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    What Can Telematics Do for Your Luxury Car? | Savini Wheels

    Telematics is a new auto-insurance feature combining telecommunications and informatics into one function — sending detailed information about driving habits and vehicle performance. It helps you customize your insurance premiums, but it can also provide many other benefits. Depending on your luxury vehicle, you can add a telematics device to your vehicle or it may already come standard with embedded telematic systems. Such vehicle brands that provide this feature include BMW, Mercedes-Benz and Tesla, to name a few. So if you’re wondering if you should utilize the power of telematics for your luxury car, here are a few impressive things about the in-car technology.

    1. Makes Driving Safer

    The main benefit of telematics is a safer driving experience. A telematics system monitors your driving behavior and provides real-time feedback on what habits need improvement. If the system includes a dash cam, it can spot risks in front of your car and send a quick alert for stopped vehicles or pedestrians. This benefit is enormous for luxury car owners because they must drive more carefully than most others. As much as you might want to show off your car’s capabilities, there’s a lot of money at stake. You can’t afford to drive recklessly. A telematics system will check your impulses and encourage safe driving habits to protect you and your vehicle.

    2. Select the Best Routes

    Telematics slowly gathers information about the roads you drive each day. After enough time, the system can determine the fastest and slowest routes based on several factors. Your driving habits, road conditions, traffic patterns, speed limits and many other items come into play. Driving efficiently can save your luxury car from experiencing unnecessary wear and tear.

    3. Recommend Maintenance Tasks

    As the telematics system learns more about your vehicle, it will recommend the most pressing maintenance tasks. This feedback is essential for luxury car owners with many maintenance responsibilities compared to other car owners. You’ll be able to address minor mechanical problems before they worsen and keep your car healthy.

    4. Reduce Fuel Expenses

    As a direct consequence of monitoring driving behavior, selecting the best routes and providing maintenance tips, telematics helps reduce fuel expenses. The system logs the fuel consumption of each trip and can determine how much fuel the driver wasted from idling or speeding. This information can be beneficial for luxury cars with low gas mileage.

    5. Provide Engine Diagnostics

    Along with giving you essential maintenance and fuel consumption tips, telematics provides more detailed engine diagnostics. The system tells you the problem and lays out potential solutions if and when the check engine light turns on. Instead of guessing the problem’s source, you can take swift and efficient action to the problem.

    6. Optimize Interior Applications

    Telematics can also give you information about how you use your car’s interior applications. You might be using the air conditioning too much, which leads to extra fuel consumption. Perhaps the driver seat’s orientation impacts your experience with the pedals or steering wheel. If you get distracted by your cell phone or the car radio, the telematics system sends an alert to get your attention back on the road.

    7. Enhance the Driving Experience

    Telematics mainly provides practical advice, but the data you gather also helps you make aesthetic vehicle adjustments. For example, you might upgrade your wheels with one of Savini’s eye-catching collections to improve your car’s visual appeal. You could change the interior seating to fit your body type more comfortably. These changes indirectly enhance your vehicle’s performance and the driving experience because they make you more confident behind the wheel.

    8. Support Drivers in Legal Issues

    A telematics system creates transparency between the driver and the insurance company, ensuring every claim gets fair coverage. It also provides compelling evidence for legal issues. Thanks to telematics, innocent drivers can’t get falsely accused of causing an accident or hitting a pedestrian. These false accusations seem more common with luxury cars because of the owner’s perceived wealth.

    Add Telematics to Your Luxury Vehicle

    A telematics system will benefit any driver, but it can help luxury car owners. You might worry about your driving habits, preventative maintenance, fuel expenses and legal issues more than the average car owner. Adding telematics technology to your prized vehicle will help keep it healthy and give you greater peace of mind behind the wheel.

    Author Bio: Oscar Collins is the founder and editor-in-chief at Modded, where he writes about cars, luxury topics and more. Follow him on Twitter @TModded for frequent updates! 

    5 Places to Take Your Luxury Car This Fall | Savini Wheels

    Road trips are an excellent way to see the beauty of the United States. These majestic sites introduce you to all kinds of scenery from Alaska to Maine and every state in-between. What better way to see these places than with your luxury vehicle? Here are five places you should take your luxury car this fall.

    1.     Route 66

    Why go to one state when you can go to eight? Route 66 is one of the most famous scenic routes in North America and the world. Route 66 opened in 1926 and marked an important time in U.S. history because it was the federal government’s first highway system. The route gave travelers a much easier time traveling west, reducing the travel by over 200 miles compared to other paths. Nowadays, you can still drive along the historic road from Chicago to Los Angeles and stop in places like St. Louis, Missouri, and Amarillo, Texas. Route 66 is almost 2,500 miles long, so ensure your luxury car is ready for the long drive.

