Many people love fast cars. They get them from where they are to where they want to be. Somewhere along the ride, these people catch themselves grinning as the world passes them by in a blur and their problems become mere specks in the rearview mirror.
But not everyone can afford fast cars. So some settle for upgrading their rides with mods. Improving performance still costs money—lots of money. But there are a few cost-efficient ways.
Adjust the Suspension
The steadier a car stays in contact with the ground, the more acceleration it can get. A stiffer suspension makes tires less likely to wobble. It’s especially useful when driving on bumpy roads.
The downside to this is that steering the car will feel rougher. Take note too that there are legal restrictions to this. Each state has its own laws and requirements for the legal ride height. You should find that out first before attempting to adjust your car’s suspension.
Bigger Wheels and Wider Rims
Increasing the amount of contact a car has with the ground will mean more speed. So naturally, getting bigger wheels will significantly increase your car’s performance. Since bigger wheels need wider rims, you may as well get those too. It’ll make your ride look badass.
Replace the Exhaust
A car’s exhaust system functions as its lungs. As cars age, gunk accumulates in the exhaust system. By replacing parts of an old exhaust system with new ones, it allows your car to “breathe” easier, translating into more horsepower.
While a full system replacement is costly, individual parts can be swapped in with cheap, common materials. For example, a stainless steel pipe can replace your old exhaust tube.
Carbon Fiber License Plate Frame
Hey, why not? If it makes your car feel like it performs better, why not indulge in a bit of image upgrade? Having a license plate frame made from carbon fiber does that in a subtle way. It’s not too pompous or attention grabbing. It just oozes suave respect.
Reduce the Overall Weight
A lighter car will accelerate faster than a heavier one even if they both have the same engines. Removing unnecessary car parts will work wonders.
It may seem impractical to take out the passenger and back seats. However, if there’s only one person using the car, then it’s a cheap and quick way to get a performance boost.
Love Your Car
By that, we mean taking good care of it. Change the oil regularly, check the wear on the tires, and replace them if needed. Make sure all fluids are flowing smoothly.
These are some of the ways to keep your car tip-top shape. These tiny things will go a long way in making sure your car doesn’t break down or need a serious overhaul. Love your car, and it’ll love you back.
Before Driving Off
Regardless if your car is an old surplus car or a new one fresh off the factory, get the most out of it with these six cost-efficient ways to improve car performance. Half of the fun with owning cars is in making modifications to them on your own, without having to call for a mechanic. See you on the streets, driver.
