Your vehicle is a very valuable asset. So, in order to keep its worth, it’s imperative that you use an array of late model mobile auto services to help maintain its condition. But, with so many high-end services to choose from, many drivers are left bewildered at the assortment of options on offer. Not to mention, some drivers cannot be left without their car for too long, so they end up delaying vital services, which then causes their vehicles to suffer even more damage and decay. Therefore, this article will explore how you can upgrade your vehicle and discuss what services are best suited to late model cars.

Upgrade Your Car with These 5 Essential Auto Services

1. Comprehensive Auto Care Solutions

Before you rush into giving your car the ultimate makeover, you must ensure that your vehicle is in good working order. This includes monitoring the engine’s overall performance, checking the oil level, and ensuring the controls run smoothly. Even though you may be happy with the outcome of these standard checks, it’s still good practice to take your car to a qualified mechanic to see if it requires any other auto repairs. During a usual vehicle check, a highly skilled mechanic will assess the structural safety of your car and may potentially carry out a short road test to ensure that it’s capable of being on the streets. They may also examine your car’s bodywork, highlighting any glaring scuffs or scrapes and offering a number of ways that they could be improved. Once this assessment is complete, the mechanic will typically create an investigative report on your vehicle and send it over to you within a few days. Although this is one of the more exuberant late model mobile auto services on offer, it’s a fantastic way for drivers to gain more insight into their vehicles and become more aware of any auto repair problems.

If the mechanic informs you of any issues that need to be repaired, it’s imperative that you complete them as soon as possible. This is especially true if the issue is life-threatening, like a brake repair or an airbag malfunction. Admittedly, some of these repairs can be quite costly, so you may have to dip into your emergency savings or create a payment plan in order to cover them. Jiffy Lube explains that a complete brake replacement, which also includes new pads, rotors, and calipers, can cost anywhere from $200 to $820, depending on the extent of the damage.

2. Transmission Services for Enhanced Performance

Although they may not seem like much, transmission services can help to transform the overall performance and execution of your car. During a transmission change, a mechanic will flush out the old transmission fluid and replace it with a new batch, working in a similar vein to a regular oil change. Although you could pick up some transmission fluid at your local auto repair shop and complete the job yourself, you may benefit from recruiting a mechanic to help you complete the job without any potential mishaps. According to AutoZone, this service can cost $100-$300, making it a costly process for most people. However, the source also notes that this high price is associated with the fluid rather than the cost of the labor. So, if your vehicle requires lots of transmission fluid or a specific kind, it’s best to let a professional handle the job.

However, if your transmission system is beyond repair, you may require a manual transmission rebuild. Since this system helps to change gears, if it’s not in good condition, your car may stall frequently or present a variety of jarring sounds whilst in neutral. As such, if you own a manual car, it’s vital that you make use of a range of late model mobile auto services; otherwise, your car may struggle to even move off of the driveway. This rebuild is not cheap, with J.D. Power explaining that it could cost anywhere between $1,500 to $3,000. Although this service is a bit cheaper than its automatic counterparts, it’s still quite pricey, so don’t hesitate to ask your respective mechanic about any potential discounts or package deals. Plus, it’s also a good idea to look into remanufactured transmission options, which are previous units that have been repaired to bring them back up to a high standard. Not only are these parts slightly cheaper than a brand-new replacement, but some auto shops also provide a selection of warranties to help you save money in the long run.

3. Vehicle Preservation and Enhancement

If you’re fortunate to own a vintage or very affluent vehicle, you’ll know how important it is to maintain your car’s appearance and performance. You may also want to add a variety of modern upgrades to your car, such as Bluetooth connectivity, GPS, or electric windows, all of which can bring your car back into the 21st century. Alongside these assets, your car also requires regular maintenance to ensure that it can actually achieve its purpose of driving on the road. A common feature, such as wheel alignment, should be checked every two to three years to make sure that your car is not pulling toward one side of the road. If you notice your car drifting, your wheels may be misaligned, noting that it’s time for an extensive repair. A variety of late model mobile auto services can correct this issue by raising your car to a taller height and realigning the wheels using a specialist machine. A mechanic will then use a range of computer programs to ensure that all four wheels are perfectly aligned and ready to hit the open road once again. Despite the benefits associated with these repairs, it’s a relatively affordable fix for most drivers. NerdWallet notes that the cost to re-align all four wheels typically costs $100-$311, depending on the make and model of your vehicle. Therefore, this is a very cost-effective way to enhance the overall performance of your beloved car.

