For a lot of drivers, turning their cars into performance-ready machines has always been a goal to achieve. From installing turbochargers and cold air intakes to braking and suspension upgrades, the list simply goes on.
There are even some car owners who want to make their vehicles look like a mean machine on the outside as it is on the inside, hence the heavily modified exterior.
Here are some of the most popular exterior mods you can install to make your car look performance-ready.
The wheels are some of your vehicle’s most noticeable parts. And while stock wheels are as good as they come, you can still take your daily driver’s looks to a whole new level with aftermarket modifications.
Aluminum, steel, and alloy wheels are the most common variants you’ll find in the market.
Aluminum wheels are relatively lightweight and impact-resistant. They can generally accommodate all driving purposes, including urban, rural, and off-road driving.
Aluminum wheels also come with lots of spoke options, giving you more room for customizing your vehicle.
Unlike aluminum wheels, steel wheels don’t have a lot of spoke options. However, steel wheels are highly resistant against cracks, dings, peeling, and pitting, making them one of the most durable wheel options in the market.
Steel wheels are also cheaper and easier to maintain than aluminum wheels.
Like aluminum wheels, alloy wheels are extremely lightweight, resulting in less rolling mass. These wheels are also corrosion-resistant and they can easily be forged to meet the specifications of big vehicles.
Average Price Range: $250-$500
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When it comes to making an ordinary car look racetrack-ready, the classic spoiler is usually the first thing that comes to mind.
Aside from giving your car a fresh look, the spoiler actually helps improve your vehicle’s aerodynamics at certain speeds. That means installing a rear spoiler gives your ride both an aesthetic upgrade and a performance boost.
Spoilers aim to reduce lift when you’re driving fast, resulting in less aerodynamic drag due to the downforce it creates.
Average Price Range: $50-$100
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Installing wheel spacers is one way to make your wheels pop without going overboard with your modifications.
Wheel spacers create some space between the wheel hub assembly and the wheel itself, causing the wheel to protrude. By widening the distance of the left and right wheels, they can help your vehicle’s handling, grip, and cornering.
Keep in mind, however, that having wheel spacers can result in increased steering effort and put more strain on your suspension parts.
Average Price Range: $100-$250
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The grille assembly is the first thing you’ll notice when you’re facing your vehicle. Grilles come in all sorts of designs, and if you think your stock grille isn’t good enough to make a statement, you can always find some modified ones in aftermarket shops.
Grille configurations can vary, depending on your vehicle’s specifications. Some grille types include inserts, shells, covers, air deflectors, and grille extensions, among others.
Grilles are also made from a variety of materials, including plastic, steel, aluminum, and stainless steel.
Average Price Range: $100-$250
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Headlight covers give off a smoky appearance that can enhance your vehicle’s aesthetic appeal and make your daily driver a bit more personalized.
Most headlight covers you’ll find in the market are intended to improve light distribution to help you see the road better. Be careful, though, as a lot of headlight covers, especially the carbon fiber, black, and paintable ones, are not street-legal.
If you’re looking for headlight covers for the sole purpose of protecting your headlights, you can opt for the clear ones. Clear covers protect your headlights from damage and scratches while letting the original headlight color and light pass through.
Average Price Range: $50-$100
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Switching up your hood’s material is one way to achieve a sporty exterior. Some of the most common materials you’ll find for car hoods include steel, plastic, aluminum, carbon fiber, and fiberglass.
Steel hoods are generally the most durable among other materials. These hoods tend to have better fitment than others, but they’re also the heaviest, so you can expect a drop in fuel economy.
Aluminum might not be as strong as steel, but it’s also a durable hood material. Aluminum significantly decreases a vehicle’s body weight, and for a part as big as the hood, having one made out of aluminum can improve your gas mileage.
Also, an aluminum hood is recyclable and energy-efficient, so this option is considered a sustainable one.
Fiberglass hoods are designed with performance in mind. This lightweight material can significantly improve a vehicle’s aerodynamics and fuel economy.
Despite being a light material, fiberglass is actually rust and corrosion-resistant, so you don’t have to worry about replacing it immediately. Fiberglass hoods are also customizable and can match any color of paint.
Average Price Range: $250-$500
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Replacing the valve stem cap is arguably the smallest modification you’ll find on this list, but it’s a great way to add a pop color or small detail on your tires.
Anodized caps are a popular choice for those who want a subtle upgrade, and you’ll also find a lot of caps that carry various car logos.
Still, a valve stem cap serves more of a functional purpose than an aesthetic one, as it helps keep the pressure in your tires at an optimal level.
When in the market for valve stem caps, you might come across one that has an air pressure indicator, making it easy for you to spot whether or not you need to pump some air in one of your tires.
Average Price Range: $10-$30
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Any information provided on this Website is for informational purposes only and is not intended to replace consultation with a professional mechanic. The accuracy and timeliness of the information may change from the time of publication.