Not every car upgrade has to focus on boosting speed and performance. For many car owners, upgrades that provide unique benefits rather than an increase in power are perfectly fine.
We already know that people don’t mind investing in their cars. Data shows that the car modification market in 2022 was valued at over $55.81 billion. It is only set to grow more, with a projected value of $70.76 billion by 2029.
Nevertheless, there are many interesting car modifications that don’t get the attention they deserve. With so many possible options, it is easy to waste your money on the less helpful ones.
In this article, we will look at three car upgrades that are both unique and fun to have at the same time.
1. Roof Racks
Do you love planning and making road trips with your family and friends? If so, you probably know how tricky packing and storage logistics can be. Your kids are a handful, and the trunk can only hold so many hastily packed suitcases.
In such situations, roof racks can come in handy. They allow you to turn the roof of your car into additional storage space. Depending on your vehicle, it can even double your storage space. This can translate into being able to enjoy a few more nights on the road instead of a hasty return.
Even if your car doesn’t have rails, it’s not a problem. Finding roof racks for rail-free cars is surprisingly easy, and there are several ways to mount racks without rails.
According to RoofPax, an overhead rack can be mounted using powerful magnets, vacuum cups, or simply with the help of door mounts. So, if you feel like your lack of roof rails will limit your options, that’s not true. Roof racks are still very much possible and are a great upgrade to make.
2. A High-End Audio System
There are few things as enjoyable as a car with a decked-out sound system. Sure, the stock speakers are fine when you want to listen to the radio, but you can do a lot better. If you have never dabbled in high-fidelity audio, you are in for a treat. People with high-end sound systems often claim it’s a life-changing experience.
High-quality speakers may be a little expensive, but when you experience the music they put out, it can be magical. Upgrading your car’s sound system often involves the use of soundproofing and insulating materials to minimize external noise.
Imagine stepping into your car, shutting the doors, and feeling the sounds of the outside world blink out of existence.
Turn on some music, and every single instrument is crystal clear. It can sound so good that you start looking forward to each trip, just for the high-quality music you can enjoy.
That said, good sound systems can be expensive, and if you are on a tight budget, don’t let people online influence you. Audiophile communities are notorious for making it seem like anything below a certain price is a waste of money.
They are knowledgeable, but their recommendations can be quite disconnected from reality in terms of budget expectations.
- Smart Rearview Mirrors
Honestly, this is an upgrade that feels straight out of a science-fiction film. How do they work? Well, the secret is a discrete camera placed at the back of your vehicle. The image is then fed to a screen where your rearview mirror normally is.
With a smart rearview mirror, you can enjoy several additional features. A noteworthy example would be blind spot assistance. Smart rearview mirrors also have a much wider and clearer view when compared to traditional mirrors.
What’s more, the view isn’t obstructed by passengers in the back or any cargo that would normally block visibility. When you realize how useful they are during tight parking, they become one of the best upgrades you can get. If you drive a truck of some sort, they can also make towing incredibly easy.
All these benefits make smart rearview mirrors not just a unique upgrade but a mighty helpful one as well.
Conclusion
Well, there you have it. If you ever have extra money burning a hole in your wallet, you know what to do. Be warned: upgrading your car can get addictive fast! From ambient lighting to 24/7-recording dashcams, there is no limit to the number of interesting car upgrades available on the market.
Some may argue that the money spent on car upgrades is better spent on performance enhancement. However, we all have different priorities. Not everyone is a motorhead who wants to install a turbocharger.
Sometimes, all you need are a few key quality-of-life upgrades, and that is perfectly fine. Just remember to check with your spouse before spending too much!