For those looking to upgrade the exterior of your car, you may benefit from using a wide variety of paint protection film services. This procedure, also referred to as vehicle wrap, uses a large stretch of clear vinyl, which is then placed over the surface of a car to help extend its longevity. Though this may seem like a very excessive addition for some drivers, it can help those who use their car on a daily basis and are keen to keep it clean and shiny at all costs. This wrap also works to protect the surface of your car from UV damage, scratches, and heavy impact, making it an ideal solution for those who live in a very congested area. The cost of this service depends on the size of your car and the type of film you would prefer, so the costs can easily build up if you desire a lot of paint protection. However, Detailed Image estimated that this service can cost $1,200-$1,500 on the lower end and $1,800-$2,200 on the higher end. This source also notes that although it can be tempting to try and find a service that offers a much lower price, these companies are often associated with dismal quality levels. Thus, they advise that you pay the required amount so that you can receive the best outcome possible.

4. Tire Care and Wheel Maintenance

Tires are a crucial aspect of any vehicle, and if they are left to decay or rot, drivers are at risk of a series of accidents and faults. Thus, you must consult a collection of tire repair services so that you can get a new set every six years or so. But, if you drive long distances on a daily basis, you may have to purchase a new set sooner than others. Moreover, if you live in a region that is prone to immense snow storms or icy conditions, you need to invest in another set of winter tires. These tires often have a deeper tread pattern so that they can travel through vast quantities of snow with ease without getting stuck or slippery. Continental explains that drivers should transition to their winter tires as soon as the temperature drops to 46°F, so you may have to plan in advance so that you don’t miss this deadline. Upstart explains that the median cost of a new tire is around $167, and installation costs are typically an extra $15-$45, but these processes can differ greatly depending on the type of tire you need and the size and model of your car. So, for just a few hundred dollars, you can protect yourself and your car from any hazardous collisions or skids all year round.

Some late model mobile auto services also focus on trailer tire and wheels, ensuring that every type of vehicle can travel on the road safely. Experts advise that you should change your trailer’s tires every three years so that they can continue to carry large loads and travel on lengthy journeys. These tires can also be purchased in a variety of popular locations, including some local supermarkets, so drivers are sure to find a set that is suitable for their trailer. According to Four Winds Trailers, these tires tend to cost around $145 each, but they advise that you set aside $290-$345 to help cover any additional expenses, such as labor costs or repairs.

5. Customization Options for Your Vehicle

Many people view their cars as their pride and joy, so they strive to make their vehicles more unique and quirky. As such, some drivers enjoy adding fun stickers or accessories to their cherished cars or even go as far as adding LED lights to the interior to help brighten up the place. For those who are looking to give their car a more individual and bold look, consider adding a selection of aftermarket wheels and rims. These are specialist tires that are typically constructed to fit a collection of vehicles. As such, this is a perfect solution for those who are looking to push away from the themes usually seen in the mass market and are eager to adapt to a style that stands out from the crowd. In addition, these wheels are usually very contemporary, making them a great asset to speedy sports cars or modern vehicles that are in need of an edgier look. Since these tires are not typically associated with luxury or named brands, they are significantly cheaper than their Original Equipment Manufacture (OEM) peers. Stance Autos states that aftermarket wheels typically start at around $100 each and can go all the way up to $500-$1,000 for more affluent models.

If you’re new to the vehicle customization niche and are looking to add a few modifications to your car without breaking the bank, your local auto repair shop could give you a helping hand. Some mechanics are well-versed in modification, transforming both the interior and exterior of your car into something new entirely. These services could include tinting the windows, lowering the car itself, and adding a selection of gleaming alloy wheels. However, it should be noted that if you decide to modify your car in any way, you’ll need to purchase an additional Custom Vehicle Insurance policy. Market Watch Guides explains that this type of coverage can cost anywhere from $635 a year for minimum coverage to $1,730 a year for maximum coverage. So, keep these costs in mind when setting a budget for your vehicle enhancement process.

When working to upgrade your vehicle, you’ll likely be inundated with a range of late model mobile auto services, which can cause a lot of confusion and stress for a lot of drivers. Yet, with the right resources and professionals, you can truly elevate the look and performance of your car, ensuring that you can hit the road safely and in style. So, be sure to research some of the points made in this article the next time you go to maintain your vehicle.