The passenger cars that have been released in recent years have really changed what is considered standard equipment. Upgrading an older car can help extend its life and make driving more enjoyable and convenient.
Not all upgrades are cost-effective, so from fancy touchscreens to hardware kits, here are some of the best ways to modernize your old car instead of upgrading to a new one.
audio updates
One way to date a vehicle is by evaluating its audio capabilities and performance. Since older speakers tend to die down, they can’t produce the sounds they once could. Also, the old-style head units and lack of touch screens don’t exactly help the case.
Audio upgrades can range from replacing a single component to adding tweeters and woofers. Some common reasons to upgrade your audio components include better sound quality, an improved soundstage, and the ability to handle more power. The configurations are endless, leaving the perfect one for you to search for!
1. Apple CarPlay or Android Auto head unit
Although an aftermarket radio will be drastically better than the one your vehicle was originally equipped with, many modern vehicles come with touchscreens that feature Apple CarPlay or Android Auto.
These two services can display information on your phone’s screen, effectively navigating through your favorite navigation or music app. Text messages are also displayed on the screen and read out through your car’s audio system to ensure both hands are on the wheel.
Many aftermarket head units run on Android, which means you can access many apps on the Google Play Store. You can easily download your preferred navigation partner or music player. Whatever you choose, it will produce exponentially better sound than before.
2. Upgraded speakers and subwoofer
Pairing an upgraded head unit with some upgraded speakers will also drastically change the interior quality of your old vehicle. Many speakers from the early 2000s are very out of date and often blown out. Speaker diaphragms often rot once they are overused.
Speakers can cost anywhere from $20 to $200, depending on power and quality. Replacing old, worn out speakers is easy and can be done on the weekends with some spare time and tools.
accessibility updates
The flashy quality-of-life features that come with today’s newer vehicles often make older cars look outdated. However, with a few tools and some spare time, you too can enjoy some of these conveniences that manufacturers bundle with cars today.
1. Rear View Backup Camera
Rearview cameras have been standardized on passenger vehicles in recent years. These allow you to monitor the surrounding areas behind your car, allowing you to effectively see the curbs. Some even allow you to monitor the area around the car, displaying its front, sides, and rear on one screen.
Online merchants sell kits that include everything you need to add a backup camera to your vehicle. With the help of parking sensors and a backup camera, this prevents potential accidents and makes parking a breeze.
2.Digital TPMS
Many newer vehicles display a lot of information on the HUD or on the dash. Data sets such as fuel efficiency and speed are often displayed, but also the vehicle’s tire pressure. Knowing exact tire pressures allows you to efficiently identify the specific tire with improper pressure, which is especially helpful in colder climates.
Since many cars do not come with this feature, aftermarket kits can be obtained through online dealers that include hardware that uses the valve stems on each wheel to send information to the heads up display (HUD). provided.
3. Digital indicators
Performance-oriented vehicles often feature digital gauges that display power, torque levels, and other useful data sets to the driver. Digital gauges are becoming more common as they tend to be more accurate and versatile than traditionally used mechanical gauges.
Digital gauges can be obtained individually or displayed on the aftermarket head unit using the information collected by the OBD-II port. Digital gauges are an essential feature of modern vehicles, helping drivers stay informed and safe, making them a worthwhile upgrade.
lighting upgrades
Lighting is important for a variety of reasons, both practical and aesthetic. In practice, lighting is essential for visibility and safety reasons, while aesthetically it can play an important role in the overall ambiance and atmosphere of a space.
When LED headlights became standard on cars in the late 2000s, vehicles with faded halogen headlights proved their weaknesses. Whether you want to upgrade the interior and exterior of your car, here are some lighting upgrades to modernize the look of your vehicle.
1. LED headlights
Many manufacturers today equip their vehicles with fancy headlights. There are many variations, from daytime running lights to different headlight configurations.
Replacing the faded yellow tint in the headlight lenses is one way to compete with today’s newer vehicles. Upgrading your bulbs to LEDs or replacing their housings will dramatically improve the performance and aesthetics of your car’s lighting.
2. Ambient lighting
Often called ambient lighting, ambient lighting is another method of updating the interior look of your older vehicle. It is used to create a comfortable and aesthetically pleasing environment. Commonly found in most new cars, ambient lighting sets the mood for your vehicle’s interior.
Interestingly, each color affects your body differently: softer lighting tends to be for relaxation and leisure, while brighter lighting tends to be the opposite. So if you want to create a cozy atmosphere, ambient lighting is a worthwhile upgrade that can seriously change the look and feel of your old car on the inside.
Give new life to your old car
The prices of goods and services are constantly increasing, and the same applies to passenger vehicles. As such, with chip shortages and higher prices, getting a newer car can be challenging, especially if you’re on a tight budget.
Fortunately, many aftermarket modifications, like the ones we discussed, can be done to update your vehicle and keep up with modern ones. With a few tools and a weekend to spare, adding new amenities will breathe new life into your old vehicle!