Ideal for those looking to kit out their car on the cheap.
Once upon a time, in a land not far from here, your four wheels were purely functional; if they got you from A to B efficiently, then the owner was satisfied.
But image and appearance matter so much in the modern world, and vehicle customisation has risen hugely in popularity, even after the globally successful show Pimp My Ride stopped being produced, its illustrious run ending in 2007.
Whether you’re pining for a return of the Xzibit fronted TV hit, a high-speed race car fan, a Fast & Furious franchise lover, or simply someone who spends a lot of time in their car and is seeking extra comfort, you might be wondering how to ‘pimp’ your ride in a way which doesn’t cost a fortune.
Frankly, that’s understandable during a cost of living crisis that shows no signs of abating just yet, but rest assured, customising your car can be done with thrift at the forefront of your thinking.
With that in mind, and to assuage your fears on the financial side of things, here are some of the best ways to pimp your ride on a budget, IDEAL for those looking to kit out their car on the cheap.
Get Wheel Soon
The wheels to your car are like shoes on your feet; not only are they functional, but they also provide aesthetic intrigue when deployed with the right, light touch.
Manufacturers have cottoned on, and now wheels are customisable in a hugely diverse, often bespoke, manner. Whilst that TV programme we’re nostalgic for often saw custom alloy wheels as the foundation of the car’s makeover, for a cheaper alternative, you can simply get a paint job done on your wheels or use neon colours for added vibrancy.
It is possible to do this yourself, but you’ll need to invest in degreaser, sandpaper at various grits, car wheel primer, sealer and car wheel paint, among other items. In that case, it may be more cost-effective (and certainly more simple) to hire an expert to do this job.
Embellishing your wheels by adding spinners or hubcaps is another easy way to give your car a bit of swagger.
Read: Looking to customise your car? Here are some factors you should consider
Personalised Plates
Many are put off by the apparent high price of such a purchase. Don’t be. Though private number plates do differ in price considerably, there are cheap private plates available, with a collection of initials and four numbers starting out as low as £25.
Once you have an idea in mind for what you’re after, check the government’s official ‘buy a personalised number plate’ platform via the DVLA to see if it’s available and within the UK’s legal parameters. Should you find that your desired configuration of numbers and letters is available, then you can either buy your plate via the website, or for rarer combinations, enter into DVLA number plate auctions and bid away.
Light ‘Em Up!
The use of lights, especially LED lights, on your car might be one of the most cost-effective methods to customise your car and catch the eye of passersby. Quite literally!
Of course, you should check the legality of such lighting first, as there are several laws surrounding the volume, brightness and frequency of customised lighting in your vehicle, but in general, neon lights around the wheelbase, the wing at the back, or around the doors are permitted by UK law. Customising your headlights, on the other hand, may incur police interference.
Should you be keen on eye catching vibrancy without the concern about breaking the law, a new paint job might be a more conservative choice. Regardless of the state of your car under the hood, at least it will look the part!
You Need Your Windows Tinted
Window tints have been a popular option across the world for minimal yet appealing customisation of the car, making the user feel like they’re James Bond, a drug dealer or the chauffeur to a celebrity. Joking aside, they add a certain je ne sais quoi to your vehicle, and on a more practical level, may block UV rays from fading your car’s upholstery, cool down your car, and reduce the sun’s glare while you’re driving.
Once again, UK law is fairly strict on the level of tint permitted, both on the windscreen and front side windows; vehicles must allow a minimum 75% of light through the front windscreen and 70% through the front side windows. Failure to comply will lead to a ‘prohibition notice’ (which means your car can’t be on the road until the tints are amended), a court summons or a fine.
Perhaps surprisingly, there are no laws or guidance on tinting your rear windscreen or rear passenger windows.
The Bare Accessories Of Life
There are also a whole host of great accessories you can install in your car to give it the wow factor to passengers (as well as making your ride more comfortable for yourself).
Rather than list them here, we’ll direct you to our article on the 6 IDEAL car accessories to improve your next road trip. Enjoy!