The market for auto accessories is huge and there is a reason for it. Auto accessories are an extension of our personality. These accessories enhance the look of our vehicle, they protect the vehicle, or they do both. Accessories are part of what makes the vehicle unique to you. There are plenty car accessories, both interior and exterior, to satisfy your automotive accessories needs.

Starting with the interior of the car, most of us think of the sound system. If the car has a good sound system then life is good. Next we consider auto interior protection.

This protection can be special car mats to hold the road debris and keep the mess off the floor. These mats may be plastic trays, or just nice rubber mats. If we have a little extra cash and want to give ourselves a little extra pampering, we go with the super thick 48 oz. car mats.

Next we consider seat cover protection. The type of seat cover protection is a statement to who we are. If we have a vehicle that spends a lot of time on trails and in the woods then we will choose a polycotton product. Something that can take the abuse of a rough ride. If we are into the look and feel of the seat cover then we will choose a micro suede, velour, or some fabric like that. If we want something in between then we are likely to choose a saddle or tweed fabric to enhance the interior look.

For those of us that want to kick the look of the interior up a notch we will choose a dashboard addition, something in wood or metal would be nice. Perhaps we want to add a dash mat to cover the cracks of a worn out dash. Dash mats can be personalized with team logos and other personal identifiers.

What about auto exterior accessories. Auto body kits are available for most models. You can add the whole kit or go with an accent. Maybe headlight covers, mirror covers, a car hood scoop, you get the picture. Maybe spiff up the wiper blades, add some window graphics, or change the look of your wheels. Even adding a gas cap cover adds flare to your vehicle.

Auto accessories provide good looks, help maintain auto care, and add protection to your vehicle investment. You spend a lot of time in and around your car so why not give it some aftermarket accessories attention.

Modifying your car has been a popular pastime for many years. By modifying your car you are able to put your own unique personal touches on the vehicle to make it stand out from the rest. There are many cosmetic modifications that don’t make the car run any different, but then that’s not the point 90 percent of the time! More often car modification is done just to make your car look better or give it a more aggressive race like appearance. These types of modification are simple and will make your car stand out from the rest with very little work. As for the cost of car modifications, that is an altogether different story. Parts are freely available off the shelf from companies such as Spareco, Koni and Spax. For example you can buy Spax suspension, Janspeed exhausts, Momo rims and steering wheels, body kits, light alloy pedals, leather or led lit gear knobs, Corbeau race seats and even race harnesses.

Getting a new set of wheels for your vehicle is a popular choice. There are many alloy wheel styles to choose from. Another popular modification is having your windows tinted. Tinted windows can help keep the glare from the sun out and also makes it harder for others to see into the car. I.C.E or In Car Entertainment is vital to any car modification project. Enhancing your cars audio is extremely popular and the range of products and options available provide DIY car modifiers with a world of choices. Products to choose from include the popular iPod Car Adapter kits, USB, CD & MP3 Stereos and , multi CD changers, front and rear parking sensors (some have video), plus the leads, tv screens and tools required to fit everything. Leading brands include: JVC, Dension, Panasonic, Connects2, Dashmount, Parrot, Alpine, Autoleads, Kenwood, Pioneer & Sony.

Today car navigation systems such as Motevo, TomTom, Garmin and Pioneer navigation systems are key ingredients when modifying a car. Even satellite or GPS Navigation systems come in hundreds of shapes and sizes. The main types of in-car navigation systems are in-dash mounted navigation systems, portable GPS systems, hand held systems, motorcycle and marine systems and finally the remote navigation systems where the GPS system is plugged in to your car radio for instance. When buying a new GPS system its often better to opt for higher resolution screens as they make the map information easier to see. Large memory and a decent control chip make for smooth and efficient operating, the last thing you need is slow loading and in accurate positioning. Most GPS systems have large touch screens, working with a stylus can be tricky so it does help and lastly pay particular attention to how visible and mobile you wish your model to be. If it’s a permanent fixture in your car then bigger models are great, but if you need to take it in doors after use, a smaller model may be the answer. Car security is a factor not only when modifying your vehicle but also when insuring a car with lots of expensive audio equipment in it. Phone you current car insurance company and find out what you can do before your insurance starts costing you more. They will no doubt also require an upgrade to your car security system and there are simply so many companies out there the likes of Viper, Tracker and Clifford. They all sell various systems such as standard car alarms, remote car start systems and GPS tracking systems. GPS stands for Global Positioning Systems. Professional fitment is recommended and car security shoppers should always insist on a certificate of fitment from the dealer fitting the car security system.

