Do you want your car to look sharp, but don’t want to spend a lot of money? You can make your car look cool, clean, and stylish for less than $300! In this guide, we’ll show you ways to upgrade your car to make it look better, without costing you a lot of money. These simple tips and upgrades are aimed at being cost effective for the beginner.

Why Upgrade Your Car’s Look?

Improving your car’s appearance can be beneficial for several reasons:

• It provides a fresh look to your car.
• It demonstrates your sense of style.
• It can increase your resale value.
• It makes you feel great when driving.

You do not have to spend a lot of money on a body kit or paint job. You can completely change the appearance of your car with only a small investment.

1. Give Your Car a Deep Clean ($30–$50)

The first step is cleaning your car!
A clean car always looks better. You can either wash the car yourself or go through a car wash.

You will want to use:

• Car shampoo and large sponge
• Tire cleaner
• Dashboard / interior wipes
• Streak-free glass cleaner

In addition to cleaning the exterior of the car, you want to clean the interior. Be sure to vacuum your seats and floors, wipe down the dashboard, and remove any trash.

Cost: $30 – $50 (cost of cleaning products or car wash package)
Pro Tip: Add a new air freshener inside the car! This will make a noticeable difference once you are cleaning your car.

2. New Seat Covers or Steering Wheel Covers ($25 – $50)

The seats in your now represent old, used material and can make your car feel worn out. You can

• purchase new seat covers that can:
• Make your seats look fresh and stylish
• Protect your seats from normal wear and tear

You can also purchase a steering wheel cover to match your new seat covers.

Cost:

• Steering wheel cover: $10 to $15
• Seat covers: $30 to $40

3. Add Stylish LED Lights ($20–$40)

LED lights are an exciting way to enhance your car’s overall aesthetics.

You can install:

• Interior LED strips under the dashboard or seats
• LED headlight bulbs (check laws for legality in your area)
• LED light kits for footwells or doors

Most LED kits provide a remote control or mobile app to change colors.

• Cost $20 to $40
• Pro Tip: Don’t get carried away, make it subtle and classy.

4. Change Your License Plate Frame ($10–$25)

A new license plate frame can provide a nice clean look for your car. There are many options to choose from:

• Chrome frames
• Carbon fiber style
• Custom designs
• LED backlit frames (check your local laws)

Cost: $10 to $25

5. Apply Vinyl Wraps or Decals ($10–$50)

Want some cool graphics, colors, or patterns? Vinyl wraps or decals could be for you!

You can wrap your:

• side mirrors,
• hood,
• roof,
• or stripes on the side or hood.

Additionally, you can put logos, quotes, or racing stripes.

Cost: $10 to $50 (depends on size and quality)

Pro Tip: Choose weather-proof vinyl if you want to have it last.

6. Upgrade Your Wheels With Hubcaps ($30–$60)

If you do not have alloy rims, stylish hubcaps can add some flare. Hubcaps are plastic covers for steel wheels and come in many designs and colors.

Cost: $30 to $60 (for a set of 4)

Hubcaps are easy to install and give your car a sporty look.

7. Use Tire Shine and Rim Cleaner ($10–$25)

After washing your wheels, you should finish them with tire shine and rim cleaner. This to little hack to make your tires look brand new and shiny.

Cost: $10 to $25

Pro tip: Do this after every car wash to give yourself a nice clean look of your wheels.

8. Add Window Tint (DIY Kit: $25–$70)

Window tint adds a cool sleek look to your car. In addition to appearance, they also reduce sun glare and protect your car’s internal.

You can either:

• Buy the DIY tint kit, if you feel comfortable enough.
• Go to your local shop to get one or two windows done.

Cost:

• DIY tint kits: $25-$40
• Basic professional tint (1 or 2 windows): $60-$70

Note: Make sure the tinted windows are legal in your area as it can vary from state/country.

9. Install Wind Deflectors or Rain Guards ($30–$50)

Wind deflectors (also known as rain guards) are installed above of your windows, improving the style and use on your car when driving in the rain. Deflectors will allow you to slightly open your window without allowing water to enter. Wind deflectors will create a sleek modern look for your car.

Cost: $30 – $50.

Wind deflectors are usually easy to install they only use tape or clips and no tools are necessary.

10. Replace Worn-out Floor Mats ($20–$40)

That may be your experience with your old dirty floor mats, which may make your car’s interior look terrible. But with new floor mats you can change that pretty fast!

You can get:

• Rubber floor mats (if you live in a rainy area).
• Carpet style floor mats (if you want to be more stylish about it).

Cost: $20 – $40 (for the set).

Total Budget Breakdown

You don’t have to do it all at once. You can just choose the upgrades you like the best and always stay within your $300 budget.

Final Tips for a Better-Looking Car

And here are a few last steps to try to keep your car looking good:

• Keep your car to stay shiny by washing it often!
• Don’t over do it with the mods less is more.
• Even once the outside is looking good, don’t neglect the inside. it matters almost as much!
• Try to match colors and themes (like black-red, silver-blue) for a cohesive look.
• Check for any laws or guidelines in your area for the new LED lights or window tinting you are adding.

Conclusion

You don’t need to spend thousands of dollars to make your car look awesome. With a little time and around $300, you can have a car that is clean, fresh, and stylish. Whether it’s LED lights, floor mats, seat covers, or vinyl wraps, little things can add up to a big difference.

So pick a few things from this list and start giving your ride an upgrade today!