Best First Mods for Your Car: Where to Start (and What to Skip)

Your first mods set the direction for the whole build. Start with things that improve how the car looks and drives, and keep everything reversible.

The best first mods, in order

1. Good tires

The biggest improvement to how a car drives. Quality tires transform grip, braking and feel.

2. Wheels

The biggest visual change. Preview designs first with a wheel visualizer and read the aftermarket wheels guide.

3. A mild drop

Lowering springs or quality coilovers close the fender gap; see springs vs coilovers vs air.

4. Window tint

Comfort, privacy and looks in one, within legal limits; see window tint guide.

5. Front lip and side skirts

Cheap and effective; see body kit guide.

6. Chrome delete or a partial wrap

A black roof or chrome delete modernizes a car for little money.

Mods beginners often regret

• Very cheap coilovers that ride badly and wear quickly
• Replica wheels of unknown quality
• Fake vents and stickers
• Very loud exhausts on a daily driver
• Extreme drops on bad roads
• Big wings on cars with no other aero

Keep it coherent

Pick a style before buying parts; see car build styles explained and how to plan a car build.

See your first mods before buying

CarForge lets you try wheels, a lowered stance, tint, lips and colors on a photo of your car, so your first mods are ones you'll keep.

Frequently asked questions

What should be the first mod on a car?

Good tires for driving, and wheels with a mild drop for looks.

What are cheap mods that make a big difference?

Tint, a front lip, a chrome delete and a black roof wrap. See cheap car mods.

Do mods void my warranty?

Not automatically, but a modification that causes a failure may not be covered. Check with your dealer.

Should I tell my insurer about mods?

Yes. Undeclared mods can cause problems with claims; see car mods and insurance.