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Rev Up Your Ride 9 Best Car Upgrades That Are Worth Your Money

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Written by

CarParts.com

Staff Writers

Updated on January 20th, 2022

“What upgrades can I do to my car?” That’s a question you’ve probably asked yourself.

There are different types of car modifications out there, but not all of them are worth your money. If you want to improve your vehicle’s looks and performance without breaking the bank, you have to be smart about the mods you choose.

Some aftermarket modifications can make your vehicle more stylish, efficient, and responsive. We’ve compiled the best ones in this article to help you get started.

Best Car Upgradesin 2022

There are virtually hundreds of options when it comes to modifying your vehicle, so it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. That’s why we’ve selected ten of the most practical, bang-for-your-buck mods, so that you don’t end up spending money on flashy but ultimately useless modifications, like a neon underglow. These ten car mods are sure to improve your overall driving experience and give you the confidence you need to showcase your ride. What’s more, all these car upgrades are suitable for any budget.

Suspension Mods

There are many ways to upgrade your vehicle’s suspension to fit your driving needs. Some drivers lower their vehicles for better stability and handling on the road and on the track, while others lift their trucks or SUVs for more ground clearance. Here are two of the most popular suspension mods you can try.

Lowered Suspensions

Lowering Kit Cost: $170 - $1400 Estimated Labor Cost: $200 - $800

A lowered vehicle not only looks better, it also performs better. That’s because lowering the suspension also lowers the vehicle’s center of gravity and improves handling, particularly around corners. Lowered vehicles can settle into a turn much faster due to the shorter suspension travel.

If you plan on lowering your suspension system, there are some things you should know. Some states have different laws on vehicle suspensions. For example, in Georgia, it’s illegal to alter your suspension two inches above or below your vehicle’s factory recommendation. Make sure to do your research before modifying your vehicle to avoid any legal issues. Lowering your vehicle can also lead to higher insurance premiums, so you need to notify your insurance agent about any modifications made to your vehicle. Also keep in mind that lowering your suspension can potentially void your vehicle’s factory warranty, so make sure to check your warranty before doing this mod.

Lifted Suspensions

Lift Kit Cost: $300 - $5,000 Estimated Labor Cost: $500 - $2,000

Want to take your truck or SUV out on the trail? You might want to add a lift kit. A lift kit raises the vehicle’s body or suspension, adding ground clearance for greater off-road capability.

However, there are some caveats to lifting your suspension. You’ll have to check specific state rules on how tall your vehicle can be. In Connecticut, for example, you’re only allowed to lift your suspension by a maximum of four inches. In Georgia, you’re limited to a two-inch increase in ground clearance. Make sure that any modifications to your vehicle's suspension are aboveboard because they can affect your vehicle’s insurance policy. Lifting your suspension can also potentially void your vehicle’s factory warranty, so make sure to check your warranty before doing this mod.

Comfortable Seats

Car Seat Cost: $60 - $2,000 Estimated Labor Cost: Depends on your location

You simply can’t overlook the benefits of a good car seat. Apart from improving the look of your vehicle’s interiors, a new car seat can provide comfort during long drives. There are many ways to modify your car seats, depending on your vehicle. If you have an older vehicle and you want to restore its seating, you can slip on new seat covers and replace your worn-out cushions. For a sportier look, you can replace your stock car seat with an aftermarket bucket seat with five or six-point harnesses. These seats can hold you in place when you need to make sharp turns or hit the brakes.

There are no laws against fitting new seats in your vehicle, but we recommend having your seats fitted by a professional to ensure proper installation.

High-Performance Tires

Tire Set Cost: $150 - $300 Estimated Labor Cost: $13 - $45 per tire

If you want to optimize your vehicle’s performance without breaking the bank, you should look into getting a new set of aftermarket performance tires. These specialized tires are designed to improve your vehicle’s traction and handling while providing better resistance against overheating, which is a common cause of tire failure. When combined with a low suspension system and bucket seats, high-performance tires can give your vehicle a racing edge.

However, aftermarket performance tires are quite expensive. If you’re only using your vehicle as a daily driver, you likely don’t need to replace your stock tires until they’re worn. You should only get performance tires if you want a heightened driving experience or plan to bring your car to the track. Keep this in mind if you’re planning to buy a set for your vehicle.

A Thumping Sound System

Sound System Cost: $400 - $1,000 Estimated Labor Cost: $250 - $1,000

Do you enjoy listening to music while driving? If so, you might want to consider upgrading your vehicle’s sound system. There are many kinds of components you can install to improve your overall listening experience. The price will vary depending on the sound quality that you want. If you’re looking to upgrade your sound system on a budget, you can probably find a new radio and speakers for $400. Amplifiers and subwoofers can cost even more, but they're well worth the price if you want a truly immersive audio experience.

While there are no national laws prohibiting drivers from blasting loud music, some states have their own rules and regulations, which limit the amount of noise a vehicle can make. In New York, for example, car audio can’t be louder than 15 decibels from 15 feet away. Make sure to do your research to avoid getting pulled over and fined.

