Not everyone can afford to purchase a brand-new luxury car. Studies show that new cars have become more and more unaffordable, with prices shooting up five times faster than salaries in the past ten years. If you are thinking of switching up your driving experience but aren’t ready to buy a car, you might want to try making a few additions to upgrade your current vehicle. This is a great and affordable way of getting the features and feel you want in an expensive car. Here are a few changes you can make to pull this off.
- Upgrade your car stereo system
If you have a slightly older vehicle, you can replace its stereo or audio system with a more modern version. There are several types available on the market, so you’re bound to find one that suits your specific needs. However, replacing an entire system can be financially draining. If you’re on a tight budget, you can choose to improve or upgrade your car’s stereo system in different stages.
You can start by replacing the traditional factory radio installed in your car by its manufacturer. A custom-made radio system tends to have more power, improving its functionality. Depending on the type of radio system, you can enjoy listening to music with your smartphone or other devices. Ensure you get one that enables hands-free calling, which is a vital feature. Your speakers are also crucial when giving your car a new and expensive look. Good speakers elevate your listening experience as they produce quality sound. Fortunately, there are various sizes and colours designed to match your interior. You can install a subwoofer, especially if you want a system with more bass.
- Get a new steering wheel
Most drivers don’t think of replacing their steering wheels despite it being the most used and vital part of their car. Changing your steering wheel is a great way to enhance the look and feel of your car. A wood and chrome design steering wheel can give your car a luxurious feel that you’d want from an expensive vehicle.
In addition to aesthetics, changing your current steering wheel to a more custom-made one can enhance your overall driving experience. Alternatively, you can get a cover instead of changing the steering wheel completely. A beautifully-designed cover can hide the signs of wear marks while giving your steering wheel a new look.
- Upgrade your seat covers
Similar to your car’s exterior, its interior can take a beating when used constantly, giving it a dull and worn look. Giving your car seats a new look can instantly take your vehicle from dull to luxurious. Seat covers are excellent and practical solutions for protecting your seats from damage and adding some style. Plus, they are easy to maintain and are incredibly affordable.
Changing your seat covers should be one of the first things you consider when planning to give your car a more expensive look. You can have them custom-made or choose from the wide range of designs available, such as canvas, denim, leather, and so much more. You’ll be amazed to see how seat covers can hide any blemishes while giving your car a new look.
- Wax your car regularly
Keeping your car clean and well-maintained is one of the best ways to extend its lifespan. While most drivers focus on the car’s engine and other parts, your vehicle’s exterior is extremely important. One way to ensure your car always looks good is by waxing it. Waxing makes your car shine, making it appear new and appealing. You can hire the services of professional waxers to give you an added shine, or you can do it at home yourself. You can purchase spray-on wax that you can easily apply to your car’s exterior and wipe off with a microfibre towel. You can also wax the interior, including components like your dashboard or if you have leather seats.
Waxing your car regularly also protects it against any scratches and prevents its paint from exposure to harsh weather conditions. It can also save you a lot more money since you wouldn’t have to spend so much on getting paint jobs, and it improves its resale value since its body will be in good condition whenever you are ready to sell.
- Personalised car number plates
If you want to set your car apart from the others and give it an expensive appearance, you might want to think about getting a personalised number plate. Private number plates give your car a unique identity. Plus, a private number plate can help you express yourself and stand out. For instance, you can use personalised plates to show off your quirky personality. You can also use these plates to showcase something of significance to you, like your initials, name, birthday, and so on. You can do much to show your car’s personality with a private number plate. Aside from giving your car a personality or showing off yours, a private number plate can also be a good investment. Because it is unique, it will increase in value over a period.
- Tint the windows
Your aged car window may not be looking too great. Over time, your windows may have developed a dull and outdated look as compared to the new cars you see on the street. You can give your old windows a new and edgy look by including a window tint. Not only does tinting your windows give your car a more expensive and newer look, but it also protects you from harmful UV rays while driving around during the day. Tints also add privacy and improve the overall look of your car.
You can choose to have your window tints professionally done, but there are several DIY tips available to help you do so yourself, saving you money if you’re on a budget. Ensure that you familiarise yourself with laws and regulations on window tints. You could receive a penalty notice or court summons if your vehicles are overly tinted.
- Install a new set of tires
Another quick way to give your car an expensive facelift is to replace your existing tyres with new ones. But it would be best if you also considered it as a safety upgrade, especially since new tires will give your car better traction and enhance its road performance. You can also try restoring your current tires if they are worn out but not badly damaged.
You can choose to go with changing the size of your tires or replacing the hubcaps. However, if you want to make a statement and give your car a more expensive look and feel, you can consider including rim protectors. The key is to use those moderately so your car doesn’t look tacky.
- Interior and exterior lighting
Your car’s lighting system plays a significant role in the look and feel it gives off. Therefore, investing in interior and exterior lighting to make your car look and feel more expensive is a great idea.
You should consider installing lights along the doors and dashboards for the interior. These subtle light systems create an illusion of luxury whenever you’re in the car. To add to the effect, be sure to select LED lights with warm coloured hues. Regarding your car’s exterior, you should replace the headlights and rear lights if they are dull or simply give them a good bout of cleaning. You can also consider getting headlight covers for additional protection and appearance improvement. There are several available on the market, so it shouldn’t be hard to find one that suits your style and preference.
- Wrap or decal
Wrapping and decals are some of the latest trends in the auto industry. They are extremely affordable and can greatly impact your car’s appearance. It’s a perfect choice, especially if your car is not looking in top form, as it transforms its look and makes it look expensive.
You can get simple wrapping or decals for your roof and wing mirrors. They are subtle changes, but when done correctly can make your care stand out immediately. Another amazing advantage of getting a wrap or including a decal is that it looks similar to a paint job. You can wrap your car in nearly every colour available and choose any patterns or designs to match.
- Install a backup camera
Backup cameras are one of several safety features found in modern cars. Although older cars like yours may not have this feature, you can still buy a backup camera and have it installed.
There are numerous benefits to having a backup camera installed. Firstly, you would no longer have to deal with blind spots, making reverse parking much easier. With this feature installed, your car will fit in with the other high-end vehicles.
Choosing to modify your current car is the best way to save money instead of buying a new car. Many car owners are choosing to give their vehicles custom touches. With these tips, you will be well on your way to giving your car an expensive look without having to break the bank. There are so many other changes that you can make to give your car a luxurious and expensive appearance.
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