Upgrades can help improve your car’s performance and add some extra style to it. Some are even worth the cost. You can even experience off-road luxury with CSA Wheels’ 4×4 rims!
If you are constantly spending money to fix your vehicle, it’s time to consider upgrading it. Here are three key signs that you should do so.
Brake Lines
Brake lines transfer pressurised brake fluid from the master cylinder to the brake calipers, which then apply pressure down on the brake discs to slow your vehicle. This is a vital part of your car’s safety and driveability, as issues with the brake system can lead to a failed Warrant of Fitness and put you and other road users in danger.
Most factory brake lines are made from rubber hoses, but these can wear out or lose their ability to transfer pressure with age. A squishy or loose pedal can indicate that the brake lines are failing and should be replaced.
Unlike rubber lines, high-performance stainless-steel brake lines are designed to be more durable and offer better performance. They also have an attractive appearance, making them a popular choice for hot rodders and classic car buffs who use their vehicles to cruise the street or take them on off-road adventures.
You can buy brake lines for your car at most auto parts stores, but installing them requires some skill and patience since they need to be bent in a precise way to accurately connect to each brake part. If you don’t have the proper tube-bending tools, it’s possible to damage your brake lines when trying to bend them on your own. Braided steel brake lines can be more susceptible to dirt infiltration, which can eat away at the Teflon layer beneath the braided coating, and cause leaks over time. For this reason, many people choose to buy pre-bent brake lines, which are already flared and bent in the right locations for your vehicle’s specific layout.
Cell Phone Holders
A good cell phone holder allows you to easily view and use your smartphone for navigation and digital music. It also gives you a safer driving experience by keeping your eyes on the road. A few mounts even include wireless charging capabilities. Some have digital keys, which can grant access to babysitters, friends or anyone else who drives your car.
Most vehicle owners have a particular place they want to mount their phone, such as the dashboard or an air vent. Windshield mounting is convenient but many states have laws against it, and it may block your field of vision. A vent clip is simpler but may not allow you to angle your phone toward the driver. Cup holders work well but are less mobile and can get bumped on rough roads.
The Loncaster was the fastest and easiest to install in our tests, with a simple adhesive bottom that sticks to your dashboard or console. It also holds your phone securely and is a great option for people who don’t want to deal with magnetic mounts. This model has an adjustable arm that holds your device and a gripping mechanism that pinches the back of the phone to keep it in place. It was stable during shake tests and held our test phones well during a bumpy ride. It also has a magnet in the base that can hold your cable when not in use.
Door Lock Covers
When it comes to car mods, it’s easy to get overwhelmed by the sheer number of options available. It’s also important to prioritize practical upgrades that will give you the biggest bang for your buck. These ten modification ideas fit that bill perfectly!
Installing door lock covers will increase the security of your vehicle by removing the ability for thieves to open your doors. These custom made steel discs cover the lock cylinder in your door handle and blend seamlessly with your existing handle. They come in a standard black finish or can be painted to match the handle color. This modification is especially useful if you’ve had your car stolen in the past.
Another upgrade that can make your vehicle safer is the addition of a tailgate step. These handy steps can help you climb into the bed or cargo area of your vehicle when you need to load and unload cargo. Some models mount to the hitch receiver, while others attach underbody.
Window deflectors can allow you to enjoy fresh air while driving by reducing interior wind noise, fogging, and interior heat. These inexpensive add-ons also improve your car’s appearance, with a four-piece set of window deflectors typically costing around $60. For a more subtle touch, you can also replace your hubcaps or wheel covers for a new look. These are usually a bit cheaper, with two-packs of chrome or colored covers costing around $15.
Window Deflectors
Sometimes called vent visors or rain guards, these car accessories help you enjoy fresh air by directing the wind away from your vehicle’s window. They also deflect rain, snow and dirt, which can improve your car’s gas mileage by minimizing the wind resistance that causes drag. There are two main types of window deflectors based on how they’re mounted: the “tape on” type that uses adhesive tape to attach the new part above your windows, and the “in channel” type that fits them into the channels that the window glass sits in.
The in-channel version, such as the one from WeatherTech, is the best choice for most vehicles because it fits securely and stays put even during a downpour or a trip through the car wash. They’re also easy to install, with most requiring no drilling or special tools. To ensure that they don’t damage your vehicle’s paint or rubber seals, avoid using any harsh detergents on your deflectors, and use a citrus-based cleaner when removing them.
Another option is the Auto Ventshade four-piece window deflector kit, which features a sleek matte black finish and looks like it came from the factory. This is a high-quality accessory that can withstand all kinds of harsh weather conditions, while also reducing road noise and improving your gas mileage. Its low-profile design helps to increase your driving comfort while allowing stale air to escape and fresh air to flow in, which reduces your AC use.
Car Door Light Projectors
Car door light projectors are a great way to make your vehicle stand out. They are wireless and fit into your existing courtesy lights, so they activate when you open your door. They also come in a variety of colors and logos, so you can find one that matches your vehicle’s style.
These lights can be used to welcome passengers or show off your favorite team. They are easy to install and can be installed on any type of vehicle.
They can also be used as a safety feature, especially for those who are driving at night. They create a bright virtual line in front of your vehicle that other drivers can see and follow. This may help you avoid an accident when changing lanes or turning.
Another way to use them is to warn other drivers not to blast their high beams in your face. This is a useful feature for those who like to drive on winding roads at night.
These puddle lights will make it easier for you to see if you’re parking over a puddle or not. They hook right up to your car’s wiring, so you don’t have to worry about a complicated installation process. They are also durable and have a nano-superconducting aluminum heat sink for efficient heat dissipation. The light also uses a high-powered LED that ensures the image won’t fade.
Hubcaps or Wheel Covers
Hubcaps or wheel covers are a quick and easy way to dress up your wheels while providing some added protection. They act as a shield against dirt, rocks, and chemicals that could damage your wheels and reduce your car’s performance. Plus, they look great!
A set of generic hub caps or wheel covers will run you about $50 or less. They’ll typically come in sizes measured in inches to match your wheel (14, 15, or 16 inch). Make sure you get the right size of cover for your wheels before ordering. Otherwise, you may end up with a cover that doesn’t fit well or doesn’t cover the entire wheel.
If you want to spend a little more, there are many aftermarket options for hubcaps or wheel covers. They come in a variety of styles, including chrome, silver, and even paintable versions to match your car’s color scheme. These hubcaps also have a higher-quality construction than the cheaper ones. They’re usually made of ABS plastic and finished with multiple layers of clear coat for durability.
A good hub cap or wheel cover will have a retention ring with a bend in it that’s designed to accommodate the valve stem. Line that up with the notch in the wheel cover to ensure a snug and secure fit. It’s best to jack your car up on solid, level ground when installing wheel covers or hubcaps to avoid any issues with alignment or the wheels being pulled off by a curb.