    Because of the distance, consider rebalancing your tires regularly to help the tread wear evenly on all four wheels. Savini Wheels can give you a set of tires that makes your luxury car look and perform best on any road. You can choose from cast, flow-formed and forged wheels in various finishes and fitments.

    SVF F4 Matte Bronze

    2.     Pacific Coast Highway

    Another terrific choice for a road trip is the Pacific Coast Highway if you like long drives. The length of this highway differs depending on how long you plan your trip. You can start in San Diego and end in Mendocino County, about three hours north of San Francisco. Once you get to Leggett, California, the highway turns into U.S. Route 101. From here, you can continue your trip to Seattle, Washington.

    The Pacific Coast Highway offers breathtaking views of the ocean. It does come with some risks, so it’s essential to be careful when driving. You’ll cruise beside the ocean, often without guardrails on the side, so there is a risk of an accident. The best way to explore this highway is by cruising at the speed limit so you can appreciate the beauty around you. You may want to get an inspection before your cruise to find any issue that could be a liability.

    3.     Portland, Maine

    Those two locations are great if you love the West Coast, but if you’re an East Coast person, there are plenty of options. Maine has the easternmost point of the 50 states at Sail Rock in Lubec. About four hours south is the state’s largest city, Portland. Summers are famous in New England, but the fall brings beautiful colors and cool air, creating a fantastic atmosphere for a road trip. One thing you may know about Maine is its lighthouses. Maine has 65 lighthouses along its Atlantic coast, from the Whaleback Lighthouse to the Whitlocks Mill Lighthouse near the Canadian border. Maine is one of the best places to do fall activities. In Portland, Maine, you can see the Portland Head Lighthouse near downtown, go whale watching and hike at Cape Elizabeth.

    SV-F F6L brushed blue

    4.     Cape Cod, Massachusetts

    If you’re planning an East Coast road trip, you can also include Cape Cod, Massachusetts. This historic location is about three hours south of Portland, Maine. Cape Cod has a rich history that will take you back centuries. Its name goes back to 1602 when explorer Bartholomew Gosnold named the tip of the peninsula Cape Cod. This area is one of the first for pilgrims arriving from England in the early 17th century. You can take your luxury car on beautiful roads like U.S. Route 6. This 120-mile highway takes you from Providence, Rhode Island, to the tip of Cape Cod. You’ll see beautiful villages and charming northeastern architecture along the way. While in Cape Cod, some fun fall activities include golf, a haunted history tour, pumpkin picking and more.

    5.     Florida Keys

    Fall means cooler weather, but if you want a last taste of summer’s warmth, head down to the Florida Keys with your luxury car. This scenic drive will feel like paradise when you see many miles of palm trees, white sand and the blue Atlantic ocean. To get to the Florida Keys, you’ll need to hop aboard U.S. Route 1, which starts in Maine and goes down the East Coast into south Florida. The highway totals about 2,400 miles. But the best part of the highway is at its southern tip with the Overseas Highway. It’s about 120 miles, and you’ll see coral reefs and other ocean life. One of the highlights of the Overseas Highway is Seven Mile Bridge. This bridge connects Little Duck Key to Knight’s Key and is one of the longest in the world. Your luxury car on this highway will look like a picture on a postcard.

    Savini Forged SV83XC

    Fall Road Trips for Your Luxury Vehicle

    If you like cooler weather and earlier sunsets, the fall is a terrific time to take a road trip. The leaves change into beautiful colors, and many cities have fun events to celebrate the season. Put your key in the ignition and take your luxury car to one of these five places this autumn.

    Author Bio: Oscar Collins is the founder and editor-in-chief at Modded, where he writes about cars, luxury topics and more. Follow him on Twitter @TModded for frequent updates! 

    6 Tips to Increase the Life of Your Luxury Car | Savini Wheels

    Between doing constant maintenance and driving extra carefully to avoid the slightest dent, taking care of a luxury vehicle can be stressful at times. You need to take every opportunity available to keep the car in good health and avoid any significant mechanical problems. Here are six simple tips to increase the life of your luxury car.

    1.     Wash It Weekly

    Luxury cars are often more sensitive to the elements than average vehicles, both inside and out. Get into the habit of washing your car about once a week to avoid the accumulation of debris and keep the paint job looking brand-new. You don’t have to wax and detail the exterior every week, but a thorough cleaning should be your new benchmark.

    You should also vacuum the seats, doors, floors, dashboard, and consoles during your weekly cleaning. Make sure you use a car cleaning solution and a microfiber cloth, not household cleaning products and a random dish towel. A bristle brush is also an effective tool for removing stubborn dirt from the lining of the seats.

