8 of the Most Practical Performance Upgrades You Can Make to Your Car

With new cars costing nearly $50,000 on average, Americans are keeping their cars longer than ever.

The U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration says the average age of a car on U.S. roads is almost 13 years. If your car is more than a decade old, you may be wondering how to bring it more in line with modern rides.

More people are taking up the challenge of keeping their cars rolling longer, according to a recent analysis from Consumer Reports.

“There was a time when approaching 100,000 miles on a car meant you should start thinking about a trade-in,” the group said in a January 2026 report. “But with proper maintenance and the advancements in automotive technology, Consumer Reports’ survey data shows that cars today can last well beyond that point.”

With that in mind, the USA TODAY Cars team looked at practical upgrades you can make to a car of almost any age, according to CarParts.com.

Upgrades for Ride Comfort and Handling

1. Suspension modifications

CarParts.com said you can either lower your suspension for an estimated cost of about $2,000 or raise it for an estimated $7,000, depending on your preferences.

“Some drivers lower their vehicles for better stability and handling on the road and on the track, while others lift their trucks or SUVs for more ground clearance,” the website said.

2. Seat modifications

You could add more comfortable seats for an estimated $2,000, or get a new seat cover for as little as about $60.

“Apart from improving the look of your vehicle’s interiors, a new car seat can provide comfort during long drives,” the website said.

3. Add high-performance tires

You could add a set of high-performance tires to your car for about $300, with another $45 per tire in labor, according to the website.

“If you want to optimize your vehicle’s performance without breaking the bank, you should look into getting a new set of aftermarket performance tires,” the website said. “These specialized tires are designed to improve your vehicle’s traction and handling while providing better resistance against overheating, which is a common cause of tire failure.”

Upgrades for Convenience and Visibility

4. Add a new sound system

A new sound system could cost you as much as $2,000, according to CarParts.com. But doing so might be worth it if you enjoy listening to music while you drive.

“There are many kinds of components you can install to improve your overall listening experience,” the website said. “The price will vary depending on the sound quality that you want.”

5. Add new bushings

New bushings could cost you as much as $2,200, according to CarParts.com. They could help give you a more comfortable ride.

“Automotive bushings are small cushions that reduce friction between your vehicle’s metal parts,” the website said. “They also reduce your vehicle’s vibrations and noise when driving over speed bumps and potholes.”

6. Get a new paint job

A new paint job could cost you as much as $10,000. But CarParts.com said a professional paint job could highlight your vehicle’s best features.

“The price of a paint job will vary depending on several factors, such as paint quality, vehicle size and finishes,” the website said. “Some custom shops may charge more for vehicles that have surface imperfections because they’ll have to paint around them or cover them up.”

7. Tint the windows

The film necessary to tint your windows could cost you as much as $800, and you could be looking at another $10 per square foot in labor. Tinted windows can improve a vehicle’s look, protect against UV light and reduce glare from bright light sources.

8. Get better headlights

A headlight conversion kit could cost you as much as $220, according to CarParts.com. Labor could add as much as $1,000. Most older cars have halogen lights, which have bulbs that emit a lot of heat and can cause burns, the website said. LED headlights, by comparison, are considered safer and more efficient.

Keith Laing is an automotive reporter on the National Trending Desk at USA TODAY. Contact Keith at [email protected].

Reporting by Keith Laing, USA TODAY / USA TODAY. USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect.