Five Car Upgrades to Help You Ride in Style

A used car does not have to look and feel like a disused car. With some smart upgrades, it is possible to significantly extend your vehicle's life -- and make it markedly more desirable to drive as well.

Edmunds puts it plainly: "It is almost always less expensive to repair a car than buy a new one." There are other perks to upgrading your vehicle versus buying one new. These perks include:

• Getting the most value out of your vehicle. Even the most expensive repairs range from $3,000 to $5,000. That is remarkably less than the cost of a brand new car and much lower than the most used vehicles' going rate. If you find a used vehicle at that price, it will be a fixer-upper and need plenty of repairs to speed up.
• Avoiding extra fees. New cars have higher insurance rates. You will also be required to pay to register for a new vehicle.
• For some, cars have sentimental value. The best arguments for upgrading your car are not always the most pragmatic ones. One of the top reasons drivers continue to invest in their current vehicle is sentimental value.
• Mental health awareness and auto-themed clothing company founder Lewis Warren describes men's emotional connection with their cars. "Whenever I was going through my own mental health issues, I would go for a drive and clear my head and give myself some space." Therefore, the first upgrades to a car -- and any subsequent upgrades -- can help maintain your vehicle and that sentimental connection.

Here are some of the first upgrades to a car that will drastically improve its runs and looks.

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Basic Repairs

The first upgrades to a car should be practical ones. Start with necessary auto body repair -- and then you can move on to upgrades that may improve your vehicle's functionality and aesthetics. Here are some repairs to make from the get-go:

• Inspect essential mechanisms, gears, and tires. "Select each gear in turn and make sure they all engage. Then, move on to the brakes by driving the car forwards and backwards, gently pressing the brake pedal to ensure the car comes to a complete stop," Holts Auto recommends. Likewise, with the car at a complete stop and on a slight incline, engage the emergency brake. Start the vehicle to make sure it is working correctly.
• Quickly examine the tires. Ensure they are correctly inflated, have an appropriate amount of tread, and are free of visible damages.
• Check fluid levels. Check the oil, coolant, antifreeze, and other vital fluids. Replace or top these off if need be.
• Repair slight imperfections, like scratches and dents. Too often, drivers assume that slight -- sometimes nearly imperceptible -- damages to the car's exterior are a non-issue. However, that is not necessarily true. Even small scratches, dents, and cracks can damage the paintwork on your vehicle. Damaged paintwork is vulnerable to oxidisation and rust. Significant rust buildup can threaten the integrity of your car, ultimately causing the metal to corrode. Look into car dent removal and scratch repair as soon as possible before they become serious problems.

The first upgrades to a car ought to be smart, practical ones. Give your used vehicle a diagnostic once-over, checking for properly functioning gears, appropriate fluid levels, and a clean, intact exterior.

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Check With Insurance

After completing the first upgrades to a car, like necessary repairs, it is time to move on to optional upgrades. These may include tech-related or safety-related fixes or even cosmetic upgrades to your vehicle.

Before you do that, it is wise to check in with your car insurance agent.

Why? Unfortunately, some modifications may require you to purchase additional insurance. A few changes can even nullify your existing insurance coverage altogether.

For the best results:

• Talk to your insurance carrier before upgrading your vehicle. If you are not sure, the best thing to do is talk to your insurance company before upgrading or modifying your car. Use this opportunity to ask any questions you may have and to notify your insurance carrier if you plan to go ahead with changes.
• A word of caution: Do not make significant upgrades or modifications to your vehicle, hoping to fly under the radar. It is in your best interests to report changes. That will help you ascertain that you are covered in the event of an accident. Without writing significant changes to your vehicle, you may risk your insurance company denying your claim following a collision.
• Know what does and doesn't constitute a non-standard upgrade. You can reasonably do some things to your vehicle without any significant risk of nullifying your insurance coverage. For example, adding a keyless entry or a backup camera increases your vehicle's safety may not affect the insurance coverage you have on it.
• Upgrades or modifications that are non-standard include: adding spoilers, blowers, strokers, a custom paint job or mural, grills, accent lights, and suspension enhancers.
• Get confirmation in writing. As previously stated, it is always best to talk to an insurance agent if you have any questions. Should they tell you that a particular fix, modification, or upgrade will not impact your insurance, ask for confirmation in writing? Insurers should know what they are talking about and give consistent answers. However, like anything else involving significant amounts of money, it is always best to get a confirmation in writing. That confirmation will help you in the event of any future disputes.

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Keyless Start

Some of the first upgrades to a car beyond necessary repairs are often upgrades that make vehicles more convenient. Keyless remotes and remote starters are two such upgrades.

Is it possible to add keyless entry and remote start to most vehicles? "If your car or truck comes with electronic door lock buttons, the wiring or data control network in the vehicle can be integrated with a remote system," Best Car Audio writes.

