Personalizing your vehicle is a unique form of self-expression, and to get the best advice, we’ve gathered insights from experts in the automotive industry. From starting with custom paint or vinyl wraps to interior and tech personalization insights, discover the top five personalized touches recommended by a Director, Managing Directors, a President, and a Research Analyst.
- Start with Custom Paint or Vinyl Wraps
- Functional Aesthetics with Practical Mods
- Combine Utility with Personal Style
- Focus on Efficiency and Performance
- Interior and Tech Personalization Insights
Start with Custom Paint or Vinyl Wraps
Personalizing your vehicle is a unique form of self-expression, offering a creative outlet to showcase your style. At Schmicko, we believe in making car customization accessible and reflective of the owner’s personality. Start with the basics: consider a custom paint job or vinyl wraps to transform your car’s appearance with vibrant colors or patterns.
Interior customizations such as new seat covers, steering wheel covers, and even ambient lighting can significantly alter your vehicle’s interior mood and comfort. Performance upgrades can also be a form of personalization, aligning the car’s capabilities with your driving preferences.
We encourage car enthusiasts to explore aftermarket accessories like rims, spoilers, and advanced tech gadgets to further individualize their rides. Remember, the key is to balance aesthetics and functionality to ensure your vehicle not only stands out but also remains practical for everyday use.
David Bui
Director & Business Specialist – Automotive & Automations, Schmicko
Functional Aesthetics with Practical Mods
I’ve really put my personal stamp on my second 2007 Crown Victoria Police Interceptor, tailoring it not just to my tastes but also making it functional for my needs. I started by removing the push bar to change its initial appearance and replaced the tires with ControlContact Sports for better performance. To boost its efficiency, I upgraded the rear sway bar, added an extra transmission cooler, and installed a dashboard tablet with an OBDII interface for real-time diagnostics.
To further personalize it and distance it from its police car roots, I added racing stripes and some eye-catching window stickers. I even built a smaller push bar to help start a friend’s old car, a practical touch that also adds to its unique look. Replacing the “Police Interceptor” badges with simple “Interceptor” badges helped modify its identity to something more fitting my style.
For those looking to personalize their vehicle, my tip is to think beyond just aesthetics. Consider how each modification can serve a practical purpose while also making your car a true reflection of your personality.
Plan your changes thoughtfully, balancing immediate improvements with long-term upgrades, as I am with my plan to swap in an SVT Cobra engine and possibly add more power down the line. Always align your modifications with both your personal taste and functional enhancements to truly make your vehicle your own.
James McNally
Managing Director, SDVH [Self Drive Vehicle Hire]
Combine Utility with Personal Style
I’ve customized my 2008 Civic Diesel to better fit my needs and reflect my style, particularly with upgrades that enhance its functionality and aesthetics. I replaced the original radio with a double-DIN radio kit paired with Connects2 steering wheel cabling and a Pioneer DAB radio that supports Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. This upgrade, sourced from an eBay car audio store, significantly improved my driving experience.
For others looking to personalize their vehicle, start with modifications that combine both utility and personal taste. If you enjoy tech, upgrading your car’s audio and connectivity features, like I did, can be a great start.
Also, consider practical enhancements such as adding a roof-mounted aerial or a reversing camera. These are not just about style but improving the functionality of your vehicle. Plan your modifications step by step, tackle one project at a time, and don’t rush it. This way, you can ensure each upgrade works well before moving on to the next.
Danilo Miranda
Managing Director, Presenteverso
Focus on Efficiency and Performance
I spend a lot of time thinking about functionality and efficiency, which carries over into how I personalize my vehicle. I’ve chosen to enhance my car with performance upgrades, such as a high-efficiency exhaust system and better suspension, which not only reflect my focus on efficiency but also significantly improve the driving experience.
For anyone looking to personalize their vehicle, I recommend starting with changes that enhance both aesthetics and performance. This approach ensures that your personal style aligns with practical benefits, making every modification both enjoyable and useful.
Sandra Malouf
President, Eurolog Packing Group
Interior and Tech Personalization Insights
Personalizing your vehicle is a great way to express your personality. Consider interior modifications such as personalized upholstery, trim accents, and improved audio systems. Custom accessories, such as seat covers, steering wheel covers, or decorative features, can also help to personalize the interior.
Organize your automobile with useful storage solutions and add tech improvements like GPS navigation systems or smartphone integration for extra convenience. Explore external attachments such as roof racks, bike racks, and custom details to improve practicality and appeal. Personalize your vehicle with emotional items or graphics that reflect your interests and activities, making it truly distinctive and representative of your personality.
Approximately one-third of all consumers who drive modify their vehicles in some fashion. The survey also discovered that the percentage of Americans who modify their vehicles varies by age: Age 16-24: 33%; 25-34: 34%; 35-44: 30%; 45-54: 23%; 55-64: 18%; and 65+: 7%. Also, 49% of buyers are willing to decorate their vehicles when they purchase them, with another 11% intending to do so later. More than 7.9 million young people personalize, modify, or enhance their vehicles each year. Sixty-six percent of young modders purchase parts for their projects in stores.
Thirty-six percent of people use automobile interior items to customize their vehicles. Other parts that individuals buy include wheels and tires (49%), exterior and body (42%), fluids, cleansers, and synthetic oils (39%), lighting upgrades (33%), and suspension and brake upgrades (27%). Moreover, our recent market analysis suggests that the Automotive Interior Material Market is witnessing significant growth and is expected to increase at a rate of 4%.
Priya Ahuja
Research Analyst, Straits Research
