5 Simple and Effective Performance Car Upgrades You Can Shop Online

Want more from your car, but are on a tight budget? Skip the queues at the dealership and opt for performance aftermarket car parts. These can be selected and purchased from the comfort of your own home, and delivered to your doorstep, provided you choose a reliable and well-stocked online parts retailer.

Why Shop for Car Parts Online?

Online car parts stores offer several advantages:

• Convenience and speed: Compared to traditional brick-and-mortar stores, all auto parts, spares and accessories offered online are just a few clicks away. Online shopping enables simpler browsing and purchasing parts from the comfort of your home or office, while avoiding traffic and hassle. Ordering is fast and easy, with multiple payment options available.
• Wide selection of OE and aftermarket parts: Super-stocked aftermarket car parts websites offer a huge inventory, from common replacement parts like filters and fluids to performance upgrades and specialized parts used in tuned vehicles, such as performance head gaskets, faster spooling turbos and forged engine parts.
• Broader parts availability for older vehicles: Newer brick-and-mortar stores mostly stock inventory for current production models, meaning older vehicles are often overlooked. If you’re restoring a vintage or classic car or updating a modern classic with modern tech, online is the way to go. Wider reach also allows online stores to order parts (within decent timeframes) if none are in stock.
• Lower prices and frequent discounts: Lower overheads (fewer employees, no rent, etc.) translate to lower prices. Moreover, discounts, promotions and customer loyalty programs also help you save. Additionally, shopping online allows customers to compare prices across multiple stores.
• 24/7 shopping: Online stores don’t have opening and closing times, so if you need parts now, there’s always the convenience to meet current needs, especially in unexpected breakdowns.
• Defined return polices and warranties: Most online stores have well-defined return and exchange policies, so if orders are delivered with faults or damaged, or get damaged while shipping, there’s always the option to get what you need at no extra charge. Many stores also offer their own or manufacturer warranties, as well as the option of purchasing extended warranties for peace of mind.

The Aftermarket vs. Original Equipment Debate

Original equipment manufacturer (OEM) parts are the same as those installed in the vehicle. They offer a guaranteed fit, reliable quality and a set warranty period before they need to be replaced. OEM parts also meet strict car manufacturer standards and requirements, promising longevity and dependability. Downsides are the higher price, often limited availability and longer waiting periods if parts need to be backordered.

Going aftermarket opens up more possibilities, especially for anyone seeking mild or serious performance and handling upgrades. While aftermarket parts may void factory vehicle warranties, they’re the only option if more power, improved grip or higher top speeds are what you want from your car.

Then there’s the choice of dozens of third-party manufacturers and tiered pricing to meet different needs. Most parts sourced from aftermarket car parts websites are cheaper than comparable OE parts, but specialized parts and upmarket performance offerings will always demand a premium. Fit and compatibility are (often) on par with OE components, but there may be some issues with the wider assortment. Your final choice will depend on the specifics, whether this is a replacement or upgrade, and the age and condition of your car.

Aftermarket Parts Worth Your Cash

#1 Performance Air Intakes

Intakes draw atmospheric air, filter it and push it through throttle bodies or carburetors before it is combined with fuel and ignited. Stock air intakes are geared towards fuel savings without hindering prescribed manufacturer power ratings. If power is your main priority, then aftermarket options like cold air or short ram intakes offer high air volumes for improved efficiency, more oxygen-rich air and bigger power potential. Another bonus is the enhanced filtration and reusable filters, which help increase engine longevity by reducing contaminants. These parts also add a deeper and throatier engine sound.

#2 Intercoolers

Another popular tuning upgrade, intercoolers are used in engines with forced induction, where compressed air is pushed into the engine by turbochargers or superchargers. Intercoolers are tasked with cooling air before it reaches the engine. This raises air density, increases oxygen content and ensures more efficient combustion with higher power output.

Choosing aftermarket intercoolers from a dedicated online car part shop means superior bar and plate variants can handle more heat and prevent heat soak, resulting in issues like overheating or premature detonation in modified engines. To sustain higher output, the aftermarket intercooler also includes high-quality aluminum builds (instead of the stock plastics) for the end tanks, and larger inlets and outlets for improved airflow.

#3 Aftermarket Exhausts

Continuing the theme of improved airflow, aftermarket exhausts do a better job of removing spent gases and allowing the engine to breathe. Systems from renowned brands provide piping in wider tubing, fewer restrictive components and improved builds with superior materials, including stainless steel, carbon fibre and titanium. A professionally installed full header or turbo-back exhaust can up power ratings by 10 per cent, improve engine longevity with lower stress levels, last longer in demanding settings and applications and turn up the volume from the tips with a meaty exhaust note. For racing enthusiasts, aftermarket piping also sheds considerable weight, up to 20 pounds or more.

#4 Upgraded Brakes

Get improved stopping power, shorter stopping distances and a car that’s more agile in turns with upgraded disc brakes. Options include drilled, slotted and drilled and slotted discs with larger diameters, providing a bigger contact area with the pads and improving heat dissipation and durability during harder braking. Pair these with sintered or ceramic pads for better actuation, more consistent brake feel through the pedals and higher brake force for controlled braking. Also, consider swapping brake lines to steel braided variants for consistent fluid pressure, and if going the whole hog, swapping out the factory callipers with multi-piston types for immediate brake bite.

#5 Revised Suspension

Want better handling, more precise steering control, reduced body roll and a car that stays glued to the road? Aftermarket suspension upgrades come in all shapes and sizes, including long-travel or firmer springs, stiffer shocks with controlled rebound rates, monotube and twin-tube coilovers, air bag suspension, longer control arms, rear trailing arms and more. These parts can be tuned for outright performance and handling prowess with a firm but composed ride, or for greater comfort on longer journeys over rough roads. Go with renowned spring, shock and suspension parts brands or kits that offer improved clearance and lift in trucks or more adjustability in cars meant for the track.

Choose these upgrades and dozens of aftermarket and replacement parts for cars from established online auto retailers, and have all parts delivered to your door within hours of ordering.