There are hundreds of ways to change the look of your ride. However, one of the best ways to add a sleek, cool look is to tint your windows. Window tinting can be done on your own, or it can be done in a professional shop; both methods have benefits. However, there are several things that you should consider prior to embarking on any window-tinting project. Here's a few of those things.

The Law – Municipalities around the country are cracking down on window tinting. Tickets are being handed out left and right. In addition, if you get a ticket, you can expect to remove that wonderful tint for which you just paid good money. Know your local law concerning the darkness of automotive window tint. 35% is the average, though each state and even local areas may have different laws concerning the level of tint. Often, rear windows can be as dark as you like, while side windows and windshields have stringent regulations.

Tint Types – Numerous types of tint offer your ride unique look. Black tint (or limo tint) is usually about 5% (it allows only 5% of light to penetrate). This is a popular option for the rear window. However, silver tint offers a different look altogether. You will also find find other shades or colors available. Tint purchased at an auto parts store can be a viable alternative for those with budget limitations, while a professional shop will provide better quality tinting at a higher price.

Let's face it; stock lighting is dim, dull and boring. While changing taillights, corner lights, turn signals and everything else is a great way to get a custom look (and added performance) from your car, adding HID headlight kits can be the best way to increase looks, save on power and even increase your safety at night. So, is it easy to install HID lights?

Usually, you should purchase a kit. These kits contain everything you need to convert your headlights to HID. However, you must ensure that your kit comes with a new ballast, male and female sockets and new wires. In addition, make sure you're handy with a soldering gun. If you're not, take your ride to someone who is. A poor soldering job can leave your without lights at all, and that's not a good thing.

Why are HID lights better than standard halogens? There are a number of reasons HIDs are better. First, they're 3x brighter than halogens. That means you can see much farther at night, as well as being able to see the entire width of the road. Second, HIDs don't use traditional coil filaments. They are actually powered by high voltage electrical discharges between electrodes. That's right, there's no coil to break.

That means you get a more stable light, as well as one that lasts much longer. While they don't have the same lifespan as an LED, they provide better light emission, at least for headlights. Changing out your headlight bulbs can be a great way to add value, good looks and better lighting to your ride.

The only caution is you should check with your local police dept. to make sure you can use the HID headlight kits, due to the brightness they are illegal in some states and provinces.

Changing your drab, boring ride into a custom powerhouse is vital. There are numerous ways to change your ride and to enhance your vehicle. Both body modifications and engine modifications both hold vast benefits for your car. In addition, you'll find that you can change the interior with almost limitless options. Here are some of the most popular aspects of tuning your car.

The Engine – Tuning your engine can be as simple as adding a cold air intake and performance spark plugs and wires to something as complicated as porting and polishing the engine. Your need for speed and the amount of money you have to spend on the project will dictate just how far you go in this area.

The Body – You'll find there are hundreds of ways to change the exterior look of your ride. Body kits offer a comprehensive look that will add an aggressive stance to your car. However, simply adding a wing spoiler can give you a subtle look of power. In addition, you'll find that adding a custom paint job can easily transform your car into a work of art.

The Suspension – From your wheels to the ride height of your car and its ability to handle in turns and through acceleration, the suspension is one of the most important aspects of tuning. Adding lowering spring or coilovers will add dramatic benefits and good looks, while adding sway bars and strut bars will enhance the handling capabilities of your vehicle greatly.

Making your ride stand out is what tuning is all about. A good customization job will take your mid-range car and turn it into something that stands a chance at the track. However, it's not all about performance. Many tuners find that they want a certain look to go along with their power. Additionally, many people simply enjoy making their car look custom, without all the gearhead performance enhancements.

Custom taillights are a fantastic way of doing that. You've got 3 options on the market, as far as these custom enhancements, go. You can choose Euro-style altezza tail lights; these are sleek and modern and look fantastic on VW's, Audis, BMWs, etc. The Asian autos have their accessories, as well. These have a completely different look than the Euro taillights, while still maintaining their modern look and performance.

The third option is actually being incorporated into each style. Custom LED taillights are the new "hot" item. You'll find them on everything from brand new Acuras to decade-old GTIs. If you're going to go the route of custom taillights, make sure you get a kit that's designed to fit your ride. If you don't, you'll wind up with drilling, shimming and other things that end with your lights looking less than spectacular.

In addition, you want high quality polycarbonate bodies, with all the bells and whistles. Today's technology has enabled taillights to become works of art – make sure yours stand the test of time by buying and installing items of quality, rather than opting for the low priced junk on the market.

Need a high quality euro style or led tail lights give us a ring at 1-800-613-1496!

So, you have a powerful street machine, capable of burning up the track or the strip. Chances are that while that machine is great for racing, it is also a daily driver. With skyrocketing fuel prices, you may be tempted to go out and buy a rice burner, in order to save a little on fuel costs. Before you purchase another car, there are a few things you can do to make your rocket ride more like an economy car.

