The Best Aftermarket Car Mods You Can Buy

Want more out of your car without splashing out on a brand-new one? Aftermarket car accessories are often simple upgrades that make a big difference to the performance of your car.

Before browsing Trade Me for a new set of wheels, check out RubberTree's  list of the best car mods you can buy in New Zealand.

Suspension Upgrades for Better Handling and Control

Handling might not be the flashiest upgrade, but it transforms the way your car feels, especially if you enjoy tackling NZ’s twisty roads or want more confidence when towing.

Lowering Springs

Lowering springs reduces body roll through corners, firms up the ride, and gives your car a sportier stance. By lowering the centre of gravity, you’ll enjoy tighter cornering and less bounce under braking or acceleration.

Many Kiwi drivers choose progressive-rate springs, which keep the ride comfortable on the straights while firming things up in the bends.

Coilovers

If you want more control over your suspension setup, coilovers are the way to go. They let you adjust ride height and damping to dial in handling or stance. Higher-end kits even let you tweak rebound and compression separately, giving you total control over how your suspension behaves.

Better suspension equals more control and confidence behind the wheel, whether you’re heading down the motorway or carving up the Coromandel.

Interior Mods That Change the Game

Driving should be comfortable, and keeping your interior tidy shouldn’t be a full-time job. Kiwi conditions mean mud, sand, and wet gear are par for the course, which is where the right aftermarket car accessories shine.

Ergonomic neoprene seat covers  reduce fatigue on long trips and protect factory seats from wear and tear. Rubber floor mats  and boot liners  keep the dirt, sand, and dog hair at bay, while also helping to dampen road noise. If you’re a tradie, camper, or pet owner, these are must-have upgrades that make life easier.

Engine & Intake Mods

Want a bit more grunt without diving too deep under the bonnet? A performance air filter is a smart first step. Swapping out the stock filter for a high-flow option improves airflow and can last the lifetime of your car. Some brands, like K&N, even offer reusable filters with million-kilometre warranties, ideal for saving money long-term.

Pair that with a larger intercooler (if you’re driving a turbo) and a cat-back exhaust, and you’ll notice a real boost in power and throttle response. These bolt-on mods work even better when teamed with ECU tuning.

Software & ECU Tuning Unlock Hidden Power

Your car’s ECU (engine control unit) manages everything from fuel mix to boost pressure. From the factory, it’s usually detuned for safety and efficiency, which means there’s untapped potential under the hood.

An ECU remap or chip tune unleashes that potential, especially in turbo petrol and diesel engines. Gains of 20–30% more power and torque are common, along with sharper throttle response and even better fuel economy. For many Kiwi drivers, this is one of the most cost-effective upgrades you can do.

Tyres, Wheels, and Brakes

Horsepower means nothing without grip and stopping power. Investing in tyres, wheels, and brakes will improve both performance and safety, no matter what you drive.

• Performance Tyres: Performance tyres are a no-brainer. They’re the only thing between your car and the road, so choose rubber that grips well, brakes hard, and suits NZ’s wet-weather conditions. Reinforced sidewalls are also smart if you’re tackling rough rural roads.
• Alloy Wheels: Alloy wheels don’t just look sharp; forged options are lighter and stronger, improving acceleration, cornering, and fuel economy. Reducing unsprung weight also makes your car more responsive and comfortable to drive.
• Brake Pads: Upgraded brake pads give you shorter stopping distances and better consistency, even without replacing the full brake setup. High-performance pads resist fade under heat, making them a game-changer on steep hills or during spirited weekend drives.

Ready to Upgrade Your Ride?

You don’t need to spend thousands to transform how your car looks, feels, and drives. Start small, think smart, and upgrade with confidence.

And when it comes to protecting your investment, RubberTree’s rubber bundle car accessories are the ultimate protection against Kiwi conditions. Mud, sand, or wet boots, we’ve got you covered.