If you want to give your car a sporty look without spending a fortune you can have racing mesh fitted for the front bumper of your car. This looks good and can also improve the airflow around the engine compartment. “Eyebrow extensions” is another way to customise your car. These extensions are usually plastic and are fitted to your car’s head lamps. You can get these in a variety of colours and are relatively inexpensive. Car engine mapping is also relatively cheap to have done and performance gains can be substantial. It is recommended that you have engine mapping performed by competent, well known companies as they are best able to advise you of other crucial safety features you should improve when doing so. Up-rated brakes being one of them and more expensive tyres make for better high speed performance and traction to handle the additional engine power. Consider upgrading the oil you use in your engine when you have this done and use an high quality performance air filter, fuel filter and also replace all perished water and oil hoses frequently, if you haven’t already done so. Engine mapping or chipping is basically re-programming your cars CPU and it is given new instructions on how to fuel your engine. The more power you ask for the more gas / petrol your mapping will request along with other parameters such as increasing the airflow to the engine by tricking the motor into thinking the air is colder, this produces more power. All this power comes at a cost though. Most cars that have upgraded their engine management systems do so for more power, not efficiency and in doing so use more fuel and rev higher too. Cam belts should be replaced more frequently and if you plan any engine modifications have a word with the manufacturers about what you plan to do.

There are many things that can be done to modify a car. An entire industry has been created by the need for body styling, engine tuning, lowered suspension and big bore exhausts. Any part of a car can be modified and making modifications is a statement of individuality and personal style. The most popular cars for modifying are usually small, low insurance group hatches. Always update your car insurance company with the latest modifications to ensure your cover is not withdrawn due to something you thought may be ok which they do not. Other insurances like car breakdown cover and gap insurance cover should not be affected by modifying your car, unlike your car warranty policy which will almost certainly be affected. Give your car warranty company a call and make sure your cover will still be provided before you make any changes.

Popular Cars to Modify

Peugeot

All of the cars from Peugeot are popular cars to modify. You can even modify the 106, 206, and 306 pugs. The Peugeot 306 GTi is one of the most popular hatches to modify and tune. You can find a wide range of 306 body kits and tuning parts. Second hand Peugeot vehicles are reasonable and can be found almost everywhere. The insurance group starts off low so it makes it affordable for most. These cars have the potential to make a street racer that you can be proud of.

Citroen Saxo

The Citroen Saxo is one of the most modified cars because there is loads of modifying parts available. You can find everything from body kits to suspension. A popular choice for modifying is the Saxo VTR because it can go from 0 to 60 in less than ten seconds. It also is very fuel efficient and takes corners well. There are plenty of places to get parts and garages that work on them. You can modify a Citroen Saxo to be a real head turner.

Vauxhall Corsa

The Vauxhall Corsa is one of the cheapest and easiest cars to modify. They are also very cheap to insure even when they have been modified. Parts are readily available and they are reasonably priced. The Corsa B is a definite favourite for modifying.

Honda Civic

The Honda Civic has always been a popular car to modify. It has grown in popularity due to the film, “The Fast and The Furious.” The Honda Civic EK is one of the more popular hatches to modify. You can find a wide variety of Honda Civic body kits and tuning parts.

VW Golf

The VW Golf can be modified to look cool and there are plenty of parts available for the later Golf’s. Volkswagen Golf VR6 is a poplar car to modify and there are plenty of body kits and tuning parts available.

Famous Cars

Some modified cars have become popular because of being in a film or on a TV show. Some are noted for their superior performance and some are known for the celebrity driving them. Below are a few of the cars that are considered icons today.

1967 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 Fastback was the star of the 2000 film “Gone in 60 Seconds.” In this film the car does some unbelievable stunts, including jumping over 15 feet of cars.

1963 Volkswagen Beetle became famous in the “Herbie” series films. Herbie was a little Beetle with a Porsche 356 engine who gave the big boys a run for their money.

1969 Dodge Charger became a muscle car icon through the television series, “The Dukes of Hazzard.” It had a confederate flag painted on the roof and the doors were welded shut. The modified Charger R/T, called the General Lee seemed to be always airborn.

1982 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am was made popular by the television series, “Knight Rider.” The modified Trans Am known as KITT was a hyper intelligent crime fighting automobile. This car could do everything including, see, hear and smell.

1974 Ford Gran Torino was made famous in the television series, “Starsky and Hutch.” It was a powerful muscle car with a 351 Cleveland and 4 barrel Holley carburetor. It was driven hard by two California detectives in the series.

1977 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am was made famous in the series of “Smokey and the Bandit” films. It was a powerful 6.6 liter 200hp muscle car that everyone wants to own.

