When you purchase a new vehicle, performance tweaks are probably the last thing on your mind. Most vehicle owners just want to have a car that takes them from point A to B with the least amount of fuss and the least cost. However, there are several advantages to u
pgrading your engine.
Reasons to Modify Your Car
When cars come fresh off the production line ready to be sold, they’re tuned with fuel efficiency in mind. What many people don’t realise is that the amount of fuel your car consumes is directly related to the power. If you want more power, you burn more fuel. If you burn less fuel, then you’ll get less power. They’re tuned to have lower performance than what the engine is actually capable of to preserve the lifespan of the car.
At the end of the day, you need to consider if the extra performance is worth the slight increase in fuel consumption. With enough research, planning and the right equipment, you can experience many of the performance increasing benefits of a car modification without suffering major drawbacks.
If you’re an absolute beginner to all the parts of a car and how they come together, take a look at this guide for more information. It’s always a good idea to have a car-loving friend to consult when you want to change your parts or modify your vehicle. Never go into a modification blind!
Cold Air Intakes
A cold air intake is one of the easiest modifications you can do without a mechanic’s help. It benefits you by improving your fuel economy and improving the acceleration of your car. All you have to do is replace the stock air box of your car’s intake. By allowing the air to flow unrestricted, the engine can breath more easily and work more efficiently.
Computer Tuning
Computerised tuning can help to improve the overall performance and fuel economy of your car. Most modern cars use digital systems to control performance tweaks, and many of the latest models can be tuned to improve various aspects of the engine. However, not all vehicles are designed to be modified and it varies depending on what make or model you have. You can often do computer tuning on your own with specialised tools, but some cars might require devices that are difficult to handle or have to be operated by a knowledgeable mechanic. Always speak to your local garage to learn what options you have for tuning your vehicle.
Spark Plugs
This is more akin to regular car maintenance, but replacing the spark plugs can have a huge impact on the overall efficiency of your vehicle. Spark plugs can easily wear out over time, so it’s never a bad idea to replace them once every 40,000-50,000 miles. It can help to improve your fuel efficiency. Spark plugs are also relatively cheap compared to some of the more expensive maintenance and modification jobs you can perform on your car. You can also easily replace the spark plugs on your own without the help of a mechanic.