Do you spend a lot of time driving your car? If so, you’re not the only one. In fact, most Americans probably spend more time driving than they do at home.
That’s why it’s important to keep your car running as smoothly and efficiently as possible.
Even if you’re not a gearhead, there are plenty of things you can do to improve the way your car runs. The key is to know the best tips for car tuning that will maximize every mile spent on the road.
This article takes a look at simple methods ever car tuning shop uses that you can take advantage of at home. Keep reading to get the inside scoop on taking your car’s performance to the next level.
1. Change Your Air Filter
The first thing you should do to tune up your engine is to replace your air filter. This step is quick and easy, and it’s relatively inexpensive. A clean air filter will increase the amount of power your engine is able to generate and you’ll also notice that your car runs much smoother.
You can also upgrade to a modified system in order to increase airflow so that your little buggy will really move down the road. So consider adding cool modifications like catalytic converters and intakes so that you create a flow of cold air from the grille to the exhaust. This would be one of the best investments you’ll ever make in your car.
2. Proper Tire Pressure
The average car owner gives very little thought to the air pressure in their tires. This is actually one of the most important ways of keeping your car safe while maximizing performance.
Keep in mind that the manufacturer of your tires has designed them to be filled to a specific air pressure. This enables the smoothest ride possible, increases stability, and also helps minimize the odds of experiencing a blowout.
The great thing about staying on top of the air pressure in your tires is it doesn’t cost you a dime. All you have to do is pay attention.
3. New Brake Pads
How have your brakes been feeling lately? Have they started to grind? Do they stop your car like they did when you first bought your car?
It’s important to remember that brakes don’t last forever. They take a lot of abuse, especially if you spend a lot of time on the road in heavy traffic. Day after day, this extremely wear and tear adds up. This means that sooner or later they will fail.
Fortunately, investing in new brake pads won’t break your bank account. And you possess a few basic tools and the right set of skills, you can even do the job yourself and save a little money.
But even if you pay a car tuning shop to do the job, new brake pads are an essential part of your car’s performance, as well as a crucial factor for keeping you and your family safe while driving.
4. Smaller Wheels
Another way to quickly take your car’s performance to the next level is to get new wheels. But don’t just replace them with the same type you already had. Upgrade both your wheels and tires.
One of the secrets to great wheel performance is to choose a smaller size. This will look awesome while improving acceleration.
There are other advantages as well, such as tighter turning and having a wider range of high-performance tires to choose from. With low-profile tires, you’ll be able to really hug the road and squeeze more power and performance from your ride that you ever dreamed possible.
5. Chassis Upgrade
Now let’s talk for a moment about your chassis. This is another aspect of a car that many drivers never give a second thought. And yet your suspension is crucial to having a smooth ride and optimum performance in any type of road conditions.
The great thing about suspension is the ability to raise it or lower it as desired. Upgrading your chassis provides the power to make your car look super cool while also making it handle like a dream.
6. Wipe the ECU
The internal computer controls just about everything in a modern car. This includes power, torque, steering, and fuel injection. Thus the fastest way to make a huge difference in the way your car performs in by wiping the ECU and installing new car tuning software in order to squeeze more power from the vehicle by causing the onboard computer to work differently. Just be sure of what you’re doing before you take on this DIY automotive hack.
Here are tips for tuning the VW 1.8 Turbo engine.
7. New Spark Plugs
Never underestimate the value of your spark plugs. After all, this part of your car might not be sexy, and yet good plugs can make all the difference in how your engine runs day in and day out.
Believe it or not, a remapped ECU on a turbocharged engine will often produce the biggest boost of power that money can buy.
Whether you decide to replace your old plugs or upgrade them with something better, you should be able to tell a big difference immediately.
8. Upgrade Your Oil
It’s no secret that motor oil is literally the lifeblood of your engine. Without good oil, your engine will run poorly, potentially run hot, and will cause your motor to breakdown prematurely. That’s why you should consider upgrading the quality of your motor oil in order to increase the lifespan of your car and improve engine performance.
9. The Exhaust System
The exhaust system is one of the least appreciated parts of a car. And yet it’s also one of the most important. After all, the exhaust serves as an outlet for gases generated by the burner.
Upgrading the exhaust system on your car will help increase performance will also making it run quieter.
A Guide to Car Tuning Tips for the Average Driver
Keeping your car in great running condition should always be a top priority. Fortunately, these car tuning tips will help to ensure peak performance for many years to come.
Keep scrolling to discover more great car maintenance tips and advice on our blog.