The best ways to breathe new life into an old car

Cars and trucks, like all cars, wear out. This wear and tear can lead to loss of performance, and if you're the type of person who keeps a car for a long time, your ride may also start to look tired.

But if you're attached to your car and don't want to get rid of it, there are plenty of ways to make it work, look, and perform like new. Whether you drive a vintage BMW or the latest Chevrolet, here are smart ways to update the look of your old car.

Cool modern technology can completely change the way we think about a car and make an old car feel much newer than it really is. Take your ride into the 21st century with some of the technology normally reserved for high-end cars.

New Wheels

The wheels make the car. If your car or truck is still running on the original factory wheels, a great way to upgrade the look and performance is to install a new kit. Sometimes a simple upgrade to a newer version of factory wheels can make a huge difference.

If you want to drastically change the look of your car or truck, there are many companies that make wheels for you. Choosing a style and brand is a deeply personal matter and may depend on the look you want, but will completely transform your car.

New Tires

On a good day, the only thing that comes into contact with the road in your car is the tires. Most people don't think about them, but they are the main part that determines the performance, handling and capabilities of your vehicle. A newer, more modern tire can improve acceleration, cornering ability and shorter braking distances.

Simply changing to better tires can improve your car's handling. There are many categories of tires, so you should prioritize your driving requirements before purchasing.

Find out how to upgrade your old brakes, next!

Bigger and better brakes

Standard vehicle brakes are designed to work in various conditions over several years of operation. They are generally fine for everyday driving, commuting and running errands, but if you've ever found yourself in a "panic brake" situation, you know there's usually a lot of room for improvement.

If your car has a lot of "Go", it's a good idea to add even more "Wow". A good set of higher performance brakes will shorten the stopping distance and be more resistant to fading and heat absorption.

Heads-Up Display

Head-up displays are used in many modern high-end vehicles. The technology projects critical information such as speed, navigation and warnings directly onto the windshield in front of the driver. This helps reduce driving distraction by keeping information in the driver's field of vision.

Aftermarket systems can now be adapted to virtually every vehicle and connected to your smartphone or the vehicle itself via an OBDII port, providing you with vital information without looking at your phone or other devices. This is a great way to add some high tech features and functions to your old car.

Better inhale and exhale

Bring your old car back to life with extra power. One of the most popular upgrades is the intake and exhaust system. Getting more air into the engine and getting the exhaust out faster with less restriction is a good way to increase your car's power.

But when thinking about adding parts that increase your power, it's important to think of the engine and car as a single system. Most engine modifications work best in combination with others, affecting the entire engine, not just one part of it.

Remote start

If you live in an area where there is snow, ice and cold winters, you will understand how painful it is to get into a nearly frozen car in the morning. Adding a remote start feature will allow your car or truck to warm up before you get in.

A simple push of a button, from the comfort of your home, will get your car up and running. Some of the more sophisticated systems can control door locks, trunk, car alarms and other functions with a single remote control the size of your car key.

Performance Suspension

Your car or truck is supported by suspension. Its design and function is to optimize the contact of your tires with the road, provide a comfortable ride and determine the steering and handling characteristics of your vehicle. Over time, components wear out and reduce the performance of your vehicle.

If your old car is feeling tired in the handling department, a great upgrade to modern or performance components can give your ride a whole different feel. Start with springs and dampers, and if you're feeling sporty, a set of larger anti-roll bars can improve things even further.

A great upgrade to your suspension is yet to come!

suspension bushings

Most cars and trucks have suspension components connected to the body through rubber bushings. Stock tires are a compromise between comfort and performance and need to be replaced as they wear.

Rubber bushings are usually soft and allow some deflection of the suspension parts. Upgrading to high performance suspension bushings such as polyurethane or delrin will eliminate the "bounce" built into stock bushings and make handling feel crisper, more direct and more responsive to your input. Harder bushings will increase noise, vibration and harshness, but when used in the right places can greatly improve your car's handling.

Stereo and speaker upgrade

There's simply no excuse for a weak and tired audio system in your car, and whether you're listening to Journey or Jeezy, a stereo playing will instantly make your car feel dated. If your car still has a cassette player and standard speakers, the transition to 21st century technology will make it sound like a brand new car.

A head unit with Apple Car Play and/or Android Auto will allow you to stream music, podcasts, and even make hands-free calls, and when combined with a set of good aftermarket speakers, will completely change your experience in your car.

Touch screen with navigation

If you want to take your stereo system one step further, consider leveling up with a touchscreen display with navigation and streaming. A modern aftermarket touchscreen stereo head unit can offer many of the infotainment display features found in new vehicles.

You can get a device with navigation, a CD and DVD player that will stream to your passenger's devices, Apple Car Play and Android Auto with the ability to send text messages and hands-free calls. It's the best of everything without having to shell out for a new car. It's also a great way to make your car look more modern on the inside.

