Aside from engine upgrades aiming to push more power, exterior car parts and upgrades toy with versatility to increase passenger and vehicle protection, improve dated styling or add visual appeal, and in many cases incorporate newer designs and technology to meet changing regulatory requirements.
They also work together with performance parts to refine handling, offering an aerodynamic edge and pushing practicality and safety to new levels. The good news for all car owners is that parts are accessible, compatible with both new and old vehicles and tailored to meet different budgets and expectations.
Protect Your Ride With Bumpers
Bumpers are some of the more common and reliable car body parts when it comes to upgrades and customization. The parts are designed to absorb impact during collisions, protect vital engine parts and vehicle occupants and ensure safety systems based around sensors and air bags function as needed. Change your front or rear bumper if this has visible damage such as surface cracks, scratches and dents to ensure proper structural integrity.
Or consider styling benefits when swapping out stock bumpers with more visual appeal, and in most cases more durable builds. While sturdy, lightweight plastics are dominant in production cars, car owners can opt for bumpers with reinforced aluminum and stainless steel beams or carbon fibre or fibreglass elements for enhanced protection.
And without compromising compatibility, newer car body parts and designs with included vents increase engine and component cooling (in brakes and the suspension) redistribute airflow around the vehicle for improved aerodynamics. They also come with provisions for aftermarket extras like fog and driving lights to boost visibility. Choose from standard replacements in vehicles with front-end damage, rear step bumpers in trucks for easier access to beds, or towing bumpers with incorporated hitches for simplified and safer towing.
Enhance Visibility with the Right Lights
Headlight assemblies are often the first victims in head-on collisions. Busted polycarbonate covers, disfigured molding, shattered housings and missing bulbs are just collateral damage that render the lights useless and increase the risk of fines. Headlights beyond repair mean you’ll be shopping for replacements compatible with your vehicle in terms of build, size, bulb and wiring type and brightness.
Go by VIN or part numbers for stock replacements, ensuring quality materials, proper fit and no wiring issues. Acrylic lenses are lightweight and inexpensive alternatives to polycarbonate while Trivex offers higher impact resistance and clarity. For housings and reflectors look to mineral-enhanced nylon, modified polypropylene (PP), traditional steel or aluminum in older vehicles.
And durable halogen, xenon or LED bulbs from established brands to ensure correct light projection and brightness levels. All lights, including rear tail or indicator lights must also meet current road state and federal standards and carry certifications from relevant bodies.
Restore Factory Looks with Replacement Body Panels
Body panels are another consideration for vehicles damaged in accidents, collisions or intentional tampering. They endure daily wear and tear, paint fade and flaking and stripped coats with visible rust. These auto body parts range from cab corners and rear tailgates in trucks to front and rear wheel arches and fenders, side rocker panels and hoods, among other parts.
Like all replacements, consider fit, sizing and materials to match factory compatibility. Parts are sold by part numbers, with car makes, models, trims and production years simplifying purchases. If choosing aftermarket replacements, also consider how aluminum, steel or exotics like carbon fibre affect strength, durability, weight, maintenance needs and rust and chemical resistance. And whether OE-replicas or cheaper slip-on panels offer a cleaner fit.
Choose Aftermarket Mirror Replacements
Driver and passenger side mirrors increase visibility by eliminating blind spots, vital in basic manoeuvres such as turns, merging with other traffic and backing up. Mirrors additionally raise awareness as to what lies behind your vehicle, especially in high-traffic areas. Most newer vehicles integrate indicator lights into the door mirrors, meaning the parts also inform other traffic participants of your intention to turn or change direction.
Common issues include damage sustained in accidents, malfunctioning electrics disabling adjustment or heating functionality, cracked or fading glass and problems with the indicators. Buying this type of exterior body parts includes considerations on colour-coding outer housings to match vehicle colours, sourcing mounting hardware for a seamless fit and the right wiring harness to ensure heating/demisting, adjustment and folding. Also consider glass options with convex or flat glass offering a different view to the back and sides of the vehicle. This can be coated with reflective materials to prevent glare and blinding.
Experiment with Grilles
Grilles define brand and model looks. They come in two basic types – mesh or bar, and several design variations to distinguish one car brand from the other. Their basic task is to shield sensitive engine parts like radiators from rocks, dust and road debris, while redirecting air over other hot vehicle parts such as the brakes or suspension.
Car owners can find direct OE-replacements or aftermarket automotive exterior parts and replicas to deal with cracks, scratches and missing molding or grilles that spoil the appearance of your ride. More creative drivers will also experiment with custom designs in materials, colours and styling elements to draw more attention to the vehicle.
While plastics are more common in factory grilles, replicate the look of high-end performance and luxury cars with durable metal mesh or bar designs. These not only look good but also improve protection and performance. Shop for grilles, door mirrors, body panels, lights, bumpers and other parts from dedicated parts stores, online or in-store.