    Savini Wheels Forged SV75D Brushed Red

    2.     Do Regular Filter and Fluid Inspections

    Another maintenance habit you should develop for your luxury car is getting regular filter and fluid changes. The air and oil filters can clog up fast and damage the engine, so you need to replace them eagerly and often. Inspect the oil and coolant reservoirs to make sure the fluids are in good condition.

    Oil starts out honey-colored and turns almost black over time, but you shouldn’t let it get any dirtier than dark brown. The engine coolant should remain a consistent 50/50 mixture of antifreeze and distilled water. Staying proactive with these minor maintenance tasks every few weeks will go a long way toward extending your luxury car’s life.

    3.     Take Care of the Wheels and Tires

    Checking the tires’ air pressure after refueling is a standard practice among luxury car owners, but your tire maintenance shouldn’t stop there. Regularly rebalancing the wheels and tires will prevent uneven tread wear and provide a smooth ride, prolonging their lives and the vehicle’s life by extension.

    Wheel and tire problems throw the car off balance and often snowball into more serious mechanical problems with the steering and suspension. That’s why it’s critical to make sure that all four sets look and drive the same. A balanced set of wheels enhances your car’s visual appeal and performance. And if you’re in the market for a new set of wheels, make sure to check out our various wheel collections.

    We offer cast wheels, forged wheels and flow-formed wheels in a variety of fitments and finishes. With so many styles to choose from, you’re bound to find one that catches your eye. Contact us to find an authorized Savini Wheels dealer near you!

    Black di Forza BM14 gloss black machined Savini Wheels

    4.     Look After the Battery

    Luxury cars usually don’t get driven as often as regular cars, which means the battery requires more attention. You could invest in a trickle charger to prevent the battery from draining, but the simpler and more exciting solution is to drive your luxury car more often. A 5-mile drive is long enough to recharge the battery and prolong its life.

    5.     Monitor the Clutch’s Health

    A working clutch is one of the most valuable parts of a luxury vehicle. As such, you should pay close attention to the clutch’s health and use it properly. Here are a few common bad habits to avoid when operating the clutch:

    • Don’t ride the clutch.
    • Don’t slam on the gas or brakes.
    • Don’t use the clutch to avoid rolling on hills.
    • Don’t downshift too early or upshift too late.

    Using the clutch as intended will keep it healthy and functional, increase your car’s fuel efficiency, and make you a more responsible driver. All three benefits contribute to a longer road life for your luxury vehicle.

    Savini Wheels Forged SV72D Brushed

    6.     Invest in a Coilover Kit

    If you’re worried about your luxury car’s suspension, a coilover kit could be the answer to your concerns. A coilover kit is an upgraded suspension system that lowers the car or gives it more aggressive handling, depending on your goals. You can also adjust the rebound or compression damping to meet your preferences. Installing a coilover kit means you will have to remove your current suspension system and start from scratch, so make sure you have a trusted mechanic for the job.

    Savin Wheels SVF F4 Matte-Bronze Flow Formed

    Luxury Car Maintenance Is All in the Details

    The average everyday vehicle can go for months without a wash or inspection, but luxury cars require much greater attention to detail. Get into the habit of doing these five maintenance tasks and consider upgrading your suspension so you can enjoy your luxury car for years to come.

    Author Bio: Oscar Collins is the founder and editor-in-chief at Modded, where he writes about cars, luxury topics and more. Follow him on Twitter @TModded for frequent updates! 

    5 Clever Ways to Improve the Interior of Your Luxury Car | Savini Wheels

    Owning a luxury car is all about the experience. Your vehicle should be a joy to drive, from how it runs to how it looks and feels once you’re inside. Even the wheels should be customized to make you happy. Many luxury models can be upgraded and personalized to become an even better fit for your lifestyle.

    Some car enthusiasts purchase luxury models because they already have everything they want. However, other car owners enjoy modding their vehicles one upgrade at a time. If you’re one of these hands-on enthusiasts, here are five clever ways to improve the interior of your luxury car.

    SV67D Forged Savini Wheels

    1.     Boost the Sound System

    Driving a luxury car is a 360-degree experience that should involve multiple senses. High-quality sound is just as important as the look of your vehicle’s interior. Many luxury cars come with an excellent stereo and audio system. However, if sound is important to you, you may want to make additional upgrades.

    You can start by replacing the factory stereo with a better model. Consider upgrading your speakers and adding a subwoofer to further amplify bass notes when you listen to music. Some people also install sound-deadening mats to eliminate road noise. With a full remodel, you’ll be able to hear your audio clearly despite road noise and feel it, too.

    2.     Switch Interior Panels

    Another way to improve your car’s interior is by upgrading the panels. Invest in custom carbon fiber pieces for a high-end look. Common places to add carbon fiber include the steering wheel, center console, and paneling along the doors and dashboard. You can also wrap interior panels with microfiber for a softer look.

