Sprucing up your car doesn’t have to cost a fortune. This side of huge stroker kits, twin-turbo setups or elaborate exhaust systems, adding visual appeal and more character, is affordable for all car enthusiasts. All it takes is some imagination and sourcing quality parts that you can install yourself.

Start with Underglow Kits

Underglow is all the hype in the car industry. Also called underbody or ground effects lighting, this is a collection of LED or neon lights attached to the underside of the chassis to light up the ground under the car. LEDs are the preferred option to neon lights and light strips, able to produce a variety of colours, a strobe or halo effect, and last even in demanding driving conditions. Let’s take a closer look at both options:

• Neon lights – These are sold in variants with over 100 hues, with the aim of personalising your car, truck or bike the way you want. The lights are essentially gas compressed tubes, with colours that can be changed according to speed, the volume of the sound system, mood or general preference.
• LED – For greater durability in harsh road and driving conditions (water, heat, debris), go with an LED under glow lighting kit. They’re more compact and easier to install LED light strips or tubes in defined lengths that attach to different parts of the underbody to provide a seamless fit. Like neon lights, they can be optioned in one or multiple colours.

Complete kits also include a remote, a hardwired Bluetooth-compatible controller, extension cabling, relays, fuses and cabin switches that turn lights on or off and alter colours, brightness and modes. The lights can be controlled from smartphones, with cabin switches offering simple transitions between fading, flashing or chasing colour patterns. Some underglow kits can also be synchronised with car stereos and brake lights for additional effect.

Why Have Underglow Kits?

• Personalise your ride – Choose different colours or lighting effects to highlight your vehicle and express individuality.
• Add mood lighting – Dynamic colour changes and patterns capture different moods and occasions.
• Benefit from improved visibility – Kits raise awareness of approaching vehicles, especially in poorly lit areas.
• Count on practicality – Illuminate the underside of the vehicle in minor repairs or tires changes.
• Count on versatility – Kits are supplied with multiple strips in varying lengths to suit different vehicles. Trucks, cars and motorcycles can have them installed.

Before committing to an LED under glow kit, choose between strips or tubes. These produce slightly different lighting effects, with strips having smaller footprints and being generally easier to install. If selecting LED strips, consider the appropriate lengths (most kits consist of two front, two side, and two rear strips) in sizes between 180 and 200cm. Ensure they have IP ratings to withstand harsh weather, are supplied with instructions for fast DIY installation and include simplified controllers to change colours and lighting on the fly.

Follow up With Decals

Decals and stickers aren’t exactly new, but they’re making a comeback, especially as an assertive statement in individuality. Aside from their use as effective marketing tools in commercial vehicles (or as tacky bumper messages), they’re a satisfyingly inexpensive way to stand out, more so if you drive a run-of-the-mill car.

Vinyl decals are durable, long-lasting, stick easily to almost every car surface and won’t cost an arm and a leg. They consist of a PVC-coated film and an adhesive backer, and are available in a wide range of colours and matte, gloss or metallic finishes. They’re easy to shape and apply, requiring only basic cutting tools, or come as pre-cut peel-and-stick types.

Once on, you’ll be worry-free knowing they’ll last through any type of weather, including temperature extremes, high humidity and high UV exposure. Another bonus is that thicker decals are scratch-resistant and won’t tear or crumple up. Choose from clear vinyl decals as a background or for more subtle designs, or opaque and chrome decals for lettering and logos that stand out.

For more striking looks, newer but slightly more costly decals are sure to draw attention. Reflective, holographic and perforated decals all play with light and colour to supply a unique visual effect. Decide whether decals are going to be a temporary or permanent addition to your ride, and consider a professional fit for visually-pleasing and lasting results.

Complete the Look with Custom Seat Covers

Lastly, consider appearances on the inside. Custom seat covers manufactured to the exact size and shape of the seats in your car offer a comfortable, snug and slip-free fit. They can be had in a choice of soft-touch materials like neoprene, polyester and velour, optioned in a range of colours and patterns, and have design cues like embroidered names or contrast stitching to match custom lighting and exterior bodywork and paint additions. Choose seat covers that are durable and well-made to withstand spills and stains, those that are easy to get on and off and work with airbags and other safety features and require minimal maintenance for cleaning and washing.