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.

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.

Filipinos often consider auto tint an optional expense, especially since a significant portion of their life savings went into the down payment. I would have agreed with you 20 years ago, when the Earth was cooler (the rate of warming is 0.18 °C per decade).

Tint protects cabin appointments (to help maintain the value of your vehicle) and, more importantly, your skin from ultraviolet rays that increase your risk of skin cancer. It also reduces cabin heat by as much as 70%, which improves fuel consumption and increases comfort for you and your passengers. It cuts down glare, too, so you do not squint during the entire drive (fewer wrinkles and lines).

Exposure to the elements – including sun, rain, and wind – dulls and rubs off the clear coat's sheen after a few years. Yes, waxing it adds a layer of protection, but you have to do it every 45 days.

Getting a (vinyl) wrap is ideal. The entry-level colorless film for a sedan costs over P30,000. However, please note that the color tends to turn yellowish over time. You can choose a colored one, but it will be more expensive and will require a trip to the Land Transportation Office (LTO) to declare the color change. However, that will be worth it because once you remove the film, your car will still be as shiny as when it rolled off the dealership.

The stock shocks of the vehicle should serve you well for three to four years (depending on how you drive). That is typical for most Japanese, European, American, and Korean brands. Chinese cars? It depends on the marque.

If you do not want to ride out its lifespan or prefer something sportier, get branded models (Bilstein, Fox Racing, Koni, KYB, Tokico). Top-shelf shock absorbers are better at smoothing the ride. It reduces bumps and vibrations while absorbing the compression and rebound of the springs and suspension. The result is improved handling, stability, and braking. It will also help even out tire wear and extend the lifespan of steering and suspension parts.

Warranty in the Philippines is a tricky thing. Modifying your vehicle with any of the above will not void the warranty. But any consequential damage caused by the modification does.

For example, your vehicle originally had stock 17-inch wheels, but you swapped them for 21s. If the suspension starts making knocking sounds, your warranty is void.

In short, the mod is okay until a related component breaks. Once it does, you are paying for the repair out of pocket.

Rear spoilers are only available for vehicles that exceed 140 km/h. It provides downforce so your vehicle doesn’t take off (like an aircraft). By keeping your tires connected to the road, you’ll have traction and the capability to steer away from danger. In short, don’t bother getting one unless you plan on regularly going over the speed limit.

Body kits, such as fins, skirts, lips, and garnishes, make the vehicle look sporty and aggressive, but do little to improve its speed, unless you are talking about high-performance cars. If I were you, I'd skip the non-functional aesthetic enhancements for a set of banging speakers.

Exhaust tips are clamp-on accessories that enhance the tailpipe's appearance and produce louder exhaust notes (for some). If you still wish to obtain it, the law (RA 4136) stipulates that the sound must not exceed 99dB.

That's your list of essentials. Before canvassing for prices and parts, have a clear picture of what you want your vehicle to look like first, so you don't buy something you don't need, which saves you time and money. Follow these simple steps and you'll end up with a vehicle that looks good, but drives even better.

Now go forth and modify.