer targeted support in the lumbar area or lower back may ease discomfort and those with additional padding can take away persistent aches. Additionally, you could try a seat massage system to improve circulation and reduce fatigue.
Sound System Upgrades
Replacing your car’s speakers isn’t as expensive as it used to be and there are several great benefits to doing so. First off, if you upgrade from factory-installed speakers, upgrading your head unit will mean much better sound quality throughout the vehicle. Plus, this improvement will also allow you to install amp wiring kits that provide more power for your speakers. And finally, if you anticipate listening to music at high volumes through your stereo, an amplifier is essential for protecting the speakers themselves. Although you can wire one in yourself, having an expert do it for you is usually the best idea to ensure that everything works properly once installed.
Window Tinting
If your car’s windows are letting in a lot of harmful UV rays, it might be time to look into window tinting. There are several benefits to getting this type of upgrade done by a professional installer. First off, there are different grades of tint available so your choice will depend on what shade you want and how much heat you’re willing to let in. Another benefit of going with a pro is that they have the proper tools required to get full coverage without any air bubbles or creases marrying the appearance. Plus they can remove or replace strips in the rear window where they are less visible when you’ve opted for a darker shade.
Tire Upgrades
There are two basic types of tire upgrades associated with improved vehicle performance: high-performance tires and winter/snow tires. Most passenger cars benefit from installing winter/snow tires, especially if they live in states where snow is common during the winter months. And if you’re looking for a better ride without sacrificing grip on wet surfaces or during inclement weather, high-performance tires can offer that as well.
Engine Upgrades
If you’ve been thinking of getting more power from your engine, a few upgrades to the machine itself will do the trick. Furthermore, you don’t have to spend a fortune on these either and most cars can benefit from at least one upgrade – whether it’s an aftermarket air filter or a new exhaust system. You can also get superchargers and turbochargers installed if you want even more horsepower. If you decide on installing a higher performance engine management system, be sure to work with your mechanic on compatibility with existing computers so that there aren’t any problems.
Overhead Console Upgrade
If you ever thought about adding an overhead console to your vehicle, this might be the time to do so. These are particularly helpful when driving in rural areas because they provide much better lighting in the cab when using the map or reading a book. Plus it can make nighttime driving safer overall by helping you see well behind your car without having to rely on high beams. They also give off less glare than traditional map lights offered in many cars today.
Exterior Upgrades
Installing new paint on your car is an expensive process, but there are several less expensive upgrades you can make to the exterior of your vehicle. For example, upgrading from stock paint or adding a protective clear coat can help protect against rust and chipping in the future. You could also add window tint to reduce heat inside the cab in the summer months and they’re relatively inexpensive too when compared with a whole new paint job. There are also decals that will give your ride a sportier appearance without breaking the bank.
Furthermore, if you own a convertible car, installing a new retractable roof might be worth considering because it provides better protection from inclement weather when driving with the top down. Finally, getting mud flaps installed on the rear of your vehicle helps prevent gravel and other debris from hitting the exterior, which can easily scratch paint jobs.
Getting more comfortable in your car doesn’t have to break your budget either, especially if you shop around for deals or use coupons when making upgrades. Furthermore, there are inexpensive ways to make driving safer too without spending a lot of money. For example, adding seat covers, steering wheel inserts, new floor mats, and upgraded speakers can all help reduce noise levels while significantly improving comfort levels during lengthy rides. Plus you’ll protect the interior of your car at the same time so it will last longer overall.
