If you are not an expert, you’ll probably be in need of a bit of advice before you start on any project to improve your car’s performance. If you’ve decided to take the plunge and get some new performance car parts fitted, here are a couple of useful pointers.
Firstly, think about why you’re seeking improvements in your car. This can help you identify the best places to start for the best results. Are you looking to improve the acceleration or the fuel economy? Maybe, you should start with the cold-air intake or exhaust, then. The handling or the ride quality? Perhaps, adjustments to your suspension would be a good investment. Is your stopping power in need of a boost? The braking system may benefit from some attention. Deciding which areas to focus on initially will save you wasting your time and money installing car tuning parts that will never have the effect you’re looking for.
If you’ve identified a number of changes you wish to make on your vehicle, be aware that there is value in staggering the process, not least if you’re on a budget. Making additions to car tuning parts one at a time makes it much easier to measure the difference each one is having on your horsepower, your fuel efficiency and so on. There is also an added benefit; if you encounter any operational problems, it is far easier to track down what is responsible if changes are being implemented one by one.
What To Look For Before You Buy
Remember that one of the most important things to consider before buying any performance car parts is whether those parts are suitable for your make and model of vehicle. It’s, therefore, very important that you choose an online retailer which not only has a suitably wide selection of aftermarket products, but will also promise to order parts in if the kit you want is not currently in stock.
You should also be able to talk to knowledgeable staff before you buy if you need to. Look for a seller who stocks brand name products from some of the more recognisable manufacturers in the car world. This can be a guarantee that your purchase is of a sufficiently high quality to operate safely and efficiently once fitted. You should aim to buy from a seller with a good track record too, so it is well worth spending a little time checking online reviews and testimonials from previous customers.
Inevitably, things will go wrong for even the best supplier sometimes, so check that your standard consumer rights will be upheld if you have any issues with the car performance parts you purchase. Look for indications that the seller will go above and beyond these in the interests of good customer service.
How Do They Affect Your Car Insurance?
Many people invest in performance parts for cars each year to improve the way their vehicles look and perform. But if your vehicle is used on the roads, you may need to consider whether any such modifications will affect your car insurance. Here’s what you need to know.
When you ask for a quote from your chosen car insurance company, they will take a number of factors into account. These include how much the car is worth and how likely it is to become involved in an accident, as well as whether you go for at fault vs no fault insurance. They’ll also consider the risk of it being stolen.
The truth is that if you have purchased body styling performance car parts with the intention of making it appear more attractive, then you will also have made it a more attractive prospect for thieves. Modifications intended to make the car more powerful than the average make and model of its type, such as investing in cool new brakes or a bigger exhaust system, potentially means it is more of an accident risk. Equally, the cost of any repairs would be greater.
These two factors can also increase your insurance premiums. And if your car is written off totally, then the cost of replacing it, along with the car performance parts you have invested in, will also be higher. Again, this will push up the cost of your insurance. Despite this, you must be upfront with your insurers, otherwise you could find that your policy will be invalidated and you’ll be left out-of-pocket if the worst does happen.
Consider the Aesthetics
While everyone deserves to own their dream car, unfortunately, it’s not that simple. Owning your dream car will most likely take a lot of work and a lot of time. Not many people will even get the privilege to do that. However, whether it’s your first or last car, you should always try to make improvements where possible. One of the biggest ways to make improvements to a vehicle would be aesthetics.
This can include the car’s exterior, such as getting Ceramic Coatings for it, but it can even go for the interior, such as getting new seat coverings. Overall, why not consider aesthetics? It gives you a car that you’re going to love, and at the same time, you’re making the improvements that can help turn this into your dream vehicle.
Photo Credit: Ryan McGuire from Pixabay
