Tag Archives: Aftermarket Parts

Top Cars for Custom Aftermarket Modifications and Upgrades

Best Cars for Custom Aftermarket Modifications and Upgrades

What’s more fun than adding a personal touch to your car? Making modifications to your ride can help you stand out from the crowd and express yourself on the road. And did we mention modifications and upgrades can make your vehicle more attuned to your needs while driving?

If you’re wanting to make modifications to your ride, read on to learn whether your vehicle is primed for mods. Or, search our list of the easiest car models to modify so you can choose a mod-ready option.

The Best Cars to Modify

 You can make modifications to all sorts of cars, but some models are more equipped than others for changes. We’ve done the research for you and rounded up the best cars for aftermarket modifications.

Toyota Supra

Tokumeigakarinoaoshima, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Toyota Supra

Legends never really die. The Toyota Supra might not be produced anymore, but it remains an iconic ride, and models from 1984 to 1987 are some of the best cars for modifications. Its 3.0-liter 7M straight-six engine responds well to modifications, and its rear-wheel drive layout is ideal for performance enhancements. Turbocharged Supras are the cream of the crop since they can handle power upgrades and increased boost levels.


Honda Civic

Honda Civic 

The Honda Civic has long been an ideal choice for aftermarket modifications and upgrades. If you’re lucky enough to come across a pre-2000 model, you’ll benefit from features like the non-VTEC D-series engine that make these early models ready to handle all kinds of modifications. There are also countless products and a supportive community of tuners who can support you in fixing up your Honda.


Ford Mustang

Ford Mustang

Reinhold Möller, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

A staple of American car culture for decades, a Ford Mustang is one of the best cars to modify. Whether it’s the EcoBoost V6 engine or the Modular V8, the Mustang engines were designed with ease of maintenance in mind. You can easily upgrade the engine or make other mechanical modifications and have fun while doing it!


Subaru WRX STI

Subaru WRX STI

The Subaru WRX STI has many devoted fans. Its all-wheel drive and turbocharged 2.5-liter box engine have great potential. You can work both power upgrades and mechanical improvements into the mix to create your custom WRX. 


Nissan 240SX

Nissan 240SX

This sports car has been discontinued, but if you can get your hands on it, you can ride swiftly in style. Its rear-wheel-drive layout is ideal if you’re a drifting enthusiast, and it makes performance upgrades simple. Meanwhile, its lightweight chassis makes it more responsive to modifications than some of its peers. 


Mazda MX-5 Miata

Another lightweight ripe for modifications is the Mazda MX-5 Miata. Its four-cylinder engine is unlikely to have problems with modifications, and its suspension and brakes are easily upgraded. You could join a big community of Mazda lovers who love to make cosmetic enhancements on their cars and kick back and relax with their convertible tops.


Audi A4

Audi A4

M.rJirapat, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Car enthusiasts have long loved modifying the Audi A4, and with good reason. The right modifications can significantly increase the power output of this German car. Its turbocharged engine is known for tunability and ease of increasing power without major changes. [/two_third_last]


BMW 3-Series

BMW 3-Series

nakhon100, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Modifying a BMW 3-Series is a bit trickier than some of the others on this list, so it’ll require a skilled eye to do an upgrade. However, this car’s well-engineered chassis, rear-wheel drive, and famous tunability make it a great choice for mods. For example, lots of people choose to add high-quality lightweight alloy wheels.


VW Golf

Thomas doerfer, CC BY 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

VW Golf

The Volkswagen Golf is a favorite among car modifiers. It’s built on a flexible architecture that’s easy to adapt. For example, VW drivers love to swap engines and install different suspension setups, and they don’t break the bank doing it.


Scion tC

Scion tC

Tabercil from Canadian, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

A relatively new favorite among tuners, elements of the sporty Scion tC like its four-wheel drive platform and 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine are giving models like the Honda Civic a run for their money. Its manual transmission is also a reason tuners flock to it, as it gives them greater control over how the engine’s power is transmitted to the wheels.

Ideas for Car Modifications 

People around the world love modifying cars, so there’s no shortage of products on the market that can help bring your ride to the next level. Here are a few ideas.


Air Intake System

Air Intake System

If you’re a Honda Civic lover, you can enhance the airflow to your engine with a high-flow air intake system like this one from K&N. With a 10-year limited warranty and easy maintenance and installation process, this can let more air into the engine, causing more efficient combustion and boosting power production.

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Front Brake Pads

If you’re a member of the Subaru lovers club, you might be interested in making brake improvements. From new brake pads to brake rotors, there’s no shortage of products out there for the taking. For example, this StopTech Street Performance Front Brake Pad can help make significant improvements. They virtually eliminate pad-vibration noise and ensure consistent performance over time.

