All opinions are mine and mine alone.
Buying a new car is a fantastic moment – the feel, look, and even the smell of a brand new set of wheels is a simple pleasure in life. The trouble is, once you get it off the forecourt, you’ll notice that what felt completely unique on your test drive might not be so different on the road. Let’s face it unless you can afford a fantastic car, the chances are that thousands – possibly millions – of other people are going to be driving one very similar. If you want to stand out, you have to think ‘customisation.; And in this guide, I’m going to go through a few of your options.
The basics
First of all, there’s personalisation, and then there’s overdoing it. You want to attract attention, of course, but not for the wrong reasons. For example, you might think a completely blacked out set of windows looks super cool, but your local police constabulary won’t – and you will be more likely to be pulled over. It’s the same for loud exhausts – all you will be doing is annoying people, and, most probably, the police. So, think carefully about pimping your ride too much – think ‘cool’ not ‘cringe.’
The paint job
While you might not be able to afford a funky colour when you buy brand new, it’s possible to take the DIY route – or even drop into a professional bodywork garage – for less. It’s the one thing that will change the look of your vehicle completely, and whether you want a bright pink, metal grey, or a matte black, it will give your car a sense of fun, gravitas, or whatever else fits your personality.
The personalised number plate
You won’t need me to tell you that personalised number plates are expensive. Cherished number plates like A1 or 1A could easily fetch £5 million each, for example! However, with a little ingenuity and creativity, you can pick up a standard plate that either looks like your name or reveals something about your personality. There are plenty of websites out there where you can bid for or buy number plates, so take a look around and see what you can find.
Bumper replacement
Most cars you buy from your local dealer come equipped with standard bumpers on the front and rear. So, if you really want to make a difference to your car’s look, consider getting an upgrade. It’s not as expensive as you might think, and it will turn your car from basic, generic vehicle to an eye-catching beauty.
Wheels and tires
Your car’s wheels are also likely to be generic when you buy new, and the simple truth is there are far better options than that on the aftermarket. You can consider getting alloys installed, and even changing your tires to low-profile alternatives that give you better performance.
Seats
Fancy making your car more comfortable than it was brand new? Rip out those seats and look for sporty alternatives. Whether it’s racing seats or just heated, lush fabric chairs that are super relaxing, it can make a huge difference to your driving experience.
A sound system
Car manufacturers don’t worry too much about in-built stereo systems – mainly because most drivers don’t, either. But if you love your music, no doubt you will have been disappointed by the standard radio, and speaker sets in you brand new car. If you want crystal clear sound, booming bass, and a whole other bunch of benefits, consider getting an upgrade. However, before you get too excited, be wary about blasting your tunes at full volume – not only will you risk damaging your ears, but you will also suffer more distractions and get more attention from the police.
Bumper stickers antenna toppers
Of course, you don’t have to spend a small fortune on expensive upgrades – there are plenty of little things you can get to personalise your car. Bumper stickers can show off your loves in life, whether it’s your home country’s flag or your favourite band or sports team. And even the simple addition of a cute antenna topper can show the world a little of your personality to the world.
Air fresheners
There is an incredible range of air fresheners around these days – it’s a much larger selection than 10-20 years ago. And let’s face it, smells are just as an important representation of your personality as anything else. So, take a look around, use your nose, and find a car freshener that sings to you – and you will stamp your personality on the other senses of your car passengers.
How would you personalise your car? Let people know in the comments!
Speak Your Mind