5 Exterior Upgrades for Your Ute

Have an aging but reliable ute in need of a mid-life refresh? Bring the exterior up to date with a range of affordable and practical exterior additions. These will not only sharpen up the looks but also help with increased protection and functionality.

Replace Tired Front and Rear Bumpers

Bumpers are an essential styling element and one designed to absorb impact in the event of an accident. They protect key exterior components (bonnet, grille, side panels etc.) and keep vital engine parts like the radiator and exhaust intact. Scuffed, scratched or fading bumpers aren’t just an eyesore, they impact overall impact protection and disable vital safety features like integrated cameras and parking sensors.

Repairs are typically cheaper than a full replacement, but only for minor surface damage that requires low-intensity buffing, sanding and repainting to restore the bumper to factory condition. In all other circumstances (visible cracks, larger dents, or missing pieces), source compatible front and rear bumper replacements from reputable automotive car parts Australia-wide retailers. These will stock aftermarket parts made to OE specifications to ensure lasting durability and a clean and seamless fit, and bumpers that work with the rest of the vehicle, including all factory safety tech.

Add Fender Flares

source: partcatalog.com

Fender flares cover the wheel wells, and define your ute’s side aesthetic. They also keep away spraying mud, rocks and road debris wanting a piece of your vehicle. Aftermarket flares made of reinforced ABS plastic, rubber or engineered plastics have the required strength and impact resistance for typical off-road and work use.

Choose from OE-style types in utes with side damage, or add more style and functionality like improved side protection with more coverage or the ability to fit bigger wheels with aftermarket designs, including extra-wide, pocket and bolt-on types. Installation is quick, with adhesives and fasteners slotting neatly into pre-drilled factory holes.

Consider Side Steps

Another fan favourite, side steps are aftermarket car parts that further improve side protection, enable simple entry and exit into your vehicle (no matter your stature) and help keep the vehicle clean. Look for coated stainless steel or thicker polished aluminium with textured, non-slip surfaces in the right length and width for your ute.

Common designs are tapered side steps that go with a more streamlined look and work well with fender flares, or squared-edge shapes that protrude further out and shield more of the paintwork. Also, choose from perforated top surfaces or integrated rubber inserts to increase grip when getting in and out. Since the parts bolt on directly to the chassis rails, also consider rated load ratings (most exceed 150 kilos or more) and that they meet strict ADR requirements in terms of placement and compatibility.

Check that all Windows Work

Grinding and screeching noises when opening and closing, painfully slow operation, and jammed or misaligned glass are just a few signs that the windows on your ute aren’t working as they should. Once you’ve ruled out cranking mechs in manually operated windows, or power buttons and fuses in power windows, also check the regulators. These house the mechanical parts and motors that lift and lower the glass.

Compatible scissor-lift or cable-operated regulators are the two basic types, and easy to swap out as a basic DIY job. Remove the door panelling, detach broken or damaged regulators and install new units to the rest of the window assembly. Additionally, consider vehicle compatibility and whether you’re buying driver side or passenger side regulators.

Replace Worn and Damaged Headlights

Dim or flickering headlights are a safety concern. Check for issues in the wiring, connectors and fuses to rule out electrical problems. More common is physical damage, such as yellowed or frosted lens covers, and cracked or loose housings. Bulbs and diodes also might need changing. Typical causes are water and dust ingress that lead to corrosion, prolonged exposure to UV radiation and scuffs and scratches picked up in minor impact.

source: valleycollision.com

Changing headlights improves visibility and restores your ute’s factory look. Vehicle owners can also opt for upgraded lighting tech, such as switching to Xenon or LED lights, with plug-n-play conversion kits for further light throw, improved brightness, lower power draw and higher lifespans than what comes with standard halogen bulbs.

Look for well-made metal outer housings, integrated seals, robust polycarbonate lens covers and bulbs or diodes from established automotive lighting brands. And that aftermarket units are designed specifically for your make and model to ensure a seamless fit and avoid electrical compatibility issues.

Shopping for Aftermarket Auto Parts

Just like goodies that spruce up the car interior, quality exterior car accessories and parts are best sourced from dedicated car parts Australia-wide stores. Online shopping saves time, money and hassle, with lower overheads, fast deliveries and multiple payment options.

Look for parts with defined warranties, those that are compatible with your ute model and trim, and have your VIN ready to rule out mismatched or ill-fitting parts.