Many drivers gradually conclude that they are missing something in their cars. They would like to replace outdated technology with a modern one, slightly increase the power, controllability, or safety of their car. But most of these modifications are simply impossible or very expensive. Fortunately, there are some inexpensive ways to improve your car.
Below are 10 inexpensive car modifications that will help improve your old car.
1. Replace brake lines
In most cases, rubber brake lines are used in cars. Rubber brake lines tend to corrode, expand in extreme heat, and crack in cold. But manufacturers continue using them because of their low price.
For greater reliability, you can replace the standard rubber brake lines with braided stainless steel tubes. They don’t rot, expand at high temperatures and crack. This prevents leakage of the brake fluid and increases your safety on the road. They can be replaced in auto repair in just several hours.
2. New multimedia system
Even some modern cars still have outdated mechanically controlled audio systems. In cars manufactured before 2010, this is the only option. Instead of such systems, you can install a multimedia complex with a touch panel, somewhat similar to a tablet. Moreover, such a modification is possible for most cars. In most cases, the tablet harmoniously fits into the interior of the cabin and can make your driving experience better.
The touch multimedia system is not only radio and playback from flash drives but also a navigator with Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, support for Android applications, the ability to watch videos, and other options. Besides, you can connect a rear-view camera to the system, making it a parking sensor and a video recorder.
3. Replace bushings
One of the simplest and most inexpensive modifications is the replacement of standard rubber or plastic bushings with polyurethane ones. Rubber has many disadvantages, including fast wear because of high load. Plastic is noisy and does not endure high loads. Polyurethane bushings, although they make the suspension more rigid, are wear-resistant and theoretically save you from expensive repairs.
4. Improve electronic control unit
Cars with an electronic control unit allow you to change the settings and turn them in different ways. A standard firmware installed from the factory usually has averaged values, but through simple manipulations, you can add a couple of extra horsepower to your car or reduce fuel consumption by sacrificing power.
By using the firmware, you can improve the operation of the internal combustion engine when the air conditioner is on, increase the response of the gas pedal, and smooth out turbo lags.
5. Reduce weight
New cars use lightweight materials like aluminum and plastic. But for the production of the old cars almost always used metal. Because of this, cars with the same engine power can have different acceleration, dynamics, and handling.
One easy way to improve handling and accelerate the car is to remove heavy parts and replace them with lighter ones. This can help reduce the weight of your car significantly. Keep in mind that each car is designed for its weight, therefore, with a lighter body, it can react more sharply to steering and become less stable at high speeds.
6. Update the brake system
One of the most inexpensive tuning options that will make your car safer is new discs, calipers, and pads. It all depends on your goals. For example, if the goal is quiet and gentle braking, then ceramic pads are the best choice. They generate little dust, which has a positive effect on the total resource of the wheels.
If the braking system has to withstand high loads, semi-metallic pads are the best option. Semi-metallic parts dissipate heat well, but they are not suitable for everyday use, as they are noisier and emit a lot of dust that settles in the calipers. This can negatively affect the resources of the wheels.
7. Shorten the gear lever
In new cars equipped with manual transmissions, you can notice that the lever has become noticeably shorter than in older models. This makes gear shifting smoother and more comfortable for the driver and also shortens the time between gear changes. The shorter the shift, the less time the driver will hold the steering wheel with one hand. This increases safety significantly.
Installing a short gear shift lever is not as difficult as it may seem. In most cases, it requires only a die for tapping an external thread and a hacksaw for metal. Thanks to this modification, the accuracy and clarity of switching will be significantly better.
8. Replacing spark plugs
Banal replacement of old spark plugs with new ones will not improve your car significantly. But replacing old spark plugs with an improved version like iridium spark plugs do can. The main difference between iridium spark plugs and standard ones is the absence of corrosion.
Thanks to the use of refractory iridium, these spark plugs can be replaced every 65 thousand miles. The spark in such spark plugs is more powerful. This improves the ignition process, increases power, and decreases fuel consumption.
9. Get a reliable set of tires
A trustworthy set of tires helps your car to hold the road more closely, especially when the weather is rainy or snowy. It is crucial to invest in a set of high-quality tires to guarantee that your car can run safely in any road conditions. Keeping your tires inflated according to the manufacturer’s recommendations, can improve your gas mileage and decrease the wear and tear of your tires.
10. Buy from trustworthy dealers
It’s always tempting to go online to buy the parts you need for your car for a better price. But investing a little extra money to buy car parts offline can guarantee you’re buying from a reputable dealer. This is critical for the safety and lifespan of the car.
If you buy low-quality parts, you may waste time and money installing parts that will have to be replaced again in a few months. Buying car parts from a reputable dealer may cost you more money upfront, but high-quality parts are better for your car and will last longer.