1970 Dodge Charger was just one of the many fast modified cars in the film, “The Fast and The Furious.” This is a classic move that all gear heads love to watch over and over.

2003 Mini Cooper S-R53 was made famous in the 2003 film, “The Italian Job.” This little mite packed a supercharged 1.6L Tritect engines and was involved in some intense chase scenes.

1979 Ferrari 308 GTS was made into an icon by the television series, “Magnum PI.” The mid-engine V8Ferrari was featured in the original series. The show and the amazing performance of the 255hp GTS made people flock to the nearest dealer to buy one in the 1980′s.

There is a downside to modifying your car. If you don’t have a specialist or someone experienced in modifying your particular make and model of car, you may be wasting your money. You need to select the right combination of modification to gain the most out of your car. If you select the wrong combination you will have spent a lot of money for nothing. Another thing you should remember is modifications to your car may affect the warranty. It will also make your insurance premiums higher. You also have to be aware that some engine modifications can violate regulations and emission laws. You have to make sure that any modifications to your car are safe and won’t disrupt the reliability and stability of the vehicle. Sometimes modified engines are often touchy and require premium fuel.

It is easy to get caught up in the whole modification process and end up modifying the car too much. The rule of thumb should be; less is more. Otherwise you will spend huge amounts of money, which could add up to more than the car is worth. Also, if it is over modified it can be hard to sell and most dealers won’t offer a deal to do a trade in for the car. Just keep these factors in mind when you are going to modify your car to express your style and personality.

Enjoy your new car!

Every car speaker is different, if you are contemplating upgrading your vehicle’s audio system, you will need to research a number of options to find a set-up that matches your requirements perfectly. The speakers available today for automobiles have been manufactured based on a variety of considerations. To help to ensure that your money is not wasted, it can be worth checking out the following buying advice and tips.

Automobile speakers are available in a huge range of sizes, shapes, styles, and designs, and each can be suitable for a different type of system and vehicle. It is useful to try and be clear on your needs, before you start checking out the options, understand what type of music you would listen to the most, is the bass heavy or do the vocals have more importance. If you listen to the radio when driving, or perhaps you enjoy being entertained by audio books, a different set of speakers should be installed than if always listening to the latest hit tracks.

To develop an idea as to which designs would best suit your music and vehicle, it can be worth paying a visit to a car accessories retailer and asking to try out a selection of speakers. You will discover that the audio can sound completely different from one product to the next. When testing speakers, do so with a CD or recording that you are very familiar with, ask yourself how the sound compares to that of your home stereo system.

Another useful technique for developing an understanding as to which products are of value, and which should be avoided, would be to use the net to search for reviews. If any speakers are of a good quality, information to this effect should not be so difficult to find online. The best strategy would be to check out a number of consumer sites, and search for the opinions of actual vehicle owners. Compile a list of the speakers that have consistently received the best reviews, then analyze other factors to narrow down the options even further.

Do not make a purchase without being certain that the speakers you have shortlisted will be compatible with your vehicle’s stereo system. A surprisingly high number of car owners rush into purchasing expensive speakers without first of all making the effort to find out whether they are compatible with the audio system that is already installed. If you are uncertain whether the options you are considering can be used with your vehicle’s stereo, ask the sales staff for assistance.

Budget is another important consideration. A quality set of car speakers can cost as little as a hundred dollars, or more than five thousand. It would be productive if you were to set yourself a realistic budget, and stick to it. As a general guide, those designs that retail for less than two hundred dollars will not offer a crystal clear audio, though spending more than five hundred dollars on the purchase would not necessarily be a wise investment.

Always search for a brand that is known to you and which you have used before. There are certain manufacturers who are synonymous with producing state of the art automobile audio systems. Avoid any companies that you have never heard of, it pays to spend a little more on a product built by a manufacturer that you trust. If the retailer or manufacturer has confidence that they are selling top quality goods, each product should be sold with a comprehensive warranty. A warranty can also ensure that you do not have to put your hand in your pocket should a problem develop.

Another consideration that needs to be given careful thought is the size of the speakers. Do not be under the false impression that the larger they are, the louder and clear the audio will be. What is important is to choose designs that are the same size as those which are to be replaced. You can look in your vehicle’s owner manual for information as to the specifications of the speakers which can be used. Do not think that a 5.5 inch speaker would be suitable for a vehicle that previously had 5 inch designs, to install bigger speakers you may need to have extensive interior remodeling.

You will need to find out whether the options you are thinking of using are not too powerful for your vehicle. If not enough power is available, the speakers will not function as designed, and may even develop serious faults. Always research this subject before you spend your hard earned money. Another technical consideration that would need to be looked into is whether the RMS of the speakers and the amplifier match. If they do not have the same amount of power, the system is not going to work as expected.