    Consider wrapping interior panels with special-order vinyl if you want something more personal. You can get this material in any color and personalize the print for maximum impact inside your vehicle. Make your interior panels look even better by adding LED lighting as trim or installing a starlight headliner on your vehicle’s interior roof.

    SV-F 5 Flow Formed Savini Wheels

    3.     Change the Seating

    Changing the seats is one of the most impactful modifications you can make to your car’s interior. Some enthusiasts order completely new seating and have it fitted into their luxury vehicles to change the driving experience. Many prefer the look of race car seating to more traditional seats.

    Another option is to paint your existing seats a new color. This is a relatively simple modification but has a huge impact on the overall look of your vehicle. Some car owners paint interior panels as well as the seats for a more expansive look.

    4.     Replace Floor Mats

    Custom floor mats will take your luxury vehicle to a whole new level. You can order rubber mats to fit your car so keeping your interior spotless is easy. However, some people go a step further and invest in custom diamond-stitched floor mats. Combine these mats with a set of new wheels for a truly luxurious look.

    Although diamond-stitched floor mats are water-resistant and easy to clean, they look like the height of opulence. In addition to neutral options, you can order them in bright colors that make a strong statement inside your vehicle. Pair these mats with upgraded upholstery to create a stunning car interior.

    SV-F1 Flow Formed Savini Wheels

    5.     Upgrade the Steering Wheel

    Your steering wheel defines much of your driving experience. However, even luxury cars are sold with stock versions. Upgrading it is one of the fastest ways to enhance your personal experience as the vehicle’s driver. You can replace the entire wheel or wrap the existing one to improve its feel and appearance.

    Choose a style and materials that accentuate the rest of your vehicle’s interior. For example, you may want to wrap your wheel with carbon fiber if you plan to use that material as an accent throughout your car. Colorful steering wheels can blend in or stand out, depending on what the interior looks like. Some options even have LEDs that light up to track your RPM speed.

    Revisit the Interior

    A sleek exterior and well-tuned engine are likely what first drew you to purchasing a luxury car. However, most of your time is spent inside driving the vehicle rather than outside admiring it. It’s worth making the interior as comfortable and stylish as possible. Every detail you invest adds up to create the full experience of driving an automobile of this stature.

    And don’t forget to make your exterior look as good as your interior with a new set of luxury car wheels from Savini! We offer forged car wheels, cast car rims and flow-formed wheels in various fitments, finishes and styles, so there’s a rim for literally every preference. Wondering where to get a set of luxury Savini Wheels? Send us an inquiry here to find an authorized local dealer near you!

    Author Bio: Oscar Collins is the founder and editor-in-chief at Modded, where he writes about cars, luxury topics and more. Follow him on Twitter @TModded for frequent updates! 

    7 Tips For Buying A Used Luxury Car | Savini Wheels

    Buying a used luxury car definitely has its benefits and drawbacks. While it might be the cheapest way to purchase the luxury car of your dreams, you have to ensure that you’re getting everything you want in a vehicle. 

    Follow these tips to ensure the car of your dreams meets your standard — and nothing less.

    1. Get an Inspection Right Away

    Even if your personal inspection has determined that nothing is wrong with the vehicle, you should take it for a professional inspection as soon as you buy the car. A professional examination might detect things you couldn’t, including issues that might be covered in your warranty. 

    If you want to buy a car without a warranty, make sure you bring a witness. In case something is wrong with the car, having a witness present will help you defend your point that you asked certain questions to make sure the luxury car works effectively. You should also always check the vehicle history before purchasing it.

    2. Check the Security Features

    Does the car you’re looking at have all the security features you want in a vehicle? Test out all the features, especially automatic locks. When you get out of the car after locking it, test every door handle to make sure the locks work in every door. 

    See if there are any theft protection devices already installed in the car, and make sure you check the emergency brake. If the brakes ever go out, that’s your first line of defense to protect yourself from a potentially scary wreck.

    Savini Wheels SV-F 6 flow form wheels

    3. Test the Central Command System

    One of the most important parts of a car is the central command system, as you need it if you want to drive anywhere. Functionality is crucial, so make sure to test everything from the audio input from different sources to the Bluetooth capabilities. You should also inspect every part of the car to ensure nothing’s sticky. 

    If someone spilled something in the car, you might be able to haggle the price down. Make sure other command systems aren’t laggy or glitchy — they could negatively impact your experience driving the vehicle until you repair them.

