3 Popular Vehicle Upgrades For A More Modern Feel

Your older car may look like it's well past its prime.

14:24 20 January 2020

It may not boast of all the fancy, sophisticated tech that’s a regular feature in many newer cars rolling off the assembly lines of leading manufacturers. Luckily, you don’t have to cough up a lot of money for buying a new car and there are many upgrades you can retrofit to your old car to make it feel more modern.

Let’s look at some popular vehicle upgrades for your car to breathe new life into it.

Touch screen infotainment systems

Are you tired of your old car’s dated entertainment system or the lack of? Touch screen infotainment systems are very popular these days, mainly because they give your car access to a whole new world of options that include Bluetooth connectivity, an embedded sat nav system, WiFi internet, media playback, remote control, reverse camera input, etc. Featuring a display as big as anywhere between 6” and 8”, these aftermarket systems run on Android Auto or Apple CarPlay and are relatively easier to install depending on what kit you choose. Vehicle-specific kits are designed for the exact car model and the installation is usually as easy as removing the stock unit and slotting it in. This kind of plug and play installation doesn’t require splicing or cutting harness wires and the controls on the steering wheel start functioning right away without you having to fiddle around with them much. 

On the contrary, universal kits may be slightly more difficult to install and may not bring you as many options. If one of the things you’re looking at doing, going into the new year, is upgrading your car entertainment system, click here for guides and professional advice and tips on what to look for when buying one. It is often beneficial to consult a mechanic or consider paying for a professional installation.

Automotive scanner and diagnostic devices 

This will add a whole new feel and look to your car, besides being handy in times of breakdown or repair. These devices give you a visual readout of the temperature (for example transmission fluid, engine coolant), battery health, fuel economy, etc., making getting key information about your older car easier. Advanced systems feature flashlights and cameras and other special equipment like an oscilloscope, taking vehicle diagnostics a little deeper to a whole new level.

Reverse backup cameras

This type of camera are common in modern cars, are meant to help you deal with blind spots behind your cars and could be particularly useful in situations where you’re backing into an object that cannot be seen from the driver’s seat. Aftermarket retrofit systems are quite easy to install and come with a wide angle design so you can park your car without worrying about that blind spot anymore. If your older car doesn’t have one, consider getting it fitted. You can also take things a bit further by installing special cameras designed to mount under side-view mirrors, which primarily work in tandem with other cameras to give you a complete 360-degree perspective.

We just went over some popular options for upgrading your vehicle. Whether you’re looking at a simple parking sensor kit or want to get a little fancy with fitting out cool welcome light system that wirelessly projects onto the pavement a unique design whenever the car door is opened, there is a lot of options for you to choose from.