Turn your car into a tech monster with our next update!

Headlight upgrade

Nothing ages a car like dim headlights. These old halogen lamps, with their warm, dim light, not only look dated, but are much less efficient at night compared to modern alternatives such as LEDs and HID lamps.

If the clear headlight assembly on your vehicle is discolored, condensed, or yellowing, this should be the first step in upgrading. This discoloration will drastically reduce the efficiency of the headlight bulb and really make the car look worn out. Aside from headlight assembly, the bulbs you use can have a big impact on your night driving, consider retrofitting with LEDs or HIDs.

Engine ECU Tuning

Another popular way to increase power and upgrade your car's performance is to tune the engine control unit (ECU). This works by changing the ignition timing, air/fuel ratio, rev limiters and, if your car has a turbocharger, by increasing the boost pressure.

ECU tuning is most effective on turbocharged cars, but naturally aspirated cars can also have a power boost. ECU tuning on its own is less effective than when combined with other modifications such as intake and exhaust systems. It's also important to make sure your car is running at its best, as adding a tune can exacerbate existing problems.

Our next tip will help make your car safer than you ever imagined!

Modern electronic security

New vehicles are usually equipped with a wide range of safety features. From rear view cameras to lane keeping systems, they are all designed to make your driving safer. But you shouldn't miss out on this technology if you're driving an older car. Many systems, such as blind spot detection, can be installed on any car or truck.

The system uses small detectors that are mounted on the vehicle and send a signal to a glowing icon that warns you of vehicles near you that you cannot see. Modern security in a cool old car is always a good idea.

Backup Camera

One of the most useful features of the new car safety technology is the rear view camera. Even if you're a parking prodigy, a rear view camera comes in handy to see hidden objects, line up your truck with a trailer, and get to those tight street parking spaces.

Just because your machine may predate this technology doesn't mean you can add it now. They are available in a wide variety of systems that can be connected to a secondary touch screen stereo, your smartphone, a rearview mirror, or a standalone display. Super comfortable and super functional especially if you have a big old car or truck.

Tire pressure monitoring

Over-inflated or under-inflated tires can have a big impact on your vehicle's handling, fuel economy and safety. For example, an under-inflated tire will cause the car to "pull" to the side, which will reduce fuel consumption.

If your old car or truck is slow and seems less efficient, check the air pressure and then get yourself a tire pressure monitoring system. Most systems have a wireless display that reads the pressure in each tire, helping you identify potential punctures and maintain proper riding.

USB and wireless charging ports

In the age of smartphones, we expect new cars to have charging ports, USB adapters and means to connect our phones to the car's infotainment system. This is one of the top features that most new car buyers look for. If your old car lacks this, there are a huge number of products that will allow you to charge, sync, mount and link all your devices.

Wireless chargers are pretty convenient and don't require you to plug your phone into a mile-long charger cord dangling from the dash. Multiport adapters for the whole family are also available.

Diagnose your car before you take it to the mechanic with this next update!

Wireless on-board diagnostics

Cars, trucks and SUVs wear out and break down from time to time. One of the most annoying problems in an old car is the mysterious "Check Engine" warning light that pops up while driving. All cars and trucks built since 1996 will have on-board diagnostics known as OBDII. This is a system inside the car's computer that alerts you to a problem.

The fault is stored in the car's computer as a code indicating where the problem occurred. You can get ahead of the game with a wireless OBDII scanner. It plugs into your car's port, relays problem, fault, and vehicle information directly to an app on your phone, and gives you the ability to diagnose, repair, and reset your warning lights. Cool, right!

In car Wi-Fi

Don't drive and use your phone, it just creates problems and is illegal in most of the US. your old car in line with modern luxury cars must install WiFi.

If your phone does not support mobile hotspot, there are a number of portable Wi-Fi hotspots designed to be installed and used in your car. They will have packages similar to cellular data plans and will be able to connect all the car's devices to the Internet.

Individual packing

There is nothing like faded, chipped and scratched paint to make a car look older than it is. If your car has this problem and looks like it's been in the sun for a thousand years, a custom wrap may be the solution.

Generally cheaper than repainting your car, vinyl wrap is applied over your car's existing paint without damaging it and can be removed at any time. This is a great way to add personality to your car, update its look and make it stand out.

Upgraded places

The seats in your car can withstand heavy loads and eventually wear out, crack or tear and become less comfortable. The foam inside will decompose, and what was once a comfortable place will become a great pain.

Seat upgrades or upgrades will not only improve the look of your car's interior, but also make driving more enjoyable. Switching to factory sport seats or switching to a racing-inspired seat will also drastically change the driving experience. Just because you drive an old car doesn't mean you have to be uncomfortable.