14 Ways to Customize Your Car without Looking Like a Loser

When it comes to owning your dream car, chances are you won’t find it in any magazine. Sure, you’ll see a new release that is almost as perfect as the one you’d imagined, but it’s just missing that certain something that makes you scream, this is it! That’s because most vehicles are designed to appeal to the masses; they are never designed for any specific person. But manufacturers know that originality is important to most, especially car enthusiasts, so they offer up a ton of cool design options and unique features to ensure you can design a vehicle that is uniquely yours. The only problem with this type of freedom is that more often than not people get carried away and end up with a car that says a douchebag is behind the wheel. So how can you make sure you get everything you want without looking lame? Stick to this list when it comes to your car’s upgrades for starters.

1. Aftermarket wheels. Purchasing 28” rims are for the posers still clinging to the late 1990s. The only aftermarket upgrade you should make to your car’s wheels is something solid and classy like Konig, Enkei, or Ronal wheels. They improve the handling of your vehicle thanks to reducing the unsprung weight. Adding wheel well lights that complement the car body color is the only other acceptable upgrade here. Adding a pop of color looks classy. Just don’t go overboard, not cool man, not cool.
2. Quality tires. There are many upgrades that you can afford to pass up, but having an excellent pair of tires isn’t one of them. Make sure you purchase the best quality you can afford to improve your handling, increase your acceleration, and help you brake better.
3. Upgraded brakes. Similar to the tires, you should never be stingy with your brakes. If you want to show out with your speed you need excellent brakes. Great brakes allow you to brake later, which means you get to throttle longer, allowing you to drive faster with less risk of crashing.

1. Short throw shifter. This works in concert with better tires and brakes; when you’re trying to shave a little time off your runs, this helps you shift quicker, thus giving you about a tenth off each lap if you have the skills too.
2. Shift knob. This is something you can have a bit of fun with; it’s not really seen by the outside world, so you can go all the way to the left if you want. You got the upgraded shifter for an excellent reason, so dress it up a bit.
3. Pedals. Replace your stock pedal with a motorsport-ready pedal; it will improve your shifting, and allow you to have better control of your car.
4. Shed those pounds. Lighter cars can handle hard corners better, allow you to accelerate quicker, and get you better fuel mileage. You can shed some weight by removing your standard hood and roof, and purchasing lighter ones.
5. Upgrade your engine. This is obviously going to be the most expensive addition, but for true-blue enthusiasts who want more horsepower and speed, this is a must. Just be sure you don’t get an engine that your car can’t handle, because nothing looks lamer than a blown out upgraded engine.
6. Performance exhaust. For those of you who think that louder is better, you are very wrong. There is nothing that screams I am overcompensating for something than an overly loud exhaust. Pick one that adds a little horsepower, and has an appropriate decibel level.

7. Custom paint job. This is a no-brainer. One of the easiest ways for your car to stand out is with a custom paint job. This doesn’t mean bright pink or lime green. Don’t get a tie dyed paint job, a Bugs Bunny on the hood, or your country’s flag on the trunk. All really dumb ideas. Pick a color that is different and unique, but not ridiculously flashy and loud. A stipe or two, and maybe one contrasting color is about as extra as you should go. Accent your custom paint job with custom underbody lighting for a sleek and stylish upgrade.

8. Custom upholstery. You went out of your way to make your exterior look badass, so do the same for your interior. Keep it simple and make sure it works well with your custom paint job. A nice custom leather with no more than two colors is perfect. Again stay away from cartoon characters, loud colors, and flags. Keep it classy.

9. Data logger. This is an upgrade for racing vehicles, not old school show cars. It’s for those who want to know their statistics, and use the information to analyze and improve several different aspects of their racing.

10. Speakers. There is simply nothing worse than listening to your favorite iPod playlist via crappy speakers. You’ve probably been stuck next to a car at a stoplight with music that’s so loud it’s vibrating your car. You can’t even make out the words. All you know is if the light doesn’t turn green soon, you may have to file a police report for assault on your eardrums. Don’t be that guy, focus on quality not volume.

11. LED lights. These are quickly becoming the only right choice for your vehicle, unfortunately the majority of car manufacturers still use traditional bulbs in car headlamps. LEDs are brighter, use less energy, last longer, and are comparable in cost to traditional bulbs due to their longevity. Customized LED lighting, often solid in kits, will keep you safer, because they make you more visible to oncoming traffic and let you see farther ahead on the roadway.

Making These Changes to Your Car Will Make You Look Like a Loser

There are many other ways you can customize your vehicle without looking like a loser you just have to look around to find the best fits for you. As a rule of thumb don’t purchase anything for your vehicle that has no reason to be there. For instance, if you’re not a sponsored race car driver there is no reason you should have fake badges, or racing stripes. You will look lame. Furry, leopard print, Walmart brand steering wheel covers are only acceptable for teenage girls who don’t have a clue, and let’s be serious not even they should have them.

Suicide doors on a Honda Civic are unacceptable, you should know that. Beaded seat covers, personalized license plates that say things such as PIMP JUICE, bad paint jobs, and wings/truck spoilers are also no-go. A popular trend that should not be one; is getting something called DONKS. For those who don’t know what they are, consider yourself lucky, and never purchase them. They’re shiny rims that are wrapped by skinny tires; they basically make your car look like a flashy wagon. Just picture that for a moment. Not good. If you follow the list above and bypass everything listed here, you can easily upgrade your car without looking like a total tool.

What are some upgrades you’ve made to your car that you think make it look good, or improve quality or function, not seen on this list?