    4. Stick to Your Budget

    Setting your budget in advance is one of the most important factors in shopping for a used car because going outside your budget can affect the rest of your finances. When shopping for a luxury car, you may have a higher budget than you normally would when searching for a used car. It’s essential to stay within budget so you have enough to take care of any other issues you may face after purchasing your vehicle. 

    The price of luxury cars increased by over $2500 in 2020, but the price should be falling steadily soon. If you find the total price to be out of your budget, you can always wait for the market to cool off. Don’t be afraid to haggle the price down to one you can afford — many car dealerships will give you a good deal if you are persistent.

    5. Keep an Eye Out for Modifications

    Many people modify their cars to fit them. Some people may use steering wheel covers or seat covers to add a flair of their own, but other people can take modifications to the extreme. Some people might change up their pedals to give a greater sense of luxury, but if it’s not what you want, you need to think about the cost of removing those modifications. If it would be cheaper overall to opt for a different car, keep looking. 

    Savini Wheels Black di Forza BM 14 cast wheels

    6. Try Every Part of the Car

    Sit in every seat. Make sure every knob in the car and every feature works. You want to make sure the car is comfortable and functional in all forms. Make sure that every screen works and that you can utilize the keyless entry. 

    Take as much time as you need to go through everything in the vehicle. You want to make sure you get what you’re paying for, especially if the price is higher than you thought it might be. 

    7. Remember Your Needs

    Having a good idea of your pain points before you start shopping around is key to staying on target and getting the best luxury car you can. You may have a specific type of car in mind, like an electric vehicle, but you should plan before subscribing to a particular model. For example, you need to know where you’ll charge your EV — and ensure that there are chargers near the places you would frequent or travel to. 

    Make a list of what you must have in a luxury vehicle and what you want to have. Your must-haves should be the driving force in you finding the used luxury car that’s perfect for you. Your list should not be a compromise — that’s what the wants or “like to have”s are for. If you can’t find the luxury vehicle of your dreams right now, you can always try again somewhere else or at another time.

    Savini SL1 forged Wheels

    Be Cautious When Buying Used Cars

    Buying used is the best way to afford a luxury vehicle. No matter the type you’re going for, you need to pay attention to every part of the car when shopping for a new one. Luxury vehicles are a luxury that shouldn’t be taken for granted. 

    Don’t assume everything will work just because it’s a luxury vehicle — there could be problems with it that you can’t detect on your own. Take care when purchasing your future luxury car, and you’ll feel satisfied every day. And if you’re looking to raise the bar on your used luxury vehicle, add some aftermarket wheels to it from Savini! We have a variety of car wheel collections to choose from, some made especially for luxury vehicles, so we have something for every taste, car and style! Contact us HERE to find a Savini Wheels dealer near you!

    Savini SV-F2 flow form wheels

    Author Bio: Oscar Collins is the founder and editor-in-chief at Modded, where he writes about cars, luxury topics and more. Follow him on Twitter @TModded for frequent updates! 

    7 Points to Know Before Buying a Luxury EV

    Purchasing an electric vehicle is considerably different from the traditional car-buying experience. EVs have new specifications you need to consider, which can lead you to overspend. That’s why you need to account for these seven points before buying a luxury EV.

    1.     Identify Your Needs and Budget

    As with any shopping process, you first need to identify your needs and budget. How do you plan on using your luxury EV? Will you drive it sparingly, or will it be your new primary vehicle? Where will you drive? Who and what will you carry? These questions will help you narrow down your search and find wallet-friendly options. You only want to pay for the features you need.

    Luxury EVs can cost between $25,000 and $100,000+ depending on your location and the state of the market. If you plan on adding aftermarket parts to your vehicle, like the new SV forged wheels from Savini or some flow-formed SV-F wheels, stay on the lower side of that price range so you can spend extra later on.

    2.     Determine Your EV Type

    Establishing your needs and budget will help you determine which EV type is best for you. Many buyers aren’t aware, but there are more EV types than full-electric and hybrid. You can also choose from mild hybrids (MHEVs) and plug-in hybrids (PHEVs), both of which have smaller battery packs than electric-only vehicles and switch over to the gas engine as needed.

    If this is your first time buying an EV, perhaps a hybrid might ease the transition and make the driving experience more comfortable. Some people also get hybrids if they have limited access to charging stations. 

    3.     Know Where You’ll Charge

    You must know where you can charge your EV before you buy it. The United States has over 113,000 outlets as of January 2022, but only 46,290 public charging stations are available. That number may seem like a lot, but your area might only have one or two that hundreds of people have to share.

    Research the available charging stations in your community to make sure your EV has one of the three “levels” of EV charging available:

    • Level One: slow charging from a traditional wall outlet
    • Level Two: moderately fast charging from a manufactured 240-volt EV outlet
    • Level Three: the fastest charging option, only found at specific public charging stations

    We know luxury car owners want the absolute best for their vehicles, so we strongly recommend you purchase a level-two outlet for your home and use the other options sparingly.

