Everybody dreads tax season. There is nothing enjoyable about sitting down and spending some quality time with Turbo Tax or whatever platform/service you use to file your taxes. However, there is always a light at the end of the tunnel, for most of us, in the form of a tax refund. And how better to spend this nice check from the government than on our beloved cars?
Last year, the average refund came in at $2,893 per person. That's a nice chunk of cash to put toward your ride this year, whether it's souping it up or taking care of some maintenance issues you've been putting off. But, with all the options available to upgrade, where do you even start, and how do you choose what to invest in? Let's look at some of the best ways to invest your tax refund into your car.
MAINTENANCE
After a harsh winter, it's always a good idea to get everything checked out. Now's the perfect time to get any dings and scratches repaired to ensure your car is ready to flaunt this season. You should also look into replacing your windshield wiper blades as winter weather can wear down the rubber, which makes them less effective and could be a pain during the inevitable spring storms. Lastly, spend a little extra to get your car a nice wash to remove all the salt and residue from both the exterior and interior.
WHEELS/TIRES
Potholes wreak havoc on wheels, and they can end up looking pretty banged up come spring time. Or maybe you're just looking to shed the heavier tires for a lighter pair now that winter is behind us. Now that you have room to splurge, buy the wheels you've always dreamed of (within reason of course). Do you want a chrome finish or a subtle forged finish? You can also choose color, cut and size to personalize to further match your style. Going with one-of-a-kind custom wheels costs more than factory wheels, but either are a stylish upgrade from plastic hubcaps.
ACCESSORIES
This category is pretty expansive, but some of my favorite suggestions include:
•A new stereo system - with the weather getting warmer, we're getting closer to those drives to the beach or the lake house with the windows down and your favorite tunes blasting. Upgrading your stereo to make sure you get the best sound possible without rattle or static. Most newer systems also have hookups for smart phones, whether by USB cable or Bluetooth, so your favorite songs are always at hand.
•A new body kit - if you're looking to change up your car's look this summer to match the shift in weather, this is one of the best ways to do it. With many styles to choose from, you can give your car the sleeker, sharp look you always wanted that will be sure to turn heads all summer.
•Roof rack/cargo bin - with all the travel we do during summer it's always a great idea to have some extra storage space for the items we can't fit in our trunk. A cargo box or roof rack is perfect for long weekends at the beach or long weekends camping. It will allow you to bring so much more gear!
Our cars are expensive to maintain, and quite often necessary repairs or upgrades get put off due to lack of available funds. Your tax refund provides the opportunity to ensure your car is both safe and stylish as we head into the Summer driving season.