It’s no secret that the automotive industry is changing. With more and more car manufacturers turning to the latest technology, it seems like many people are waiting for their chance to get in on the trend. And why not? Some estimates put the cost savings of a modern vehicle at thousands of dollars per year alone.
If you want to make sure you don’t miss out on any future innovations, there’s a quick and easy way to do so. It involves touching up your ride with affordable aftermarket upgrades. Here are some ways to modernize your ride without breaking the bank.
Interior and Exterior Detailing
A car detailing company might be the last place you’d expect to find a cheap upgrade, but sometimes they’re just what your ride needs. Most affordable upgrades are minor touch-ups that will only take an hour or two of work. If your ride lacks some luster, this one quick job can make it look new again!
Today’s most sought-after paint jobs include metallic flakes. These are just small pieces of metal blended into the paint for extra sparkle. An expert detailer can mix these flakes in perfectly to match your ride’s color or any other accent colors you have in mind.
Your local detailing shop might even sell the products they use. They might be willing to cut you a deal if you bring your supplies. In any event, many of these service providers will give a quote on their labor before beginning work.
Stereo System and Interface
There’s nothing wrong with keeping it old school, but some upgrades are just too good to pass up. Many vehicle owners have been changing their dashboard displays to give them information like real-time traffic updates or current gas prices.
These can save you time and money, which will add up over the long term. And because many of these upgrades are simply adding a new screen where your old one used to be, installation is usually quick and easy.
Wireless Accessories
Vehicles are quickly becoming the ultimate mobile device. Since manufacturers began offering built-in Bluetooth connections, drivers have been able to stream music and pay for their purchases at the pump by simply tapping a card reader on their dashboard.
Unfortunately, that convenience can come with a hefty price tag. But there are less expensive alternatives that only require you to pair your phone to your vehicle’s audio system.
Now you can text or call through your car with relative ease. And the best part is that most Bluetooth device manufacturers offer affordable replacement products that are easy to install, so you never have to be without convenience again.
Tires
Some of the newest tire technology can make driving feel like a brand unique experience. You may not realize how essential your tires are until you get a new set. Your old ones could be worn out, need balancing, or have many miles on them.
These issues can cause severe damage to your vehicle and make it less efficient while costing you money in gas. This part is where the value of a modern tire upgrade is easy to see.
New tires will give you a smooth ride and help you achieve better gas mileage. Since the two problems that affect your tires, most are wear and inflation; any good tire specialist will be able to address both needs at once.
Vehicle Monitoring Systems
If you’re the type of person who always needs to know where your ride is, this next upgrade might be just what you need. Vehicle tracking systems give owners peace of mind while their car is in use.
These devices can give you real-time updates on things like location and speed, so you never have to ask again if your car is where you left it. Plus, a good tracker can provide you with a record of everywhere your vehicle has been and alert you to any possible damage to the street sides or interiors.
In some cases, your insurance company may even offer discounts for using one of these devices. Installing a monitor might be necessary before taking advantage of this benefit, but it’s well worth the effort.
No matter your budget or how much work you’re willing to put in, there is a vehicle upgrade for you out there somewhere. It may be a little time-consuming to look at, but an expert can help you find what you need.
Just remember that these upgrades might not be available for every make and model, so it’s best to check with professionals before you start shopping. Nonetheless, modernizing your ride is one of the most convenient ways to update your style for a new season or occasion.
