Personalizing Your Car

You have just purchased your next vehicle. Now you want to make it your own. What are the ways you can do this? There are many, depending on your taste, style and need. Here are just a few:

1. Tires - Changing out your rims or increasing the size of your tires can change the look of your vehicle significantly. If you are looking to 'upstep' your vehicle, you can do this by increasing your wheel's diameter. Then there are the rims. Rims come in everything from aluminum to alloy. They also vary greatly in price, depending on what you are looking for and how much you can spend, but the change will most certainly be recognizable.
2. Pinstriping and Graphics - People have been adding pinstripes and graphics to their vehicles for years. It is one of the most unique ways you can add flare to your vehicle and it sets off your vehicle. Pinstriping and graphics are also cheaper than painting your car.
3. Grilles and Body Kits - Vehicles come with what is called a factory grille, but to express yourself a little more, you can have your grille customized. Body kits also can give your vehicle a new look as well as change its aerodynamics. Kits can include front bumpers, rear bumpers, side skirts and spoilers. You can lower your car, change its weight distribution or change its look.
4. Windows - Tinting your windows can give your vehicle a new look and help provide a little relief from the sun. Tints come in different colors and shades - but check your local laws to make sure you are within its limits, as some areas do not allow particular tints.
5. Audio - The most favorite change of all, changing out your stereo system. Today's audio systems are more sophisticated than ever, playing music from your iPod or MP3 player as well as your CDs. Not only can you change out your system, but also the speakers and amplifiers as well. The possibilities are almost endless when it comes to upgrading the sound system in your vehicle.
6. Video - Looking for a way to entertain the kids in the back seat? Flat-panel video screens, DVD players, you name it - they have it. You can customize your vehicle with as many DVD players as you can fit these days. They can be installed in the headrest, dash or in a flip down from the ceiling.
7. Lighting - Changing out the lights under your car, around your car and in your car is another option in customizing your vehicle. Many people are installing LED's or Light Emitting Diodes under their car. You can also change the bulbs in the existing lights within your car.
8. Gauges - There are many aftermarket gauge kits that one can purchase to change the appearance of their dashboard. Some of these kits include ways to change the look of your gauges at night.
9. Seat Covers and Floor Mats - This is the oldest and cheapest way to customize your vehicle. There are numerous choices today in seat covers and floor mats out there. There are even dashboard trim kits, custom shifter knobs and specialized drink holders that you can add to your vehicle. Floor mats and cargo liners will also help you protect your vehicle and keep it looking new.


The ways of individualizing your vehicle to your own tastes are numerous and across the board when it comes to cost. So have fun and enjoy making your vehicle your own.

Greg Chapman of Greg Chapman Motors is a knowledgable and leading provider of used cars, trucks, and SUV’s. Since 1959, Chapman motors has supplied reliable used cars in Austin and the surrounding area. For more information please visit http://www.gregchapmanmotors.com.