Rims

There is nothing quite like a set of chrome rims to accent the tyres of your vehicle. These are available in a number of different sizes and designs. They are relatively easy to mount although in most cases, you will need the help of a professional.

Window Tint

Window tinting is another popular option. Darkened panes give your car a sense of streamlined beauty and they are great for added privacy. Most kits can be applied without the help of a technician. However, be sure to check if tinted windows are legal where you live. There also may be stipulations in regards to the level of opacity that they display.

Spoilers

Rear spoilers are commonly seen on compact cars. Not only can these additions offer an extra sense of aesthetic beauty, but they provide you with greater control (especially if you plan on racing your car). The aerodynamic effects enable the vehicle to grip the road more effectively. If you have a rear-wheel drive car, a spoiler is always an option to consider. Most kits are relatively cheap and the unit can be installed in less than an hour.These are a few stylish and decidedly “cool” accessories that are certain to give your car the added flair required to turn heads.

Interior Choices

Traditional vehicles utilised incandescent bulbs to light their interiors. However, these are now being replaced with state-of-the-art LED lighting kits. The main advantage of LED lights is that they generate much less heat. They are able to last much longer when compared to their older counterparts. These lights come in a number of different colours and styles. Some can even be mounted underneath the dashboard or around the interior door frames.

Exterior Solutions

Much like the interior lights, most cars now employ LED bulbs for their headlamps. The beams are crisper and can shine further down the motorway. This is an obvious benefit for added safety. Other options include what are known as ground effects. These light strips are found underneath the chassis of the vehicle. They are very popular for those who hope to turn heads while out and about. These effects could also be used to help increase visibility during poor weather conditions. However, it is important to make certain that they are legal (some regions do not permit ground effects when driving on public roads).

Makes and Models

One of the considerations when choosing the best lighting systems for your vehicle is the manufacturer of the specific component. Some kits are not able to work with specific makes and models. This will normally be stated within the user guide. A great way to avoid purchasing the wrong product is to perform an online search using your type of car followed by “lighting accessories”. This can help to narrow down your choices and as with most products, you are likely to save a substantial amount of money when compared to a common retail purchase.Choosing the best lighting solutions for a vehicle does not necessarily have to be complicated. These steps help to eliminate much of the confusion and in turn, the most appropriate options are closer than you realise!

A Bench Vice

Everyone who has ever used a garage as a place to make mechanical repairs has wished (at least once) that they possessed an extra set of hands. Sadly, medical science has yet to give human beings additional fully-functional limbs. Luckily, a bench vice makes a more-than-adequate substitute for a secondary pair of hands: it allows garage-users to apply pressure, hold items in place while they work on them or simply keep objects in position until their superglue or soldering sets. A bench vice is essential for repairing some car parts and for making or mending other mechanical components.

A Stringo

It’s often necessary for garage-owners to move cars with precision and speed. However, nobody enjoys having to start their car and get behind the wheel just to adjust the vehicle’s position by a few feet. The Stringo is a wonderfully simple and easy-to-use machine for manoeuvring cars. What’s more, it works beautifully even in small spaces, making it ideal for individuals with compact garages.

A Car Jack

Garage-owners have to get under their vehicles to make repairs almost as often as they have to move those vehicles. As such, a car jack is an absolutely essential tool for all garage-owners. It allows the owner to raise their vehicles high enough to make repairs without unnecessary risk.

A Torque Wrench

It’s no longer sufficient for car-owners to simply tighten every bolt in their automobiles as much as possible. Nowadays, it is essential for car-owners to be able to tighten and loosen bolts precisely. Consequently, every garage should contain a high-quality torque wrench. Torque wrenches allow garage-users to make vital adjustments far more exactly than other types of wrench and spanner, which makes them must-have car-maintenance accoutrements. It’s worth noting, of course, that these remarkable tools are useful for maintaining all sorts of machinery: cars are just the ‘tip of iceberg’!

