A GOOD tint will keep the car’s interior cooler.
I DID COUNTLESS testing and shopping around for a car last year. I tested a total of 16 cars, and like a typical girl who likes to shop, I had my fickle episodes.
So when I finally decided to get my car (to the hubby’s relief), I did what any woman or man needed to do: I headed on the path of more shopping for my vehicle.
Car setup shopping is like a “I just lost 20 pounds” wardrobe makeover. It covers head to toe, inside and out.
But the usual man’s way of setting up a car is sometimes not advantageous to the kind of driver we women are.
We all know that women are different drivers than men, but I’m not saying one is better than the other.
On another note, men usually drive their cars the way we carry our croc Birkins—not letting any dirt touch the bottom. And we drive our cars the way men use their man purse—as a utility.
As I said, I will definitely do this my way. Let me share with you my car styling tips for your would-be ride.
Stylish protection
Just like buying a cell phone, you automatically buy a case and protective screen guard. It goes the same for your car.
THIS NEW BMW was wrapped in pearly white by Foilacar.
I opted to have my new car wrapped in pearly white by Foilacar. Not only did I get my desired shade and sheen, this also lessened the stress of scratches while retaining future resale value.
When your car is foiled, some minor scratches are easily buffed or cleaned. When you get major scratches, you can opt to have your car refoiled, and still leaving the original paint in good order.
A car in its original paint will always have a better resale value than a repainted one. The foil maintains your original car paint in brand-new-like condition.
Another option, if you already like your color, is to apply a colorless film. But a word of caution: Foiling does not work on dents and/or the marks of reckless driving; it can only do so much.
Make your car a sanctuary
After your house, your car is like your second home, especially nowadays that traffic makes you stay in it for four hours a day. So you must always think of your comfort while riding it.
A WOOD accent sticker on the trim gives the interior some oomph.
The next thing I did with my car was to make sure that it would always be cooler and would not add to any skin damage brought about by sun exposure when driving.
So I went and had it tinted with VKool. This is a high-tech clear film that affords less UV ray penetration without blinding you at night, or your car being mistaken as a hormonal teenager’s “make-out” vehicle.
This kind of film reflects the sun’s rays instead of absorbing it, a common trait of available tints in the market these days.
Although it’s a bit pricier than the usual tint, you earn savings on your derma visit and sunblock purchase.
Right pair of shoes
I am a firm believer that the shoe makes the outfit. So my car needed the same treatment. But on this item, I had to employ the services of my setup consultant, which is the hubby.
He chose a sporty 19-inch wheel, which will go well with the classy pearl white exterior and black trimmings.
It exudes a sophisticated and sporty aura, which reflects my style as well (most of the time).
Individualize
Another thing that Foilacar did for me was to further personalize the interior of my vehicle.
WHEN your car is foiled, minor scratches can easily be buffed away.
I wasn’t too sold on the silver trim that my car came in with, so I had it foiled with a wood accent sticker that was similar to the BMW i3 wood trim.
This gave my car the much-needed oomph, similar to how a diamond wreath necklace would feel on my neck.
No side skirts, no over-the-top body kits
Since cosplaying is not part of my fashion staples, over-the-top body kits were not for me. I strongly discourage the installation of side skirts because, along with lowering the vehicle, this will not work for women. We would always end up grazing or scratching it.
It is also not in our persona to continuously drive obliquely when encountering humps because, again, our car is a utility, not a boyfriend.
But this journey does not end here. I have seen a more advanced women’s aftermarket offerings in countries like Japan and Thailand.
I have seen dashboards done in Swarovski crystals, and cars made in the likeness of Hello Kitty.
The Philippine market should soon catch up. There are endless possibilities that copying what other people are doing is such a faux pas.
As we’ve always mentioned in the Tuason Racing School, no matter what accessory, shiny paint or sticker you put in or on the car, the best upgrade is still a better driver.
Always learn and practice how to be a defensive driver.
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