The average American spends 26 minutes going to or from their job, the longest amount of time since this statistic has been taken. We are spending more time in our cars than ever, so naturally we should treat them as another aspect of our lives to upgrade, stylize, and personalize to reflect our unique lives and personalities. There are a multitude of aftermarket car mods available on the market today, but what ones will give you the most bang for your buck? Here are the top five aftermarket car mods that will increase your car’s comfort, express your unique worldview, and even increase resale value.
1: Window Tinting
One of the quickest, easiest, and cheapest car mods out there, car tinting won’t just keep your interior cool in the bright summer sun, it will also increase your car’s resale value. Without window tinting, there’s a high likelihood that UV rays will come into your car and damage its interior. This damage can include warping plastic on the dashboard, fading upholstery, and even causing damage to electronics in the dash. Just remember that not all car tinting is legal in every state, so you should check up on your local laws before committing to a specific type of window tinting.
2: Upgraded Stereo System
From long road trips to your daily commute, there’s a high chance that the stereo system in your car sees a lot of use. Depending on the age of your vehicle or the upgrades you chose, you may be being forced to deal with a substandard radio system that doesn’t give you the sound you deserve. This is an upgrade that should be left to a professional, however, since installation errors or choosing the wrong equipment can lead to incredibly expensive mistakes.
3: Sunroof
Adding a sunroof is a great way to both add resale value to your car and provide a wonderful breeze on a hot day. It’s also surprisingly affordable, with professional installation being as inexpensive as a few hundred dollars for an upgrade that adds much more value when you do decide to sell your vehicle. This is also a mod with a huge number of options, including UV screening, powered or automated sunroofs, and other options. Talk to a professional about your options and prepare for a game changer.
4: Rims and Wheels
Modding your rims and wheels is a great way to give your vehicle a personal touch, and if you upgrade strategically you can increase the resale value of your vehicle dramatically. In addition, good quality rims can improve your car’s performance, gas mileage, and general handling. As a general rule, increasing rim size and lowering your vehicle’s sidewalls will give you more control over your car’s handling while decreasing rim size and increasing the sidewalls will reduce the bumpiness of your vehicle’s ride.
5: Interior Design Upgrade
There are a number of reasons why you might consider upgrading your car’s interior design. Over time, the UV rays of the sun can make your car’s interior faded, brittle, and unattractive. If you have an older vehicle you may want to upgrade the interior so it doesn’t look so dated, and there are a number of interior design upgrades that can increase the comfort of your vehicle as well. This is one mod that is friendly to DIY enthusiasts, since replacing carpets and seats is relatively simple with little direction, and even professional installation tends to be relatively inexpensive. An upgraded interior will allow you to use your vehicle more comfortably, and the resale value will shoot up when your car’s interior looks new and modern.