So you want to make your car faster?
You can have a fast car that will cost you less, if you can keep up with basic car maintenance.
Most of us can’t afford to own the car of our dreams. However, you shouldn’t neglect the car you have if you can’t afford the fastest car in the world. Most vehicles are able to perform quite well if kept in the right condition. Unfortunately, it is often our own neglect that causes the driving experience to suffer.
Just compare how the car handled when you first purchased it to how it feels now.
Fortunately, you don’t need to be an expert mechanic or engineer to regain these optimal specifications.
Whether it’s countering rolling resistance, improving suspension balance or some basic engine maintenance, here are 5 ways to make your car faster. 
1. Proper Engine Maintenance is a Fast Car Must
Engines are rather complex things, but their main goal is simple. When dealing with a combustion engine, anything that interrupts the flow of fuel or air will hinder your car’s performance. If you want a faster car, your engine will need a perfect balance of fuel and oxygen.
If your engine is lacking this balance, your car’s performance will diminish both in power and fuel efficiency.
The solution?
Read your car manual and see what needs checking.
Many people think you need an oil change every 3000 miles, but your manual has a figure specific to your vehicle. Likewise, you can change your air filter more frequently if you notice a drop in performance, so that you can affordably keep your car fast.
The best part
You don’t need to go to a garage for these either, as there are plenty of free car maintenance guides online that will show you how to simply perform basic engine maintenance yourself to speed up your car.
2. Weight, Drag & Rolling Friction Resistance are Speed Factors
Similarly, there are many resistance forces that slow your car down.
Resistance results in more power needed to push through your vehicle, meaning less fuel is being converted into pure movement. That means you’re burning more fuel for the same result. You’ll notice poorer performance and less power as a result.
Likewise, when it comes to air resistance, there are many factors which slow down your car. If you have a roof luggage rack or other additional, external fittings, these are hardly aerodynamic. You will want to remove them when you’re not using them to make your car faster.
You can also give your car a regular polish, as a smooth coating will enhance the aerodynamic design. Of course, an older vehicle likely has its share of bumps and scrapes, all of which will create resistance. If you want a fast car, make sure you repair those dents and dings.
Weight, on the other hand, pushes the car down and requires more energy to get it moving. Clearing out the trunk and back seats, removing unnecessary items, is the best way to improve this. You can also look into your tire’s rolling resistance, as this offers numerous benefits, working to counter aerodynamic and gravitational forces alike.
3. Balanced Tires = Fast Car
A car that has seen plenty of use will likely have some balance issues. This is only natural, as wear and tear is not applied with perfect, even distribution.
Your front tires will wear out more, for instance, due to steering. Your type of car, whether it is a front, reverse or four-wheel drive, will also influence how quickly the wheels and axles degrade. These can all disrupt the balance of your vehicle and slow you down.
Likewise, you should ensure your tires are well balanced, with equal (and correct) air pressure if you want to drive fast. A dip in one corner will apply excess weight, causing the car to steer differently. Furthermore, your suspension may also be damaged if you notice it turns wildly. Try pushing your vehicle down from the outside and notice how stable the car is. If it dips or bounces in a specific corner or two, this will likely indicate where the suspension springs and struts can’t take the strain and likely need replacing.
Having a suspension or tire problem will ensure that you will not have a fast car.
4. Light Wheels Will Help You Accelerate Quicker
The wheels are the only part of the vehicle that makes contact with the road. This is why any small imperfections here can result in big changes for the car’s overall performance. For example, there are some key differences between whether you use steel or aluminum alloy wheel rims on your vehicle.
Did you know that steel rims can slow you down? In fact, they are several pounds heavier than alloy wheels. They also corrode more quickly. However, steel rims are often cheaper and many drivers praise their usefulness in winter conditions. But in extreme driving conditions, alloy wheels are better able to dissipate heat away from brake components than their steel counterparts.
If you’re able to invest in a spare pair, consider using aluminum rims in the summer, swapping for steel rims and winter tires in the colder season. This will make your car faster.
The best part?
Since, alloy wheel are lighter, they will make your car faster. This means you will be able to accelerate and stop quicker. Lighter wheels also means less strain on your suspension components.
Speaking of tires, there is more to your choice of tires than just the rolling resistance. No matter how good your brake discs are, they still need tires with excellent grip across various weather conditions. Similarly, you can choose between asymmetric and directional tires for a range of benefits. These can offer better grip, fuel efficiency, lifespan and even noise reduction.
5. Speed State of Mind
Finally, regardless of the actual specification, a car that handles well and feels comfortable offers a much better driving experience. Driving fast can be subjective, depending one the driver. What is slow for you may be fast for somebody else.
Many of the above features, such as the aforementioned suspension and resistance factors, can affect your car’s acceleration. A well-maintained car offers a smoother experience. Even if you’re not driving at full speed, this makes a big difference in how the performance is perceived.
For this reason, it’s also worth checking the inside of your car if you want to drive a fast car. Key areas will include the driver’s seat, to ensure it is well fitted, comfortable and safe to use. You may also want to check the pedals and steering wheels. Any obstructions or stiffness here can create an unresponsive feeling when driving. You don’t wan’t anything slowing you down.
Now Make Your Car Faster
In short, these tips should help you ensure your car remains well maintained. Not to mention, following these tips will not only make your car faster. They also ensure that your vehicle will perform as well as it was intended. Car parts naturally wear over time, so taking a few moments to tweak and optimize your ride can ensure it is as smooth and responsive as the day you first picked up the keys.
How are you going to make your car faster?
Leave a comment to let me know which tip you’re going to try first.
Are you going to change your engine air filter?
Or are you going to swap your steel rims for alloy rims?
Either way, leave a quick comment below right now.
Giles is a mechanic, car enthusiast and occasional writer who enjoys the open road, dark beers and making sure the neighborhood children don’t play too near his car.
