How do I setup my brand-new car?

Essentials first before high-performance modifications

- By ERIC R. TIPAN

Most vehicle owners are okay with 'stock' parts. There is a good reason behind that. Automakers and their engineers spend millions of dollars and thousands of hours fine-tuning each model to its most efficient form, from height and width for aero efficiency, down to the wheel size and weight for the lowest fuel consumption.

However, there are car buyers who will earmark a few thousand pesos for modifications to enhance the look, feel, and drive of their purchase. If you are one of those people who aren't content with OEM (original equipment manufacturer) gear or simply don't know which mods to get, here's a list of what to choose and why.

Wheels and tires

Aside from the 'pogi' factor, new wheels typically shave off a few pounds of unsprung mass, making your ride handle better and more efficiently. However, that purchase is usually followed by four new tires. If you didn't scrimp on the wheels, there's all the more reason to spend wisely on tires because these are your vehicle's only connection to the road. A good set of tires will provide better gas mileage (for savings), improved steering/traction/handling/stability (for safety), and enhance overall performance. It also helps reduce road harshness and noise, which goes a long way in increasing cabin comfort.

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