    4.     Protect Your EV’s Battery

    No car responds well to extreme temperatures and bad weather, but EVs are particularly vulnerable because of their batteries. You need to park your car in a dry place with moderate temperatures. Your garage is the perfect place, but you need to make sure it’s weatherproofed for the cold months and has a reliable door that opens and closes without issue.

    You also don’t need to charge your EV to 100% every time. The battery will be under much less stress if you keep the percentage in a medium to high range.

    5.     Consider the Vehicle’s Range

    If your vehicle’s range is too small, you’ll suffer constant anxiety from searching for the next charging station. On the flip side, an excessively long range can multiply your expenses. You don’t want to pay for a high-capacity battery if you don’t need it. 

    The range for an EV can be anywhere from 100 to 300 miles, with 180-270 being the most common and optimal range. You should focus your search on vehicles within this happy medium. Some aftermarket products like the lightweight single-cast aluminum BM Black di Forza wheels or SV-F flow-forged wheels could also slightly improve your EV’s weight, range and performance.

    6.     Notice the Performance Differences

    When you take an EV for a test drive, acceleration will feel strange because electric motors use their full power as soon as you step on the accelerator, whereas traditional acceleration varies based on the amount of pressure applied to the pedal.

    Handling is much the same as any other vehicle, but it still may feel different at first because you don’t hear the same purring of the engine. Make sure you’re comfortable behind the wheel before making the purchase.

    7.     See if You Qualify for EV Incentives

    Many federal, state and local governments offer incentives for EV purchases, including tax credits. For example, many buyers take advantage of the Federal Electric Car Tax Credit and save as much as $7,500. Some lenders also offer special auto loan rates for environmentally-friendly vehicles. You could save over $10,000 collectively if you play your cards right. 

    Find Your Perfect Luxury EV

    Luxury EV shopping can be a daunting task, especially if you’re only familiar with traditional cars. These seven points will help you find the right EV for your needs and learn the fundamentals of EV ownership, such as charging, storage and the driving experience. Just follow our advice and you’ll find the perfect luxury EV and know how to take care of it.

    Author Bio: Oscar Collins is the founder and editor-in-chief at Modded, where he writes about cars, luxury topics and more. Follow him on Twitter @TModded for frequent updates! 

    Protecting Your Luxury Car From Theft: 6 Need-to-Know Tips From Savini Wheels

    Luxury cars draw a lot of attention, and rightfully so. They look cool, drive fast and turn heads wherever they go. They also tend to have expensive parts and can be easier to access without a key, making them attractive targets for thieves. 

    You need to take extra precautions to keep your luxury vehicle safe. Here are five need-to-know tips about protecting your car from theft.

    1.     Write a Common-Sense Checklist

    More than 700,000 car thefts occur every year, and the main reason is that people simply fail to lock them or leave their keys inside. You can avoid these mistakes by writing a common-sense checklist and keeping it in your vehicle. Your list might look something like this:

    • Close the windows
    • Activate the emergency brake
    • Turn off the car’s Bluetooth and W-Fi features, if applicable
    • Turn off the vehicle
    • Grab your phone, wallet and other essential belongings
    • Exit the car and lock the vehicle
    • Test the door handles to make sure every entrance is locked.

    You might assume you can remember these simple steps, but a thief only needs you to make a mistake one time. Eliminate that possibility with a common-sense checklist.

    2.     Add Theft Protection Devices

    You can also install various theft protection devices to help keep your vehicle safe. Some are inexpensive tools that prevent the car from moving:

    • Steering wheel lock: Prevents the steering wheel from moving more than a few inches
    • Brake and clutch lock: Keeps the desired pedal locked in place
    • Wheel clamp: Attaches to your Savini wheels to prevent the tire from spinning

    These devices will stop most thieves in their tracks, but well-equipped carjackers have the tools to remove them. Plus, clamps might not fit on an old luxury vehicle’s wheels. If you want to use this tool, consider investing in strong and light forged wheels from Savini Wheels, which can handle anything you throw at them. You can also take your vehicle’s security even further with these electronic devices:

    • Aftermarket car alarm system: You can install an aftermarket system if your older luxury vehicle does not have a built-in alarm.
    • Immobilizers: Fuse cutoffs, kill switches and ignition disablers prevent the vehicle from starting until a hidden button is activated.

    Some vehicles also come with additional security features like four-digit access codes. Consider yourself lucky you have another line of defense if your luxury car has one of these features.