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Backup Camera

Backup Camera

Your car can never be too safe. If you’re revamping an older model, consider making changes that keep you and your passengers safer. For instance, this wireless backup camera can make parking a lot easier and help you spot obstacles that your eyes couldn’t catch.

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Traction Devices

If you drive in the snow, you need to be extra focused on safety. These Escaper Buddy escape tracks can help you if you get stuck in the snow. They’re also handy for a sticky situation in mud or sand. The shark teeth texture (that comes in many colors) prevents spinning wheels so the situation doesn’t spin out of control.

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Front Bumper

Front Bumper

If you’re revamping your Scion tC, you might consider adding elements like side skirts, rear diffusers, and front bumpers. For instance, this Scion tC glossy black front bumper lip from IKON MOTOSPORTS is a small add-on that can make a big difference in your time on the road. Not only can it give your car a more aggressive, sporty look, but a front bumper like this can also redirect airflow to reduce drag, giving you better fuel efficiency and stability. This high-strength product also protects your car from the unforeseen elements of the road, like debris or speed bumps.

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Make Your Car Stand Out

You can also enhance your experience on the road (and keep your passengers happy) by adding products that keep your car clean and organized. 

Storage Boxes

Storage Boxes

Some people avoid storage boxes out of fear that they’ll skid or smell in bad weather. Luckily these days are over! OEDRO’s storage boxes, like the under-seat storage boxes from OEDRO, are made of durable, non-slip material. These textured boxes also come with a 1-year warranty. They’ll help you designate a place for everything in your car, from your fishing rod to your tools. This one is for a Ford F150, but OEDRO has options for all kinds of cars.

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Cooler

Cooler

Going on a picnic? Going camping with the family? Driving on a hot day? OEDRO also has an under-seat storage insulated cooler box that can keep drinks and food cool for 36 hours. The box can be seamlessly hidden and won’t get stuck under the seat, so you can easily access what you need.

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Floor Mats

Floor Mats

Bad weather can take a toll on a car, but with floor mats like the Armor All Weather Defender Floor Mats, you’ll have protection in all climates. Give the inside of your car the makeover it deserves by adding these clean mats that you can trim to fit any car.
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Steering Wheel Cover

Interior enhancements also let you put a personal touch on your vehicle. For example, you can pick out new seats or steering wheel covers that let you have a more comfortable ride, like this steering wheel cover that comes in five colors. Not only is it stylish, but it also increases friction between your palm and the wheel so that it’s more slip resistant and more comfortable to drive. It’s also heat resistant, so it won’t get too hot during a heat wave.

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Seat Covers

These Bitablue luxury car seat covers can also ensure you’re riding in style! With their smooth, breathable texture and wear-resistant material, you’ll be able to offer your passengers a high-class ride for years to come. You can adjust the base to fit your favorite car and choose the color that calls your name. These covers also come with a storage bag so you can keep track of any loose items in the backseat.

Plus, you don’t have to worry about jeopardizing your safety for style since these covers have no impact on the normal ejection of the airbag in the unfortunate event of a collision.
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Gear Shift Knob Cover

Gear Shift Knob Cover

Another small but effective way you can personalize your car and make your driving easier is to buy a gear shift knob cover. Not only will they add a pop of color and a sporty feel, but they will make your gear shift faster and sharper. This bright red one from MOOTCOR is made out of top-quality, durable ABS plastic, so you don’t need to worry about scratches and abrasions. You can also install it in just a matter of minutes.

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LED Light Strips

If you really want to stand out on the road, grab these LED light strips that draw passersby’s eyes with their one-of-a-kind rainbow glow. Made of rubber tubing that bends freely and stays safe from debris, these lights are an easy way to make your car shine. You’ll also get a remote control so you can adjust the brightness and mode to your liking.

They work in all cars, vans, motorcycles, and even boats. Plus, if you’re concerned about their impact on car safety, you don’t have to be. These lights are waterproof and shockproof. They are easy to install, so you don’t have to worry about risking an injury during setup.

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More Ideas for Car Lovers

From major upgrades to small accessories that tell the world who you are, it’s never the wrong time to spice up your car. Check out our large collection of merch here at the Red Mountain Shop! From t-shirts to bumper stickers, you’re sure to find something that calls your name or makes an ideal gift for the car lover in your life. 

Five Tech Add-Ons You Can’t Miss For Your Car

Five Tech Add-Ons You Can’t Miss For Your Car

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Technology has transformed the automotive industry enormously over the last decade. From self-driving vehicles to radar cruise control, modern cars pull out all the stops in terms of tech. If you want to elevate your vehicle – old or new – consider these five exciting tech add-ons currently on the market.