New Bushings

Bushings Cost: $5 - $1,200 Estimated Labor Cost: $100 - $1,000

Automotive bushings are small cushions that reduce friction between your vehicle's metal parts. They also reduce your vehicle’s vibrations and noise when driving over speed bumps and potholes, which helps provide a comfortable ride. If you’ve had your vehicle for a while, you should probably check on your stock bushings. Most cases of control arm damage are associated with cracked or worn-out bushings.

There’s no shortage of high-quality aftermarket bushings online. Some bushings are made from steel or aluminum for durability. Others are made of less expensive polyurethane and synthetic elastomer. Different materials offer different advantages. There are aftermarket bushings specifically designed for high-performance driving.

New Paint Job

Paint Job Cost: $500 - $10,000

A professional paint job can highlight your vehicle’s best parts. The price of a paint job will vary depending on several factors, such as paint quality, vehicle size, and finishes. Some custom shops may charge more for vehicles that have surface imperfections because they’ll have to paint around them or cover them up. Adding design touches like racing stripes can also increase labor cost. Keep these things in mind if you’re looking to customize your vehicle’s look with a new paint job. Generally speaking, you have complete freedom when it comes to painting your vehicle.

Tinted Windows

Window Tint Film: $50 - $800 Estimated Labor Cost: $5 - $10 per square foot

Tinted windows can improve a vehicle’s look and provide protection against UV light. They can also reduce glare from bright light sources. Aftermarket window tint films come in different shades. A darker film has a lower percentage of light transmission than a lighter film. That means there’s less light entering the vehicle through the window.

Not all tint shades are legal. The rules and regulations on window tinting differ from one state to the next. Check your state’s department of motor vehicles to learn about the legal light transmission levels in your area. Being familiar with your state’s tinting regulations can help you make an informed decision when choosing which window tint film is appropriate for your vehicle.

Headlight Conversion

Headlight Conversion Kit Cost: $30 - $220 Labor Cost: $250 - $1,000

Many vehicles have halogen headlights as standard. This is especially true for vehicles around 10 years or older. Halogen bulbs emit a lot of heat, which can cause burns if they’re touched. Fortunately, you can convert your halogen headlights into LED headlights using an aftermarket headlight conversion kit. LED bulbs are much safer than their halogen counterparts because they shine brighter and generate less heat. LEDs also perform more efficiently and don’t burn out like incandescent bulbs, although LEDs can fade over time.

When shopping for LED headlights, only order ones that are SAE-certified or DOT-approved. LED headlights with an SAE stamp have gone through strict testing and certification to ensure the best quality. The same goes for headlights that are listed as DOT-approved or DOT-certified. An SAE or DOT certification is a good indication that your headlight is safe and legal.

WhatCar ModsAreIllegal?

Not every vehicle is perfect right out of the factory. Some of them require aftermarket modifications to reach their full potential. If you’re planning to modify your vehicle, you should first study your state’s rules and regulations, as some modifications are illegal. The penalties for illegal car mods will vary from one state to the next, so you need to check your state’s Department of Motor Vehicles to make sure you’re not breaking any state laws. There are also federal laws on car modifications. For example, if you remove the emissions equipment from your vehicle’s exhaust system, you’re violating a federal law called the Clean Air Act, which regulates vehicle emissions. You also shouldn’t add a radar and laser jammer to your vehicle because they’re prohibited by federal law. Breaking federal laws can result in a hefty fine, or even jail time, so it’s best to practice due diligence before making any modifications to your ride.

In general, aftermarket modifications that will make your vehicle less safe, endanger others, or prevent identification from authorities tend to be prohibited. You should avoid potentially illegal permanent car modifications as much as possible because they might cause legal problems if you need to drive cross-country. There are plenty of aftermarket alternatives for the mods we’ve mentioned. We urge you to do your own research to figure out what works best for your driving needs.

Bottom line

There are a number of practical, financial, and legal considerations when it comes to modifying your ride. You have to make sure your vehicle’s modifications meet this criteria if you don’t want to waste any money or run into legal trouble. Aftermarket modifications are a lot of fun to do, but make sure to stay on the right side of the law. Hopefully, we’ve given you enough ideas, so that you can start modding your vehicle.

Is there a mod you want to try? Feel free to send us a message. We’d love to hear what you have to say. Don’t forget to keep us posted on your modding journey this 2022. Good luck and happy modding!

About CarParts.com

For over 20 years, CarParts.com has been a leader in the e-commerce automotive aftermarket, providing collision, engine, and performance parts and accessories. With over 50 million parts delivered, we've helped everyday drivers across the contiguous United States find the right parts to keep their vehicles on the road.

With a focus on the end-to-end customer experience, we've designed our website and sourcing network to simplify the way drivers get the parts they need. Our vehicle selector and easy-to-navigate, mobile-friendly website offer customers guaranteed fitment and a convenient online shopping experience. And with our own wide distribution network, we bring the very best brands and manufacturers directly to consumer hands, cutting out all the brick-and-mortar supply chain costs to provide quality parts at a discount for our loyal customers. Combined with our 60-day return policy and satisfaction guarantee, CarParts.com makes it simple for customers to get parts delivered straight to their door. CarParts.com is headquartered in Torrance, California.