You’ve done enough drooling and day-dreaming – you’re ready to make some after-market upgrades to your vehicle. Before you buy any kit and start your modifications, our experts recommend weighing your options and mapping out your plan. Here is their advice to help you save some frustration, time and money.
Modifying air filters, the electronic control module and exhaust are just a few of the options available to a car enthusiast looking to give his horsepower a boost. Air filters are a simple change any shop – or even the at-home enthusiast – can do himself, but exhausts and engine tuning, among others upgrades, are technical jobs that require a skilled technician to complete. Elliot Matos, service managerfor Hoffman Audi and Porsche with more than 15 years experience in the business, recommends asking other drivers who have had similar work about their experience. Making sure you really know what you want will save “a lot of headache.”
Elliot Matos, service manager at Hoffman Audi and Porsche
“Modifications are not for everyone,” he said. “Changing the car in any way from factory specifications can affect the overall performance, drivability and even reliability. You really need to understand how the changes will affect your vehicle.”
Not all service shops will be familiar with the work being done, Matos warns. Any technician can follow the directions that come with the after-market kit. To ensure the work is done correctly the first time, search out a shop that has done similar upgrades on other cars.
“If the technician has no experience with the job, complications can easily arise that will mean more money in the long run,” Matos said. Matos adds that it’s important to ask if the service shop guarantees their work, in the event that it is not done right the first time.
“Your manufacturers warranty isn’t voided by adding after-market parts; the warranty simply doesn’t cover problems that are caused by after-market parts,” he said. “You want to make sure you have some sort of safety net in the event that a problem arises.”
After-market add-ons and how they affect a vehicle’s manufacturer warranty is a major concern for most customers, Matos said. He explained that customers have, generally, three options for after-market products: factory products, such as Lexus’ F Sport Equipment; auto-tuning specific products, such as Stasis for Audi and Porsche, or Dinan for BMW; or non-affiliated third-party products, that you can find anywhere, from a chain to a specialty retailer. Cost – as well as warranty – is a major factor when deciding which products to use.
To keep cost down Ethan Gombossy, Hoffman Porsche service advisor (and car nut), recommends starting with the end result in mind – and not getting carried away with changes. Gombossy has over 10 years experience as an advisor, having worked with BMW prior to coming to Hoffman.
Ethan Gombossy, Hoffman Porsche service advisor
“A lot of drivers find that it’s easy to get addicted to vehicle performance enhancers,” he said. For this reason, he recommends setting a budget, and asking your insurance agency what options you have to protect your investment, as well. “Knowing what you want your end result to be help keeps you on track, and saves expense in the long run.”
Gombossy explained “part of the goal is not to spend the same money twice” when modifying your vehicle. A vehicle is constructed somewhat like a puzzle; certain parts must be removed and dissembled first in order to reach others. By strategically planning your upgrades, you can save money in labor costs. Gombossy, who worked as a mechanic in the Army for six years, explains:
“In order to upgrade the suspension most times, the brakes need to be partially disassembled,” he said. “If you plan on upgrading your suspension and brake system, it would save time and money to do both at the same time.”
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