    Mind Where You Park

    Luxury car owners are often selective with their public parking spaces to avoid getting dents and scratches, but this habit can also ward off thieves. Here are some places you should avoid:

    • Parking lots with poor lighting
    • High-crime areas
    • Thin alleyways
    • Streets with little traffic

    Most responsible car owners can tell if a parking space is sketchy right away. Listen to that intuition and find another spot. Try to park in areas with solid lighting and constant activity. If a parking garage is available for a reasonable price, take advantage of its guards and cameras.

    You might also invest in a car cover to hide your vehicle in plain sight. With the exterior hidden from view, it looks like any other sedan or SUV. It also acts as another frustrating obstacle for thieves to get through. 

    3.     Keep Your Car Clean

    You should maintain your luxury car’s cleanliness — both inside and out — to discourage thieves from trying their luck. Wash the exterior and keep the interior organized. A tidy vehicle tells thieves you might have it under surveillance. It also suggests that it might have hidden security features inside.

    A spotless exterior also makes it easier to spot a crucial piece of evidence: fingerprints. If someone tries to break into your freshly cleaned vehicle, you might find their prints and report your findings to the police.

    4.     Hide Your Valuables

    Sometimes car thefts occur because thieves walk by a vehicle and see valuables inside. They had no prior intention of stealing the car, but the inner contents caught their attention. You can make your luxury car less of a target by hiding your valuables in unlikely places like inside the fuse box or under the backseat. 

    Better yet, remove all valuables from your car and leave nothing to chance. Keep only the essentials — owner’s manual, car registration, roadside assistance info — and take everything else out of the picture. If a thief manages to get inside, they’ll realize you have nothing they want and might give up before causing further damage.

    Step up Your Security Efforts

    None of us can entirely rely on our cars’ built-in security system, let alone luxury vehicle owners. You need to step up your security efforts to keep your prized possession safe. Humble yourself and write that common-sense checklist. Invest in more security measures, including simple tasks like parking and cleaning. These tips will protect your car from theft and ensure it stays in your hands for the foreseeable future.

    Author Bio: Oscar Collins is the founder and editor-in-chief at Modded, where he writes about cars, luxury topics and more. Follow him on Twitter @TModded for frequent updates! 

    Detailing a Luxury Car: 7 Common Mistakes To Avoid By Savini Wheels

    Hiring a professional to detail a luxury car can cost hundreds of dollars. Why spend money on a job you can do yourself? Detailing a vehicle (and your new Savini Wheels) from home has never been easier, as you have all the necessary tools and resources at your disposal. 

    However, you can still make mistakes if you’re not careful. Here are seven common errors people make when detailing cars at home and how you can avoid them.

    1.     Overwaxing

    Wax gives your car a terrific smooth shine and adds another layer of protection, but too much can make the paint appear foggy. You only need two layers: one to set the foundation and a second to add the finishing touches. If you’re new to waxing, apply just one layer until you get confident with the process. You can never be too careful, especially with older models with special types of paint (like your treasured old school ride or dressed up donk).

    Additionally, you must apply the wax correctly. Many people make the mistake of pouring it right onto the car’s surface, which often leads to an uneven coat and damages the paint color. Instead, use a foam applicator to gently rub the wax on the surface.

    2.     Using Household Detergents

    Soaps and detergents made for household objects don’t have the same chemical properties as car cleaners. They can strip wax, rub away paint and cause stains. Don’t let their similar look and smell fool you. Always use proper cleaning products made exclusively for vehicle exteriors. Your car’s paint and protective layers will thank you for it.

    3.     Drying With the Wrong Towel

    It’s vital to dry your luxury car with the right towel. A common dish towel can rub dirt and dust into the paint, while a microfiber version is soft enough to lift water and dirt from the vehicle without causing damage. Use two of them: one for cleaning and one for drying.

    4.     Overusing Chemicals

    A ride’s carpeted floors go through a lot of use. They need a powerful chemical compound to soak in and remove all the dirt, but many people go wrong by leaving the products in for too long. 

    Even worse, they might neglect to wash out all the chemicals, which causes permanent damage to the carpet. Avoid overusing these products on your carpet by vacuuming the interior to remove the big stuff. You won’t have to use as much cleaner and can wash it out more easily.

    The opposite logic applies to the rest of the car’s interior. The dashboard, steering wheel, center console and other high-touch areas need nontoxic cleaning products that you can safely get on your hands. Look for disinfectant wipes that contain at least 70% isopropyl alcohol to get good results without hurting yourself. 

    5.     Washing in Direct Sunlight

    You might think that a sunny afternoon is a perfect time to detail your car, but you’re better off moving to a shaded area or waiting for the clouds to roll through. Direct sunlight heats your vehicle no matter the outside temperature and causes it to dry faster, which could interrupt your washing process or prevent you from properly drying it with a microfiber towel. 