Fobo Tire Plus

Accurate tire pressure is critical for the safe and efficient performance of your vehicle. Tires that are too flat or overinflated could put you at risk of serious malfunctions and auto accidents. Underinflated tires press against the ground and experience wear and tear more easily, reducing the lifespan of your tires and putting you at risk of blowouts and flats. Overinflated tires are too tight and rigid, reducing the traction with the road and risking loss of vehicle control.

Most vehicle owners know how to manually check their tire pressure and refill tires with air as necessary. What if you could receive readings of your tires’ pressures in real time, however, without any elbow grease? The Fobo Tire Plus is a piece of technology that does exactly that. It is an advanced wireless tire pressure monitoring system that connects to your smartphone via Bluetooth. It also has an intelligent in-vehicle monitoring unit.

The Fobo Tire Plus is the world’s first all-Bluetooth smart tire pressure monitoring tool. The system comes with four wireless sensors to attach to the tires, and one wireless unit to place inside the vehicle. There is an optional feature to connect the devices to your mobile device. It can work on its own or simultaneously with your phone. You will receive alerts to changes in your tire pressure through both outlets. Fobo will monitor your tire pressure 24/7. The price starts at $180.
 

Garmin Dash Cam 55

Dashboard cameras, or dash cams, boomed in popularity with the increased demand for video. Today, drivers use dash cams to record what’s going on around them for future use, in case of accidents. If a collision occurs, the dash cam could record important evidence as to who or what caused the wreck. This can help drivers avoid liability for accidents they didn’t cause. Dash cams can also record evidence during thefts and hit-and-run accidents.

The Garmin Dash Cam 55 is a miniature, GPS-enabled dash cam with voice control. It’s compact, extremely small design makes it easy to place discreetly on the windshield. It provides high-quality 1440P video footage (even in low light) you can sync to your smartphone. It comes with G-sensor, driver alerts, loop recording, and a memory card. Drivers can purchase the device on Amazon for $199.

Viper SmartStart

If you’ve ever wanted to monitor your vehicle while you were away, the Viper SmartStart is the tech for you. This device is a remote vehicle starter, but it’s much more than that. It lets drivers use their smartphones to track, monitor, and control their vehicles. You can use the app to receive alerts if your car is moving without permission, track your vehicle’s location, see its speed if someone else is driving, unlock the doors, set off the alarm, and more. It’s simple to install and easy to use from most smartphones.

The SmartStart lets you change the temperature in your vehicle, lock and unlock doors, and find where you’re parked – all remotely using your smartphone. You can even have multiple cars on one account, or multiple users connected to the same vehicle. Enjoy fast connection speed, smartwatch capability, and an ultra-accurate GPS system. The retail price for this add-on starts at $49.

Escort Max 360

If you’re like most drivers, you may occasionally drive over the speed limit – either accidentally or intentionally. Either way, speeding could earn you a traffic citation, hefty fine, and even mandatory driver’s education school. If you’re a driver who would like to avoid attention from police and prevent traffic tickets, invest in the Escort Max 360.

This powerful piece of technology is a highly reliable radar detector. It yields an impressive range, picking up any law enforcement radars in the area using dual antennas. Arrows appear on the radar to tell you where the police officers are stationed. Special technology reduces false alerts using GPS AutoLearn. The app connected to your phone can give you live updates to local threats, and let you network with other nearby drivers. It’s a higher-priced piece of tech at $649, but it comes with several exceptional features.

OBD-Link ScanTool

If you’re a driver who likes to self-diagnose your vehicle and attempt do-it-yourself repairs, the OBD-Link ScanTool is a must. This piece of technology will prevent you from driving all the way to the mechanic to resolve a check engine light. It uses your vehicle’s Onboard Diagnostic capabilities to provide you with detailed information about what’s going on under the hood. Note, however, that this device only works in vehicle model years 1996 and newer, and it is not compatible with Apple iOS devices.

The high-speed scan tool turns phones, laptops, or PCs into fast and accurate automotive troubleshooting devices. It comes with an easy-to-install Bluetooth scanner that’s safe to plug into your vehicle without worrying about it draining the battery. It has hacker-proof wireless security. Download the free software or app onto your desired device. Then, complete a scan to receive a diagnostic breakdown of what’s going on. At just $49, this vehicle tech could save you considerable time and money.

Looking for new ways to ramp up your vehicle? Try these five tech add-ons to boost the functionality, usability, and enjoyment of your car today.

Which Modifications Could Breach A New Car Warranty?