Basic Tools

It’s easy to focus on specialist equipment and high-end mechanical accessories. However, garage-owners should also ensure that they have a good set of simple, standard tools, such as screwdrivers, hammers and drills. These tools are versatile and are often essential for making small, subtle repairs. Every garage should contain a set of ordinary, everyday tools for performing ordinary, everyday tasks. However, garage owners should remember not to settle for tools of merely-ordinary quality: it’s always worth investing in the best!Vehicle enthusiasts, hobbyist mechanics, automotive professionals and mechanical workers all need well-stocked garages. Having a wide range of highly-precise and highly-versatile tools is vital for carrying out any kind of important ‘garage work’. All garage-owners should start with a decent set of standard tools, a torque wrench, a car jack, a bench vice and a Stringo as these tool allow users to undertake almost any essential mechanical operation in their garage. Of course, there’s always room for more tools in a garage after these have been installed!

The Benefits of Changing Tyres

When cars are initially sold, most will come with summer tyres. These tyres have less friction than the winter version and will therefore perform better in warmer climates.With a summer tyre, less of the rubber will actually sit on the road, therefore reducing the drag on the car. This increases the fuel efficiency within the engine and gives the driver a much more positive driving experience.However, when cold or wet weather comes, this lack of friction can cause a problem. The summer tyre is more likely to lose traction on the road or on uneven ground. And without the increased tread of a winter tyre any snow on the road can build up on the tyre quickly creating a snowball effect, leading to some very serious accidents.In bad weather, a winter tyre provides more control to the driver and therefore makes manoeuvring in poor conditions much easier. A flatter tyre and larger tread draws water and snow up into gaps in the tyre leaving the contact with the road unhindered, and therefore much safer to drive.That increased friction also encourages the driver to drive more slowly, therefore improving car safety during the most dangerous driving months of the year.

But There Are Disadvantages to Winter Tyres

While winter tyres are vital in winter, if they are used in the summer the flatness of the tyre can actually reduce handling ability. Lower tyre performance can increase breaking times and make bends difficult to handle, therefore making them far more challenging.

The answer, therefore, is to invest in both.

The initial cost may be a little eye-watering, but investing in summer and winter tyres can save lives. In some countries, winter tyres are now a legal requirement for the worst months of the year. And statistically the results have been very positive. Even the action of changing the tyres themselves enables drivers to consider their driving habits encourages them to adapt to the new conditions.

A Tyre for All Seasons?

In recent years there has been an introduction of ‘all season’ tyres onto the market that are looking to negate the need for separate tyres depending on the weather conditions. Indeed there are also alternatives to winter tyres such as tyre socks and snow chains. And while all of these products will go some way to improving the driving experience in bad weather, none can provide the efficiency and safety all year round. And until that changes, the safest bet is to get that second set of tyres.

Initial Research

Even experts can sometimes be fooled by what an online source claims to offer. So, be certain to discover the EXACT make and model of the part required in relation to your vehicle. Portals such as car-part.com will not only show you the exact component desired, but they will display the availability within your immediate area.

Prices

We are all aware that price is the “bottom line” in terms of any purchase over the Internet. However, a word of caution should be mentioned here. Prices that are too high are suspect while it is just a prudent to avoid a seller who appears to be offering an “unbelievable” deal on a certain part. Try to obtain the average price by comparing between four and six different sources.

Trusted Sources

Online auction sites are some of the most common portals to encounter car parts. This is particularly the case if the part is only found overseas (such as within the American marketplace). As with any shopping experience, some sites are better than others. It is highly recommended only to choose a platform that rates its sellers. Some common sites include Amazon and eBay. Others such as Craigslist may not be as transparent. Although this is not to say that some tremendous deals cannot be found, it is always best to stick with a seller that has received positive reviews over time.

Rare Parts

There are times when you may require a part that is considered to be extremely rare and expensive. In this scenario, it is best to find a local online dealer and attempt to meet with him or her in person. This will add an extra level of trust while avoiding the dreaded sense of anonymity. If this is not possible, try to encounter suppliers that are recommended by the manufacturer. A simply enquiry can normally uncover some valuable options.

Guarantees

It is obvious that a vehicle warranty is important to avoid costly repairs. The same holds true in terms of online car parts. What type of guarantee is included with the purchase and how long is it valid for? Keep in mind that new parts should ALWAYS come with a guarantee that is included within the total price. If there is not one present or should the terms be confusing, it may be a good idea to look elsewhere.The online community is an excellent resource when locating hard-to-find car parts. Still, always recognise that not all suppliers are created equally and that the proper research should be performed before committing to any purchase.