Tuesday 19 March 2024
LIFESTYLE

Easy car tuning that won’t cost the earth

For the vast majority of people, driving a better car usually involves buying a new one. But the truth is that you don’t need to go to such expense. There are, in fact, plenty of little tweaks and tuning projects you can try yourself, which won’t break the bank. And you don’t need a qualification in auto mechanics to get started, either. Let’s take a look at some of the low-cost tuning projects you can try to make the most out of your current car.

Improve your air filter

Air filters are such a cheap and straightforward part of your car, but they are also one of the most important regarding performance. The filter’s job is to keep air flowing into your engine and through all the other vital components, making sure they stay cool. And the cooler your car, the better it will perform – it’s that simple. However, the problem with air filters is that they attract a lot of mess – dust from the roads, for example. And eventually, they will start to clog up, and the air flow to the essential parts of your car will begin to reduce. Swapping out an old, dirty filter is easy to do, and will give your car an instant boost.

Regular oil changes

If you are prepared to invest a little in a higher quality oil than you currently use, it can pay off with much better performance. Now, as Adtec Auto point out, regular oil changes are essential to keep your car running smoothly anyway. But making the switch to a high-quality, high-performance alternative and it will make a big difference.

Swap out your exhaust

The car you buy on the forecourt is a masterclass in cost-cutting. The vast majority of manufacturers have to keep their prices down to survive and ensure that they are selling as many vehicles as possible. And while this is great and more affordable – for the consumer, it does mean that the parts used on a mainstream car aren’t always the best. A typical example is your exhaust. Sure, they will do the job of removing waste gasses from your vehicle, but if you swap it out for a better alternative, it can improve your overall performance and give you a more efficient ride.

Reprogram the engine

All cars are run by computers and programs these days – including the engine. Tight controls are programmed to your vehicle in the manufacturing process, but like all programs, you can make some changes. Overwriting some of the programs on your engine control unit – or ECU – can do many different things, from improving fuel efficiency to increasing the power of your engine. That said, messing with an ECU takes some experience, so make sure that you hand over the project to a professional unless you have a 100 percent understanding of what you are doing.

A new audio unit

Let’s not forget, improving performance isn’t just about going faster or improving efficiency; it’s also about getting more enjoyment out of your ride. And one simple way of doing this is to swap out your built-in stereo and invest in a better sound system for your car. No, it won’t help you drive faster, but it will make your drive a lot better for the ears.

** This is a collaborative post

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