Looking for ways to modify the appearance of your car? There are all kinds of cosmetic upgrades that you can make to a vehicle. This includes simple temporary decorations and more permanent modifications. Below are 15 examples of fun cosmetic ways to personalise your car.
Custom paint job
A custom paint job can be a chance to change the colour of your car, add decals, hide blemishes or simply freshen up your existing paintwork. The cost of repainting a car isn’t cheap – although it depends on the area you want to paint and the level of detail you’re looking to add. Covering up a minor scratch may only cost a couple hundred pounds, whereas a full paint job may cost thousands. You should always pay a professional rather than attempting such a paint job yourself.
Vinyl wraps
Vinyl wraps are a popular alternative to a paint job. They involve wrapping your car with a thin sheet of vinyl. These vinyl can be coloured or can be designed to contain details such as company branding or racing stripes. Unlike a custom paint job, a vinyl wrap is a temporary solution that you can easily remove if you decide to sell your vehicle. Vinyl wraps are also often cheaper – particularly when it comes to decals and intricate patterns. You’ll still likely want to hire a professional to install them.
Number plates
A personalised number plate could be a fun way to customise your car. Such number plates are typically chosen to spell out names or contain numbers of significance (like dates of birth). There are sites online that can allow you to peruse through available car number plates. Such plates can vary in cost depending on how sought after they’re likely to be (number plates containing obvious words and names will cost more). Be wary that you’ll have to pay to register your new number plate with your car.
Wheel trims
Beyond upgrading tyres, many car owners like to pimp out their wheels by adding new trims. You can find all kinds of fun and fancy designs online. Some of the boldest options include coloured trims and spinners. Alternatively, there are many subtle designs, which may be better suited if you just want to replace worn or missing hubcaps and aren’t necessarily looking for something that stands out.
Spoilers
While some boy racers will tell you that they’ve installed a spoiler for the ‘drag’, most spoilers don’t actually have much practical advantage. They can however make a car look cool, and are one of the most sought out car body modifications. Spoilers come in various different shapes and sizes. Some are quite subtle, while others are extreme. You can also buy custom spoilers in different colours or with text on if you’re looking for something that’s extra loud.
Bumper stickers
Bumper stickers are more of a fun form of decoration than a modification. They’re typically used to display funny messages, but they can also serve as souvenirs of places or be used to show your support for certain parties or sports teams. Bumper stickers don’t have to be stuck on your bumper. In fact, some are designed for windows or doors. A good quality bumper sticker is certain to stay on in all weathers and won’t fade. You can buy such stickers online (there are even some sites that allow you to design your own).
Window tints
Tinted windows can have some practical advantages including privacy and interior protection against sun damage. However, most car owners invest in them for their aesthetic appeal. Tints typically involve adding a thin darkened film to each window. This is installed by a professional. You can choose how dark you want your tints to be, however you should note that there are laws regarding how dark you can go. When it comes to the windscreen and front windows, tinted windows must still let in at least 70% sunlight to be deemed legal. There are different types of window tint to choose from.
Seat covers
Seat covers are fabric sleeves that are designed to fit over your existing interior seats. Car seat covers can have some practical benefits such as protecting your seats from damage and mess (many seat covers are easily removable and machine washable). However, many people invest in them as a way of upgrading the appearance of their interior. It’s possible to get seat covers manufactured in various different colours and fabrics, and you can even add patterns and text. Seat covers must be manufactured to the shape and size of your particular car model’s seats and may not be possible to buy off the shelf.
Floor mats
It’s also possible to personalise your car’s interior by buying new floor mats. Floor mats can help to protect the footwells of your car from dirt and damage, but they can also improve the appearance of your interior. There are many different designs of floor mat to explore online including carpeted and rubber mats. You can also look into custom floor mats that can fit the exact shape of your footwell.
Steering wheel covers
You can also personalise your steering wheel by buying a steering wheel cover. These covers are available in all kinds of colours and materials (including leather covers and fluffy wool covers). Some are able to keep your steering wheel warm in winter, while others can keep it cool in summer. Custom steering wheel covers are an option for those that want something unique.
Lighting
Extra lighting can be installed on the interior or exterior of your car. This can improve visibility and also make your car look amazing at night. There are LED lighting systems that you can install yourself, which can be programmed to light up in different colours. Common places to install these lights include under seats to light up footwells or around the bottom of doors. If you would prefer to hire a professional to install such lighting, you can do – this can ensure that lighting is neat and that achieves the glow you want.
Sound systems
Installing a new sound system could improve the music sound quality in your car. Such sound systems are often installed in the boot and can be designed to look cool as well as sounding cool. It may be possible to install such a sound system yourself, however many car owners find it easier to hire a professional.
Air fresheners
Air fresheners can help to freshen up the air in your car. However, they can also be a fun cosmetic accessory. There are custom air fresheners that you can buy online to display names or photos. These can be hung from your rear mirror. You can also buy air fresheners that clip onto the vents of your car’s AC. These can come in all kinds of themed styles ranging from animals to skulls.
Dashboard ornaments
Dashboard ornaments have long been popular. The most famous dashboard ornament is the bobblehead or nodding dog. Other dashboard ornaments that you can look into include rubber ducks, succulent plants and maneki-neko waving cats. Many of these ornaments are able to stick onto the dashboard or onto the windscreen itself. You can also buy ornaments to hang around your rear mirror. The most famous examples include fluffy dice and dreamcatchers.
Antenna toppers
Antenna toppers are small decorations that sit on the top of your car’s antenna. The most common examples include bees and flowers, but you can find all kinds of different topper designs online. Some people also attach flags to their antennae – which could include national flags or funny flags.
