What are first exterior upgrades you should do to your truck or car?
So, you’ve got your new (or new-to-you) truck or car, and you’re itching to make it your own. The factory look is fine, but you want something that stands out, reflects your personality, or maybe even enhances performance slightly. Where do you start? The world of exterior modifications is vast, ranging from simple bolt-ons to extensive bodywork. Choosing the first exterior upgrades can set the tone for your entire build.
Making the right initial choices can give you the most visual impact or functional benefit for your budget, without diving into overly complex or expensive modifications right away. It’s about finding that sweet spot between personalization and practicality.
This guide will explore some of the most popular and impactful first exterior upgrades you should consider for your truck or car, helping you kickstart your customization journey.
Why Start with Exterior Upgrades?
While performance mods are tempting, exterior upgrades offer immediate visual gratification. They are often the first thing people notice and can dramatically change your vehicle’s appearance and presence. Plus, many initial exterior mods are relatively affordable and reversible if you change your mind later.
Top Picks for First Exterior Upgrades:
Here are some common and effective starting points for customizing the outside of your vehicle:
1. Wheels and Tires
Why it’s a great first upgrade: Nothing changes the look of a vehicle more drastically than a new set of wheels and tires. It’s often the single most impactful visual modification.
Considerations:
Wheels: Choose a style (spokes, mesh, concave, etc.), finish (chrome, black, gunmetal, bronze), and size that complements your vehicle and desired look. Be mindful of offset and backspacing to ensure proper fitment without rubbing.
Tires: For cars, you might choose performance tires for better grip or all-seasons for versatility. For trucks, options range from highway tires for comfort to all-terrain (A/T) for a balance of on-road and off-road capability, or mud-terrain (M/T) for serious off-roading (often louder and wear faster on pavement). Upgrading tire size often goes hand-in-hand with new wheels.
Impact: High visual impact, potential handling/performance changes (positive or negative depending on choice), significant personalization.
2. Window Tint
Why it’s a great first upgrade: Relatively inexpensive, quick to install, and offers multiple benefits beyond looks.
Considerations: Check your local laws regarding legal tint percentages (VLT – Visible Light Transmission) for front, rear, and side windows. Choose quality film (ceramic tint offers better heat rejection than basic dyed film). Professional installation is highly recommended for a clean, bubble-free look.
Impact: Enhanced privacy, reduced interior heat and UV exposure (protecting your interior), sleek and often more aggressive appearance.
3. Lighting Upgrades (Headlights, Taillights, Fog Lights)
Why it’s a great first upgrade: Improves both aesthetics and safety/visibility. Modern lighting can instantly update the look of an older vehicle.
Considerations:
Headlights: Options range from simple bulb upgrades (e.g., brighter halogens, LEDs, HIDs – check legality) to full replacement housings with different designs (projectors, LED strips/halos). Ensure proper aiming to avoid blinding other drivers.
Taillights: Aftermarket taillights often feature LED technology, smoked lenses, or unique sequential turn signals.
Fog Lights: Upgrading bulbs or adding fog lights if not factory equipped can improve visibility in poor weather and add to the look.
Impact: Modernized appearance, improved nighttime visibility (safety), significant style points.
4. Blackout/Chrome Delete Trim
Why it’s a great first upgrade: A subtle but effective way to change the vehicle’s character, often achievable on a budget.
Considerations: This involves changing chrome or brightly colored trim pieces (like window surrounds, grilles, badges) to black or body color. Options include vinyl wrap (reversible), Plasti Dip (less durable but easy DIY), or replacing the parts entirely.
Impact: Creates a sportier, stealthier, or more modern look depending on the vehicle.
5. Simple Body Add-ons (Spoilers, Lip Kits, Grilles – Use Caution)
Why it’s a potential first upgrade (with caveats): These can add personality, but choose wisely.
Considerations:
Spoilers/Lips: Small lip spoilers or front splitters can add a sporty touch without being overly aggressive. Avoid overly large or poorly fitting pieces.
Grilles: An aftermarket grille can significantly change the front-end look. Ensure good fitment and quality.
Quality & Fitment: Cheap, poorly fitting body parts can make a vehicle look worse, not better. Stick to reputable brands or subtle additions initially.
Impact: Can enhance sporty or aggressive looks, but poor choices can detract significantly.
What to Consider Before You Buy
Budget: Set a realistic budget. Wheels and tires are usually the biggest investment on this list.
Vehicle Use: How do you use your car or truck? Daily driver? Off-roader? Show car? Your upgrades should align with its purpose.
Overall Theme: Think about the final look you want. Do your chosen upgrades complement each other?
Quality: Don’t sacrifice quality for price, especially with wheels, tires, and lighting. Poor quality parts can fail or look bad quickly.
Reversibility: If you plan to sell the vehicle later, consider if the modifications are easily reversible or if they might negatively impact resale value.
Conclusion: Start Your Customization Journey
Choosing your first exterior upgrades is an exciting step in making your vehicle truly yours. Wheels and tires offer the biggest visual change, while window tint and lighting provide both aesthetic and functional benefits. Simple trim changes can also make a surprising difference. Start with modifications that fit your budget and style, prioritize quality, and enjoy the process of personalizing your ride!
What was the first exterior upgrade you did to your car or truck? Let us know in the comments!