12 Budget-Friendly Upgrades for Your Car

Upgrading your car can improve its performance and make it safer and more fun to drive. Yet, drivers often hesitate, thinking upgrades will be too expensive. This isn't necessarily true: sometimes, it's the cheap car upgrades that deliver the most value.

Consider this: in the post-pandemic economy, drivers are hanging onto their cars longer than ever. Upgrades become more important as a vehicle ages, since wear and tear tends to take a cumulative toll.

Small but savvy improvements can extend your car's lifespan, helping you save money and get the best possible value from the investment you've made in your vehicle. Here are 12 upgrade ideas that will improve your driving experience and protect your car (and you) without breaking the bank.

Interior Accessories

Spruce up your car's interior on a budget by adding these practical accessories:

Seat Covers

Seat covers protect your upholstery from stains and the fading that inevitably comes with years of sun exposure. They're especially useful if you've got kids or pets.

Basic options are cloth-based, but you can also get seat covers made of high-performance materials like vinyl, leather, and neoprene. If you're looking for a liquid-proof option, neoprene is great: it's the same material diving wetsuits are made with.

If your vehicle has side airbags, check your seat covers for compatibility before you buy. You don't want your covers to block your side airbags from deploying in the event of an accident.

Floor Mats and Liners

Floor mats and liners capture the moisture and debris that gets tracked into your car. Mats are small but economical. Liners cost a little more, but they offer more protection and cover a wider area. 

Look for thick mats and liners bordered with high edges to stop liquid from spilling out. Make sure the mat or liner also has some kind of securing mechanism that will stop it from slipping around.

Steering Wheel Covers

Steering wheel covers can hide cosmetic defects caused by wear and tear. They also improve grip comfort, making them well worth the cost if you regularly drive long distances. Cloth covers tend to cost the least, and they're also easy to install. Materials like PVC and leather offer more durability, but they can get hot when exposed to direct sunlight.

Depending on your tastes, other options like silicone, rhinestone, microfibers, or wool may be a better match. If you're wary of odors, natural materials and faux leather are your best bets.

Safety Improvements

For cheap car upgrades with a high impact, focus on safety. Small touches can make a big difference, especially if you drive at night a lot, or live in a climate with challenging weather. 

High-Performance Headlights

Good headlights dramatically improve visibility during nighttime driving while giving your vehicle a premium look. Make sure you follow proper maintenance guidelines and best practices to get the most out of your new lights, and always replace your headlight bulbs in pairs. That way, they'll have identical light orientation, brightness, and distribution.

Quality Wiper Blades & Windshield Wash

Vehicle manufacturers often recommend that you change your wiper blades at least once a year, or more often if you live in a cold or rainy climate. Choose wiper blades that match your performance requirements. For example, you might need a speciality blade if you have to deal with a lot of wicked winter weather.

While you're at it, pair your new wiper blades with premium windshield wash. A dirty windshield can lead to dangerous visibility impairments, so investing in a streak-free fluid with excellent all-season performance is a must. 

Cameras

Aftermarket back-up cameras add a welcome layer of safety and security. As you shop for this convenient feature, consider more than just image resolution and low-light performance capabilities. Some simple models are suitable for DIY installation, but others require a professional touch.

Don't overlook dashcams: many motorists swear they're one of the best cheap car upgrades a driver can make. Insurance companies note the important role dashcams play in preserving evidence in the event of an accident or other incident.

Audio & Media Upgrades

Since you'll be making upgrades to extend your car's lifespan, you might as well enjoy all the extra time you'll be spending with your vehicle. These fun but cheap car upgrades are a great place to start:

Aftermarket Speakers, Amplifiers & Subwoofers

To boost your in-car entertainment experience, start with your speakers. It might surprise you to learn that you can get quality aftermarket speakers that deliver premium sound for less than $100.

Similar price points can get you a set of new amplifiers that will make your audio crisp and clear, and a subwoofer to boom your bass. You can also add inexpensive sound-dampening mats to your floor and door panels to block out road noise while you rock out.

Bluetooth Car Kits

Going hands-free is the safe way to make calls and access media while you're on the road. The best way to avoid breaking distracted driving laws is to invest in a complete Bluetooth compatibility kit.

For a safe solution at a mid-range price point, consider semi-integrated Bluetooth adapter kits. These kits use stick-on control buttons that link to your phone and clip-on speakers for hands-free calling. 

Navigation Systems

If your car pre-dates the era of standard GPS-enabled navigation systems, don't sweat it. For a reasonable price—usually in the range of a couple hundred dollars—you can add a portable GPS unit to any vehicle, no matter how old.

In addition to price, research these factors as you weigh your options:

• Map coverage
• Accuracy of driving directions
• Screen size and layout
• User interface features
• Warranty coverage and the manufacturer's reputation

For a cheaper alternative, just pick up a smartphone mount for your dashboard. This will give you safe and easy visual access to online navigation tools like Google Maps. However, you'll need to maintain an internet connection to keep receiving directions. If your travels take you to remote places, a satellite-powered GPS unit might be a better bet.

Revamp Your Styling

Score bonus style points with these cheap car upgrades for your vehicle's exterior:

Hub Caps & Rims

Hub caps protect your wheels by warding off rain, snow, slush, and other elements that can cause corrosion. To find the right size, check your tires. There, you'll find a set of alphanumeric characters. Look for the letter "R," then find the number that follows it. That number represents the hub cap size you'll need.

New rims add more pizzazz while boosting performance. When budgeting, remember that auto experts often recommend pairing new rims with new tires.  

Exterior Lighting

Underbody lighting makes a great match for sleek and sporty cars, especially if you're looking to attract attention. LED kits start at surprisingly affordable prices, and they also enhance safety by increasing your vehicle's nighttime visibility.

Decals & Stickers

Have some fun or make a statement by adding decals or stickers to your car's exterior. If you're uninspired by standard offerings, you can easily order custom decals or stickers online.

No matter how you choose to upgrade your car, PEAK products will help keep it running in prime condition. Check out our complete product lineup by visiting PEAKAuto.com.

Looking for more? Check out this video from ChrisFix on how to buy a car to flip for a profit.