Customising your car’s wheels and trim is one of the most effective ways to refresh its look without spending a lot. Whether you’re driving an older vehicle or just want to add some personality to your daily ride, there are plenty of budget-friendly options available. Most of these can be done at home with minimal tools, making them ideal for anyone keen to upgrade their car’s appearance without paying for expensive parts or labour.

Spray Painting Your Wheels

If your wheels are scuffed, faded, or just not your style, spray painting them is a cost-effective fix. Instead of replacing the rims, you can remove the wheels, clean them thoroughly, sand away the damage, and apply high-temperature wheel paint. Matte black, bronze, gunmetal grey, and gloss white are popular choices that suit a variety of vehicles. Add a clear coat to protect the finish, and you’ll have a fresh, custom look without the price tag of new alloys.

Try Wheel Covers or Skins

For a quicker alternative to painting, wheel covers or skins are a practical solution. These are designed to fit over your existing wheels and completely transform their look. From sporty mesh patterns to luxury-inspired designs, there’s a wide range to choose from. They’re easy to install and remove, which makes them perfect if you want to change your car’s appearance with minimal effort and no permanent modifications.

Use Spray-On Coatings

Spray-on coatings offer a quick, affordable way to customise your vehicle’s wheels and trim without committing to permanent changes. These peelable rubber coatings allow you to experiment with different colours or finishes and remove them later without damaging the original surface. Among the many options available, Plasti Dip is a go-to for DIY projects like these. Blacking out wheels, accenting trim, or testing bold colour changes on a budget are only a few of Plasti Dip uses and benefits that align well with automotive applications.

Use Rim Tape and Decals

If you’re after subtle customisation, rim tape and wheel decals are inexpensive ways to add visual flair. Rim tape runs along the edge of the wheel and is available in multiple colours, including reflective styles for increased visibility. It’s easy to apply and remove, giving your car a more aggressive or sporty appearance with very little effort. Wheel decals, on the other hand, allow for more creativity, letting you incorporate graphics or unique designs.

Wrap or Paint the Trim

Chrome trim can often look outdated or mismatched, especially on modified cars. Wrapping your trim in vinyl or painting it with trim-specific spray paint can give your vehicle a cleaner, more modern aesthetic. Vinyl wrap is a popular choice because it’s reversible, affordable, and available in finishes like matte black, gloss, or carbon fibre. With a bit of patience and a heat gun, you can apply it yourself to window surrounds, grilles, mirror caps, and door handles for a sleek finish.

Customise Badges and Emblems

Don’t overlook your car’s badges—small changes here can have a big impact. You can remove them and paint them for a stealthier look, or apply overlays to add a splash of colour. Blacking out chrome badges is a popular trend, especially when paired with dark trim and wheels. The process is straightforward and cheap, and it gives your car a more cohesive, personalised finish.

Custom Looks, Budget-Friendly Approach

If you’re looking to refresh your car’s appearance without draining your wallet, customising the wheels and trim is the way to go. From spray painting and vinyl wrapping to wheel covers and peelable coatings, there are plenty of affordable options that allow you to personalise your vehicle to suit your style. Best of all, many of these upgrades are completely reversible, so you can experiment with confidence.