First, let's start with tire pressure. This is one of the easiest things to modify, whether driving to work or roaring down the track. Make sure that your tire pressure is at the vehicle's specified rating. If your tires are considerably larger than what came on the vehicle to begin with, you'll need to add a few pounds of air. While it may be tempting to just fill your tires until they show not slack (that curve at the bottom where the rubber meets the road) this is actually a bad decision. Higher tire pressure will save you on gas, but will reduce tire life and lessen safety.

The second thing you can do is to change your driving habits. Combine trips to the store, reduce driving to the bare necessities and, above all, drive differently. If your car is geared for performance, the temptation to use it that way during a grocery trip may be night overwhelming. Avoid this temptation and drive like your grandma, unless, that is, she's from Pasadena.

Reduce your speed, begin stopping well before your reach the stop sign or red light, reduce the amount of acceleration you use and you'll find that your powerhouse uses much less fuel than you might think.

Lowering your car accomplishes a twofold purpose. First, it lowers the center of gravity, helping your car take corners at faster speeds without braking. Second, it just looks good. While slamming your car to the ground is not necessarily a good way to increase your speed, lowering your car from the factory ride height can do just that.

Traditionally, there are two ways in which you can lower your vehicle. Lowering springs are more cost effective, while coilovers are more expensive, but have more adjustability. Here's a rundown on each to help you decide which is right for you.

Lowering Springs – These simply replace your OEM springs, while retaining your existing struts and shocks. These springs are not adjustable and you can only attain a limited position. While they are somewhat limited, they are much more affordable than coilovers. However, coilovers are a much better option.

Coilovers – Coilovers (and coilover sleeves) are a better option than lowering springs, unless you already have performance shocks and struts. Coilovers come with the coilover sleeve and the performance strut. This replaces your entire OEM assembly. In addition, they are adjustable to an almost infinite number of positions.

You can purchase only the coilover sleeves if the springs are all you need; however, for those trying to do the entire job at one go, full coilovers are a better option. In addition, if you purchase only the sleeves, you will need to get a camber kit, as well.

Looking for Lowering springs or Coilovers for your vehicle, give us a call at 1-800-613-1496!

Vehicle Tire Codes

While adding performance tires to your ride will definitely improve traction and cornering performance, it can be difficult to know what tires you need, unless you are familiar with tire speed ratings. This does not refer to the letters "P" or "LT" combined with the size of the tire. Knowing what the speed rating of a tire is will help you know if you're getting a good deal or simply wasting your time on subpar tires.

M – These are low performance tires suitable only for vehicles driven at the speed limit. An M indicates the speed rating of 81 MPH.

P – P rated tires are slightly better than M rated tires. These tires are capable of handling 93 MPH on the highway.

Q – Q rated tires are capable of handling 99 MPH. This rating can be found on several types of tires, including nonperformance related tires.

R – R rated tires can withstand 106 MPH on the highway and are usually found on trucks and vans.

S – S rated tires are the standard for family vehicles, such as sedans and minivans. They can withstand 112 MPH.

T – T rated tires are capable of 118 MPH and are also found on many family oriented vehicles.

U – U rated tires are rated for 124 MPH on the highway.

H – H rated tires are designed for sportier cars, such as coupes and offer a decent amount of performance. They can withstand up to 130 MPH.

V – V rated tires are similar to H rated and can withstand up to 149 MPH. These are also a good choice for sportier cars.

Z – Z rated tires have three different subtypes. Standard Z rated tires are capable of speeds in excess of 149 MPH. ZW rated tires are good up to 168 MPH, while ZY rated tires can handle speeds of 186 MPH. A ZR rating means that the tire is capable of 149+ MPH and that an addition W or Y can be found on the tire.

If we are missing a tire rating or if you have any questions please let me know. Check out our tire lights and led wheel well lights at Urban Neon Car Lights.

Adding accessory lighting to your ride is one of the best ways to make it stand out on the street. While adding neon underbody lighting has been the route of recent years, neon lights have diversified far beyond that. Adding led interior lights is a great way to make your ride one of a kind. What types of lights can you find for the interior of your car? Here's a few to whet your appetite.

Street Glow Neon Tubes – These larger neon tubes provide a great looking glow and are ideal for larger spaces. Put them in the rear floorboards, or in your rear hatch for a killer look that will make you stand out wherever you go.

Street Glow Mini Neon Tube Kit – Mini tubes provide almost as much light as their larger brethren in a much more compact design. You'll find that these work great in the front of your car. Mount them below the dash, or even under the front lip of your seats for an incredible look.

Neon Radio Bars – These tiny little bars are the ideal way to enhance the look of your audio system. Mount them above or below the face of your radio for a unique look and better visibility. However, they can also be mounted anywhere else that you like.