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5 Affordable Ways to Improve Car Performance

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Lily Carter
5 Affordable Ways to Improve Car Performance

When you own a performance vehicle, not only do you want it to always look its best, but you also need it to perform in a particular way to maximise your enjoyment and to promote the vehicle as being desirable and aspirational. Performance car tuning is often undertaken to improve the sound quality produced by the vehicle, to improve its acceleration and to extend the life of the engine, particularly when subjected to rapid acceleration and braking as part of a race or when being repeatedly revved while stationary at a car show.

 

Performance car tuning can become quite costly, however, and must be regularly repeated to maintain the optimum results, so in this article, we explore five more affordable ways of improving your car's performance.


1. Change the air filter and spark plugs

By installing a sports air filter, your vehicle's engine will be able to take in more cold air, which will have a positive impact on its performance. Old or dirty spark plugs can cause issues such as rough idling, engine misfires and poor acceleration, so replacing them will help to improve the vehicle's performance and fuel consumption.


2. Change the oil

Old engine oil is sludgy and will reduce the efficiency of your vehicle's engine. It will not lubricate the mechanical components as effectively and can even reduce its horsepower, so investing in an oil change and choosing premium quality oil will help your vehicle to perform in an optimum manner, extend the life of your engine and ensure cleaner emissions.


3. Change the tyres

Your tyres are the only contact between your car and the road, and tyres with worn tread or insufficient road contact do not grip as well, meaning that you will struggle to brake and accelerate within the car's full capabilities. Swap them out for low-profile performance tyres and you will reap the handling and performance benefits, but make sure that you choose a size that is appropriate for your vehicle and has them professionally fitted.

 

Fitting the wrong tyres can damage your vehicle's suspension system and cause the speedometer to display incorrect readings.

4. Upgrade the exhaust system

An internal combustion engine requires that exhaust gases are expelled as quickly as possible. Modern exhaust systems use catalytic converters, diesel particulate filters and diffusers to reduce noise and emissions, but these can suppress the speed at which exhaust gases are eliminated.


Upgrading to a performance exhaust system mitigates these issues, reducing any back pressure in the exhaust manifold and thus improving the vehicle's performance.


5. Fit a Piggyback ECU Tuning Kit

All vehicle manufacturers design their engines with a power reserve that protects and extends the life of the engine. A piggyback ECU tuning kit exploits this reserve by adjusting the ignition, timing and fuel mixture to increase vehicle performance by up to 30%.

 

Because a piggyback ECU tuning kit is not a permanent modification, it is often referred to as a plug-and-play unit as it is designed to be plugged into the ECU when needed and removed without a trace when not required. The majority are suitable for self-installation, which reduces the associated costs as it is not necessary to employ a professional to perform the modification.


The actual cost of performance car tuning

It is important to remember that the cost of any engine or vehicle bodywork modifications that you make may be greater than the cost of the component and its fitting.

 

You risk invalidating your manufacturer's warranty and will need to declare the modifications to your insurance company, which may increase your premiums as a result. Failing to declare the modifications could result in your insurance being void in the event of a claim.

 

Even if you choose to invest in a piggyback ECU tuning kit which can be removed without trace, you must still notify your insurer of its existence, as failing to do so can have significant ramifications.


Wrapping Up

In conclusion, enhancing the performance of your car doesn't have to be a costly endeavour. By implementing these five affordable methods, you can optimize your vehicle's performance and maximize your driving experience. However, it's essential to consider the potential consequences, such as warranty invalidation and insurance implications, when making modifications to your car. By being mindful of these factors, you can enjoy improved performance while ensuring compliance with the necessary regulations.

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Lily Carter
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