Though you may feel that you are capable of upgrading your vehicle’s audio system by yourself, the potential for mistake always exists. If you were to wire up a single cable incorrectly, you may end up shorting out all the electrics with the result that expensive repairs would be required. Because of this, it can be worthwhile requesting professional assistance. The retailer selling the speakers should be able to pass on details of a firm or individual who can do professional installation work.

When comparing the various products, you will see terms such as sub-woofers and tweeters frequently used. To produce the clearest sound requires speakers that have a broad frequency. Sub-woofers and tweeters can help to ensure that distortion and hissing are kept to an absolute minimum. The resulting sound is much sharper and cleaner, with highs and lows that are a pleasure to hear.

As long as you do not rush into making the purchase, and are able to identify and analyze the most important determining factors, there is no reason why you should have a problem choosing a set of car speakers that provide you with hundreds of hours of enjoyment. The only remaining issue will be finding a way to get others to enjoy your taste of CDs and radio shows.

Perhaps the most integral, yet overlooked, components of your vehicle are your rims and tires. Get custom, aftermarket wheels for your vehicle and enjoy the best in safety, performance, and aesthetics!

When your car or truck comes straight from the factory, the accompanying run-of-the-mill tires are generically designed to suit the lowest common denominators of drivers and road conditions. Factories churn out the same exact models with the same exact wheels, which means a teenager in icy cold Maine could be driving with the same tires as a family man in southern California. Does that make sense? Of course not! Your car’s tires should be chosen with your driving style and conditions in mind for the ultimate in road safety and performance–and that’s why you should visit your local wheel shop for help!

With customized performance wheels, you’ll be able to dictate how your vehicle’s tires work with you to create a remarkable driving experience. Whether you want increased control on windy country roads or tightened grip for unpredictable winter weather, custom tires will provide you with all the personalized options you need. Most professional wheel shops will help you select the perfect wheels based on your local weather conditions, terrain, and traffic, suggesting which height, width, or tread would be most helpful. Your automotive experts will test your tires before handing them over to ensure they’re giving you a high-quality product, and the majority will also balance and mount them on your vehicle for you.

Offering more than just practicality, aftermarket rims and tires are also great for enhancing the appearance of your car or truck. You can customize your vehicle to incorporate rims spinners, chrome wheels, low profile tires, and more. If you want your car or truck to say something about you, then consider the services of your local automotive specialist to assist you with the selection of your brand new wheels.

While you’re customizing your vehicle at the local wheel shop, make sure you also check out your car audio and car DVD options for the ultimate in vehicle customization and performance!

You finally got your dream classic car and can’t wait to get on the road. The only problem is your classic beauty needs restoration to get running. Should you bring your classic car to a restoration shop or do it yourself?

Even if you’re a master mechanic, fixing up a classic car is tricky. If you want to show the car, often original parts are necessary to maintain “classic” car status. A professional restoration specialist will help you find original and appropriate parts to truly restore your classic ride. Having a professional restoration can mean the difference between showing your car or simply using it for pleasure.

Another issue when restoring classic cars is using the right automotive tools for the job. If you are able to find authentic car parts on your own, will you have the necessary tools to install them? Having a professional on call makes it easier to complete your car once the restoration parts arrive. Restoration specialists have access to all the tools required to complete the job correctly.

Whether you choose to take your classic vehicle to a restoration shop or do it yourself, you still need to keep tools on hand. Older vehicles require ongoing maintenance and regular adjustments. It is easier and less expensive to have tools on hand to make minor adjustments and repairs on your own. A specialty automotive company will sell the garage essentials required to keep your classic engine humming.

If you decide to restore your classic car on your own, have all the original manuals handy to refer to for the right parts and procedures. Exterior and interior detailing are part of restoring your classic vehicle. Your classic car should look beautiful and run flawlessly to challenge the competition.

Another element of classic car restoration is prevention. Special coatings and processes are used on classic cars to prevent rust and keep the vehicle in top shape. Preventative maintenance helps to save you from making major, costly repairs down the road.

Finally, your fluids and tires must also be in perfect order. Classic car tires make the package complete. Top quality tires should be securely mounted on authentic rims for maximum visual appeal. All fluids should be fresh and at the appropriate levels.

There are many elements to consider when restoring a classic truck, hot rod or antique car. Parts must be original or authentic. Certain tools are required to repair classic vehicles. Exterior and interior maintenance must be performed with suitable products that won’t harm delicate older materials. Automotive work must be done in a clean area away from direct sunlight. Many classic car owners combine professional restoration with home maintenance to keep their vehicles in optimum condition.