Which Modifications Could Breach A New Car Warranty

Many consumers are curious which modifications could breach a warranty on a new vehicle. Violating the terms of a contract could be a costly mistake for new car owners. Some aftermarket alterations may void the new car warranty on certain parts or the entire vehicle, while others will not. Learn the difference to protect yourself from out-of-pocket expenses.

The Basics Of New Car Warranties

A new car warranty is a legal contract where the purchaser of the vehicle and the company providing coverage agree on certain obligations. Most warranties will cover certain part repairs and replacement within a set period. If the vehicle experiences a problem or defect within the time frame of the warranty, the provider will cover the costs of part repairs so the financial burden does not fall on the vehicle owner. New and certified pre-owned vehicle warranties can save a consumer thousands of dollars in vehicle repairs.

Almost all new cars come with factory warranties, or bumper-to-bumper warranties. Factory warranties protect owners against factory defects in the first few years after purchase. Car owners can choose limited or full warranties depending on their needs and budgets. A limited or basic warranty covers all parts of the vehicle except body panels, drivetrain components, and parts that are subject to regular wear and tear, such as brake pads or tires. Most new cars also come with drivetrain warranties to supplement the basic warranty.

A typical warranty is good for three years or up to 36,000 miles. Some luxury brands extend their basic warranties to four years or 50,000 miles. The ten-year powertrain warranties from Kia, Mitsubishi, and Hyundai are only good for new vehicles. Buying a vehicle used will come with a five-year or 60,000-mile warranty instead. Read the fine print of your vehicle warranty for information about which modifications – if any – could breach your end of the contract. Every warranty is unique.

New Car Warranties And Vehicle Modifications

Many consumers are under the impression that all modifications will instantly void a new car warranty. Luckily, this is not the case. Several modifications will not void a warranty, as long as the vehicle owner follows the stipulations of his or her contract. For most warranties, a vehicle modification will only void a warranty if the aftermarket part caused the issue that requires repairs. Otherwise, the new car warranty will still cover the vehicle despite the personalized modifications.

The Magnuson Moss Warranty Act

auto mechanicYou can’t fully understand new car warranties and modifications without the Magnuson Moss Warranty Act. Passed into federal law in 1975, this act forces consumer product manufacturers and distributors to provide clear and detailed information about warranty coverage. It also gives consumers an outlet to seek financial remedy for breach of warranty. The Magnuson Moss Warranty Act has a clear provision prohibiting vehicle manufacturers from forcing buyers to only use name-brand vehicle parts.

The provision states that no warrantor of a consumer product may include a condition forcing the consumer to use an article or service identified by brand, trade, or corporate name – other than an article or service the manufacturer provides for free under the terms of the warranty. If the manufacturer can prove that a name-brand part is necessary for the vehicle’s safe and proper function, the manufacturer may apply for an exemption to the rule. This, however, is rare. The act gives the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) the power to interpret the application of this provision.

On the FTC’s website, it addresses modifications and new car warranties. It says consumers do not have to use the dealer for repairs or maintenance for the terms of the warranty to stand. The FTC states that the consumer can make repairs him/herself, take the vehicle to an independent mechanic, or a retail chain shop for repairs or maintenance and still enjoy the benefits of the warranty. This does not mean, however, that the same rules apply for vehicle modifications using aftermarket parts.

Vehicle Maintenance Vs. Modifications

The Magnuson Moss Warranty Act may protect consumers from breaches of warranty for maintenance and repairs, but what about aftermarket modifications the vehicle doesn’t necessarily need? The act gives vehicle manufacturers the right to refuse to pay for warranty repairs someone else’s vehicle part causes. If the aftermarket part contained a defect, or the individual did not install it correctly, and this causes damage to another part of the vehicle, the manufacturer has the legal right to deny warranty coverage for repairs.

Simply installing an aftermarket, non-name-brand part in your vehicle will not void your new car warranty. Installing a modification that causes damage elsewhere in your vehicle, however, could take away your ability to request paid-for repairs of the damaged part. A vehicle manufacturer has the right to refuse to pay for repairs if a modification caused the damage, as long as the manufacturer can prove that the aftermarket part caused the need for repairs. If the modification did not cause the breakdown, however, the warranty will still cover the part.

Partial Void More Likely Than Full Void

Even if a vehicle modification voids your warranty on certain parts, it typically will not affect the rest of the vehicle. The new car warranty will still cover repairs and maintenance on parts of the vehicle the modification did not affect. A manufacturer does not have the power to void an entire warranty because of a modification that only impacts part of the vehicle. Always read the fine print of your new car warranty to find out what it does and does not cover before investing in aftermarket vehicle modifications.