5 Affordable Ways to Improve Your Car’s Performance

When purchasing a car, there are many factors that you need to consider, to ensure that you get the right car for your needs. However, over time the performance of your car can slide, so here are five affordable ways to improve your car’s performance.

The first step to take to improve your car’s performance is to identify how much excess weight is being carried in your vehicle. The way your car performs can change drastically once you have taken away any extra baggage. The type and size of your vehicle will vary in how much excess weight you are carrying. Once you get rid of any unnecessary clutter from your car, your vehicle will be able to accelerate better. Ensuring your car is as light as possible is an inexpensive way of improving the overall performance and increasing the horsepower.

One of the most popular ways to increase the power and performance of your car is to either install a tuning chip/box or have it remapped. However, a common misconception is that these two methods are the same when this is not the case. To remap your car, you will need to connect the car’s ECU via a diagnostic socket to a laptop or computer that can then alter the values in favor of performance. You will also be able to modify the ignition timings, boost pressure and fuel ratios. There is no need for any extra parts to be added to your car when undergoing a remap. 

There are many advantages to remapping your car such as improving fuel economy and improving efficiency, as well as it being relatively cheap. You are also able to customize the map to your own personal preferences. To install a tuning chip to your car, you will need to connect the chip to the common rail sensor. There are numerous benefits to installing a tuning box such as improving efficacy, as well as being able to remove the box and use it on another car. It is important that you thoroughly research the advantages as well as disadvantages to help you make the right decision about what will be best for your car.

When modifying the exhaust system on your car, you will not only notice a nicer exhaust note when you accelerate but also a significant improvement in power. As your car gets older, the exhaust cats typically get clogged up, which results in the performance steadily decreasing. Installing a brand-new exhaust to an older vehicle will give you improved results and make a noticeable difference. 

There are three options to choose from when modifying your exhaust system with each having their own benefits and suiting your budget. The first and most popular method is by cutting off parts of the original exhaust and replacing it with a stainless-steel pipe. The exhaust sound will then increase and allow more exhaust gas to escape. You will need to have the right equipment to cut through the pipes, so looking at plasma soldering tools will help you understand how the entire process works and what tools are necessary when cutting pipe.

Another way to increase horsepower and the overall performance of your car is by installing a free-flow air filter. While there may not be an enormous difference, an air filter can slightly increase the horsepower and ensure your car is performing to the best of its ability. To install an air filter, you will need to open the hood, find the air filter housing, and remove it. Take care when unscrewing screws or clamps to reduce the risk of any contaminants getting into the filter housing. Once you have done this, simply remove the old air filter, clean inside the box, and then insert your new filter. 

It is important to bear in mind that the oil from the filter can destroy or damage the mass air flow, so it is vital that you take care and follow the steps correctly to ensure the entire process goes accordingly to plan. If you are unsure of how to install your air filter, it is best to get the help of a mechanic who will be able to perform the task correctly.

One of the more straight-forward upgrades that you can make to your car to boost its performance is by installing a cold intake. You can get an idea from MechanicGuides’ list of top-rated cold air intake for 5.9 Cummins. A vehicle will work much better when it sucks in colder air as opposed to reused or warm air. A cold air intake is better at pulling in cold air. A high-performance intercooler may also be the right option for you. As cooler air is denser, this can improve your car's performance dramatically. While most modern cars will already have an intercooler installed, they are often small in size and not designed for any modifications that you have made to your car. If you install a larger intercooler, it is strongly advised to get your car remapped again.

Always make sure that you research into the costs of any modifications to your car, especially if you need the help of a mechanic, to avoid any excess fees. Car mods can be expensive, but you should be able to find the parts you need online. It’s also worth chatting with car enthusiasts on motoring forums, as they may be able to offer some useful tips.