    Plus, hot cars are often painful to the touch. We’ve all accidentally burned our hands on door handles before. Save yourself the pain and move your vehicle out of the sunlight. Early in the morning or in the late afternoon are perfect times for washing your car rims and getting your ride so fresh and so clean.

    6.     Doing the Wheels and Tires Last

    Newbies often save the wheels and tires for last because they’re so focused on cleaning the car’s body. Wheels are the dirtiest parts, so you risk getting grime and dirty water on your newly cleaned vehicle by leaving them until the end. 

    It’s a good idea to wash from the top down, but wheels of all shapes and sizes need a proper initial cleaning before moving on to the body. Additionally, make sure you use a solvent-free tire cleaner. Solvents can eat away at rubber tires and cause the surface to wear down faster.

    If dirt has settled into your wheels and you think it’s time for an upgrade, give Savini’s SV-F Flow Form line a try. They’re made using advanced flow form wheel technology to be lightweight and strong. They’re perfect for performance-minded enthusiasts who want lighter wheels with style. These flow forged wheels come in a variety of styles and finishes to match your personality and car’s theme.

    7.     Using the Wrong Glass Cleaner

    Glass requires a different cleaning product than the rest of your vehicle. Believe it or not, Windex and other common window cleaners don’t work on car glass. They contain ammonia, which can cause streaks and damage your interior if it trickles down. Look for ammonia-free options online or at your local hardware store.

    Pamper Your Luxury Car

    Detailing your luxury car is a fun activity, but it’s easy to mess up. Don’t feel bad if you make one of these mistakes — you aren’t the first person and won’t be the last. Just remember the solutions for each error. 

    Park out of the sun, get the right cleaning materials, start with the wheels first and make sure you apply the right amount of wax. Pamper your luxury car the way it deserves to be.

    Author Bio: Oscar Collins is the founder and editor-in-chief at Modded, where he writes about cars, luxury topics and more. Follow him on Twitter @TModded for frequent updates! 

    What Is Wheel Offset?

    If you’re purchasing a set of forged wheels, flow formed wheels or cast wheels, you’ve most likely come across the word “offset.” This is simply a common term used in the aftermarket wheel industry and is very important when buying a new set of car rims. Having the right offset ensures that your new car wheel style has enough clearance so that nothing rubs against the suspension, brakes or body of the car. Also, offset is vital for drivel safely. The wrong offset can mess with your ride’s brakes and reduce its stability while driving.

    What Is Wheel Offset & Backspacing

    Offset is how your ride’s wheels and tires are mounted on. Plus, it’s how they set well inside the wheel wells. There are different offsets when it comes to rides, so here is a breakdown of what they are and mean:

    Negative Offset: This is the offset used when the hub mounting of your car is right behind the wheel’s centerline. Wheels that have a negative offset are considered to be “dee.”

    Zero Offset: This is an offset that has its hub mounting surface perfectly in line with the centerline of the wheel.

    Positive Offset: This is the opposite of a negative offset. The hub mounting surface is in front of the centerline of the wheel (meaning it’s facing the road).

    What Is Backspacing?

    Backspacing is another term you might come across when researching what new forged wheels you want for your car. This refers to the distance your tires and wheels need to accommodate both offset and wheel width. Backspacing is vital when looking for new forged wheels when you want something that is wider than the ones that come on the ride when you buy it.

    You’ll want to get both offset and backspacing measurements right in order to get the right fit and look. Backspacing and offset will help with performance and handling, while also contributing to a safer ride. If you get these two things wrong, you’ll face some big challenges while driving. Plus, it’ll be costly since you’ll have to correct the problem with a new set of wheels.

    Things To Remember About Wheel Offsets

    Here are a few more things you’ll want to remember when purchasing new forged wheels for your ride:

    1. If your new forged rims are wider than the OEMs, factor in backspacing AND offset for that perfect fit!
    2. Offset and backspacing can be tricky. The wrong offset will throw off handling and stability (despite the wheel and tire having clearance). When looking for new car wheels, you don’t want to be off with the new offset more than 5 millimeters from the previous wheel set.
    3. Make sure the new wheel and tire package you opt for stays within the load capacity that’s recommended for the car.
    4. When you’re confused or doubting a certain wheel offset see, just go to a wheel professional like us! This way, you’ll get help figuring the right backspacing and offset your ride needs for better handling. Savini Wheels uses a network of authorized dealers across the nation and world! Email us at Sales@saviniwheels.com for more help.

    If you’re looking for the right forged wheel for your car, Savini Wheels has it all! From more than 80 different forged wheel styles to cast wheels and flow formed wheels, you’ll definitely find something that catches your eye on our website. And if you’re looking for some off-road wheels, check out GRID-OffRoad.com!