Similarly, Consumer Reports advises that most cars manufactured in the mid-2000s can be fitted with a remote starter from their car's manufacturer.

Whenever possible, choose keyless remotes and remote starters from your vehicle's manufacturer. This will help with insurance costs and maintenance. If your car is not currently fitted with power locks, talk to a car locksmith or local auto specialist.

Chances are, he or she will be able to upgrade your car to accommodate these systems using aftermarket parts. If your vehicle requires an aftermarket remote, it is often best to get this system professionally installed to ensure quality.

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Using these systems, drivers can start vehicles within 250 and 350 feet -- and sometimes at even greater distances. This is perfect for helping warm your car up on cold fall and winter mornings.

These systems allow drivers to enter the vehicle without a key, open the truck without a permit, and -- depending on the car and remote -- start the vehicle without a key once inside as well.

Just remember to keep your key fob in a safe place where you will not accidentally start your car. In other words, your back pocket isn't the best place for it.

Many of these systems are now compatible with mobile technology and may be customised and operated using only your phone.

Backup Camera

Another one of the first upgrades to a car you should seriously consider is adding a backup camera. Adding a backup camera to your vehicle will cost $150 to $400 for the camera itself.

If you have someone else install it for you, the labour averages about $400 to $600, according to Edmunds. With some experience, it is possible to do it yourself.

"Installing a proper rear camera demands some advanced do-it-yourself skills and will take about three hours due to the careful removal of the rear hatch lining and other trim running all the way to the dashboard," Consumer Reports reveals.

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A backup camera makes your vehicle markedly safer -- and may even save lives. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) estimates that, if backup cameras were a mandatory feature in all vehicles, they would save at least 60 lives per year.

Backup cameras also make it easier to manoeuvre in tight spaces or while parallel parking.

Tint Your Windows

Picture this: You have completed the first upgrades to a car, covering necessary repairs and additional safety features. Now it is time to think about aesthetics. Consider simple upgrades that will significantly improve your vehicle's look and may even be practical, too.

Window tinting is one upgrade that is cosmetic and functional. Here are some of the advantages of tinting the windows in your car:

• Some window tinting prevents your car's windows from shattering. Window tinting is a window film that filters out or blocks light from entering your windows. That film also helps prevent windshield and window glass from cracking in the event of a crash or flying debris. If someone tries to break into your car, tinted window films will make it significantly more difficult for them to break the glass.
• Tinted windows block harmful UV rays. According to the Skin Cancer Foundation (SCF), Americans are more likely to get skin cancer on their left sides, thanks to UV exposure while driving. Fifty-three per cent of all skin cancers are on the left side of the body. Tinted windows block the majority -- nearly 100% -- of harmful rays from coming into your vehicle.
• Window tinting can prolong the life of your car's upholstery. Over time, constant or near-constant exposure to the sun will cause your car's interior to fade. That is especially true in mainly sunny states, like Texas and Florida. Window tinting significantly slows this process, often just about stopping it altogether.

Important note: Window tinting may not be one of the first upgrades to a car or one of the obligate upgrades. There are some essential things to consider before window tinting. It is most critical to know what is and what is not legal in your state before investing in the project.

According to Car and Driver, "In California, for example, a tinted bar up to five inches is allowed at the top of a windshield. In Illinois and Alabama, a window-tint bar of six inches is allowed.

In Michigan, any amount of tint is allowed on the rear side windows and rear window." Look up your state's laws before proceeding.

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Upgrading Your Car Parts

Whether they constitute some of the first upgrades to a car or upgrades that you will tackle later in the process, keep an eye out for reasonably priced foreign car parts, original equipment manufacturer (OEM) parts, and auto body parts.

Often, these upgrades are dictated by need. However, if you do not have a pressing need and simply wish to keep your car in the best possible condition, it is possible to do it by upgrading your car parts with at least some regularity.

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Upgrade brakes and braking systems on an older or well-loved vehicle. Consider switching out old exhaust systems for new ones to increase the efficiency and output of your car.

Keeping Costs Down

Whether you are completing the first upgrades to a car or you are months -- or even years -- into the process, it is always wise to keep costs as low as possible.

That way, if you have any unexpected repairs come up, or any unforeseen expenses come up in general, the upkeep on your vehicle will not break the bank.

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To keep costs as low as possible, search for trusted used car parts or purchase parts from a car salvage yard. Most people will stick to purchasing bumpers in good condition, rims, speakers, and interior features at a salvage yard.

Avoid essential and inexpensive parts, like brake pads and belts.

Is it time to upgrade your car? Upgrading your car can save you a significant amount of money in the long-run and ensure that your used vehicle is running like new. Start with the upgrades above for fixes that improve the safety and functionality of your car.