When you own a car, there is more to it than simply having a vehicle to get you from point A to point B. For many individuals who have an older car or one that they want to upgrade, it is also about the driving experience.
So, whether you have a rugged SUV or a practical sedan, you need to consider the room for improvement that comes with these vehicles, specifically in relation to the performance. You can enhance your car’s performance with a few simple tricks, which will not only make your drives more enjoyable but also help you get the most out of your time while driving the car.
It should be noted here that some of these upgrades will need to be undertaken with the help of a mechanic, but they will be well worth it when you get that smoother ride you have always wanted. So, read on to learn about the seven ways you can enhance the performance of your car.
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1. Regular Maintenance
To ensure your car retains its performance, you will need to ensure that it undertakes regular maintenance.
You will need to ensure that it has regular maintenance, which will include oil changes, air filter replacements, tire rotations, and the air intake systems assessed and cleaned. To learn a bit more about how air intake systems are assessed, see here.
It is also important that you follow your car manufacturer’s recommended services and tools to ensure that the car is kept in top shape. If you ignore the maintenance of your vehicle, this can lead to a reduction in fuel efficiency and overall power and can lead to more expensive repairs and replacements.
2. Upgrade The Air Intake
This was touched upon earlier, but one of the easiest ways to ensure that the performance of your car stays higher is to upgrade the air intake. The air intake system allows your engine to breathe and also keeps it cool, thereby improving the airflow to your car’s engine. This can allow your engine to be faster and more powerful, leading to better torque. Make sure you choose a reputable brand and follow the installation instructions carefully to avoid any issues. As always, if you are not sure how to upgrade the air intake, make sure you seek the advice of a mechanic.
3. Optimize the Exhaust System
You will also need to look into optimizing your car’s exhaust system, which may involve a muffler change and a deep cleaning. Enhancing a car’s exhaust system can help it to breathe better and produce more power, simply because there is less heat around the engine. An exhaust system that has been upgraded will allow exhaust gases to exit the vehicle more efficiently. This not only boosts the performance of your car but will also give your car a more sporty-sounding engine.
4. Upgrade The Tires
Unless your car is in extreme disrepair, the tires should be the only part of the vehicle that will make contact with the road! As such, they play a crucial role in your car’s performance. It can, therefore, be worth upgrading to high-performance tires that have better grip, as this can assist with better handling, cornering, and the car’s overall performance when you drive. Just make sure that you choose tires that are suitable for your driving style and the local climate conditions. If you live somewhere where it frequently rains or is icy, you will want ties that have a deeper tread to enhance their grip.
5. Performance Tuning
Many of the more modern cars often come with computer-controlled engines. These can be fine-tuned for better performance. Engine tuning is also sometimes known as chipping or remapping, and it involves adjusting the engine’s electronic control unit by optimizing power delivery. You can use a tuner kit yourself, or you can consult with a professional car tuner, which is often available with a mechanic. They can help unlock more horsepower while ensuring that your car remains reliable.
6. Upgrade The Suspension
If you are looking for a way to have a dramatic impact on your car handling and performance, it can be worth looking into improving the car suspension system. If you have the struts and sway bars upgraded, this can reduce the body roll and improve traction when driving, thereby making a more stable ride. You need to be aware that overly stiff suspension modifications can negatively impact the comfort of the ride; therefore, it is important that you strike a balance with your driving needs. As upgrading a suspension system can often go wrong, it is always best to seek the advice of a mechanic when you are looking to upgrade this part of your car.
7. Reduce The Weight Of The Car
It should come as no surprise that when you reduce the weight of the car, it will often result in improved performance as well as handling. A lighter car has better moveability as well as being less likely to experience damaged axles.
So, one way to improve your car’s performance is to replace the heavier parts of the car with lightweight alternatives. This doesn’t have to reduce the safety of the car, as many replaceable elements are able to offer improved safety over the traditional alternatives. This could include carbon fiber panels as well as aluminum wheels. You need to ensure that this kind of balancing act is overseen by a mechanic as, if you get it wrong, it can negatively impact the integrity of your car structure, as well as the safety of the car.
You can also look at the windshields. In 2023, they don’t have to be made from glass, as this is quite heavy and can be prone to breakages. Therefore, it may be more suitable to opt for polycarbonate or acrylic windows. This can improve the car’s center of gravity, prevent breaks, and will cost less to replace or repair should they become damaged. You can also aim to add carbon fiber accessories, such as the spoilers, mirrors, and the hood of the car.