Affordable Ways To Customise Your Luxury Ride

Modifying your car can be an excellent way to achieve a unique ride that meets your personal needs and preferences. Additionally, upgrading your vehicle can be a tremendously enjoyable and rewarding process, particularly if you’re a self-professed petrolhead. That being said, many car modifications aren’t cheap, and many will set you back significantly - the last thing you need when you’ve spent a fortune on your dream luxury vehicle. However, there are many alternative methods of achieving that perfect ride that won’t set you back any more than necessary - let’s take a look at some examples.

Window Tint

Tinting your car windows can be beneficial for several reasons. Firstly, the stylish appearance of tinted windows can give your ride a sleek edge, enhancing its visual appeal. Secondly, window tinting increases your privacy, making it harder for potential thieves to see what’s inside your car. As such, it can serve as a surprisingly effective security measure. Thirdly, window tinting can block up to 99% of harmful UV rays, keeping your car cooler in summer and reducing the risk of fading to your upholstery. Keep in mind that in the UK, a car’s front windscreen must let at least 75% of light through for it to be road legal. 

Wrap Or Decals

If you want to dramatically change the appearance of your ride or reduce the appearance of damage, a respray could be on the cards. However, considering a full respray could set you back several thousand, wrapping could be a better, more affordable alternative. Wrapping your car will also protect the original paintwork, boosting its resale value. However, if you’d prefer something a little more subtle and personal, custom decals are an excellent option for making your ride stand out. 

LED Underglow

Vibrant, futuristic, LED underglow lighting adds a stylish and eye-catching aesthetic to your ride. Currently, there are no laws prohibiting underglow lighting systems. However, there are specific guidelines outlined in the UK Law of The Road Vehicles Lighting Regulations 1989, determining which colours you are permitted to display. For example, blue, red and green lights are prohibited, as your car may be mistaken for an emergency vehicle. Stick to other colours to avoid potential fines. 

Seat Covers

Reupholstering your car seats can be an expensive and complicated process. While you can always pay for repair work to mend minor rips and tears, seat covers may be an overall better option. Not only can seat covers give your interior a completely refreshed and unique appearance, but like wrapping your car, they protect the original components from damage, potentially boosting the resale value when you decide to sell. Furthermore, you can find seat covers in varying colours and styles to suit your desired aesthetic. 

Steering Wheel Replacement

In the realm of performance car sales, steering wheel replacements are relatively popular. Replacing your car’s stock steering wheel with an aftermarket replacement is an excellent way to add a subtle touch of personality to your interior. If your budget is flexible, you could even purchase a custom steering wheel to improve both your car’s appearance and your driving experience. Whether you want a larger steering wheel for more leverage, or a smaller alternative for sharper, faster turns, a replacement steering wheel could make driving considerably more enjoyable. 

Short Throw Shifter

Along with an aftermarket steering wheel, replacing your car's stock gear shifter with a short throw shifter can enhance your driving experience in multiple ways. Firstly, a short shifter can reduce the shifting distance and effort required, resulting in quicker and more precise gear changes, improving the driving experience, as explained in this article. Additionally, the aesthetic appeal of a short throw shifter can add an extra touch of customisation to your car's interior. It is worth noting that this modification is best performed by a professional to ensure proper compatibility and installation. 

New Mats

Over time, your car’s carpets will become caked in dirt, dust and debris, no matter how often and thoroughly you clean them. The best way to preserve your carpets is by protecting them with floor mats. While you can keep your floor mats looking their best by regularly taking them out for deep cleaning, they will inevitably deteriorate over time due to heavy foot traffic. Treating your car to new mats is an exceptionally simple and affordable way to breathe new life into your interior. Consider replacing them once they show signs of wear and tear to keep your car looking fresh.