Where To Upgrade Your Cars (Full Guide)

In GTA 5 Story Mode, you can upgrade your cars at Los Santos Customs for performance and cosmetic changes, and at Benny’s Original Motor Works for specialized, lowrider-style modifications. These are the primary locations to enhance your vehicle’s speed, handling, armor, and appearance.

Table of Contents

Making Your Wheels Faster and Tougher: Los Santos Customs

Los Santos Customs is your go-to spot for most car upgrades. You’ll find these shops all over the map. They are super easy to spot with their big signs and bright lights.

Think of it as the main hub for making your car better.

When you drive into a Los Santos Customs garage, a menu pops up. This menu shows you all the different parts you can buy. It’s broken down into clear categories.

This makes it simple to find what you’re looking for. You don’t need to be a car expert to figure it out.

Performance Upgrades

This is where the real magic happens for speed. You can buy better engine parts. These make your car accelerate faster and reach higher top speeds.

It’s like giving your car a shot of pure adrenaline. You’ll feel the difference right away.

Brakes are super important too. Better brakes mean you can stop faster. This is a lifesaver in tight spots.

Especially when you’re trying to escape the cops or make a tricky turn. Don’t forget about the transmission. A good transmission helps your car shift gears smoothly.

This makes acceleration even better.

The suspension is another key part. Upgrading this can lower your car or make it handle better around corners. A lower car looks cooler and can be more stable.

Better handling means you can take those sharp turns without losing control. This is vital when you’re on the run.

Tires are also part of the suspension upgrade. You can get stronger tires. These are less likely to blow out.

They also help with grip on the road. Good grip is essential for fast driving and sharp turns. You can even get bulletproof tires.

These are amazing for surviving intense chases.

The turbo is the ultimate speed boost. Adding a turbo gives you a massive surge of acceleration. It’s like a temporary speed injection.

This is perfect for getting away quickly or overtaking rivals. It makes a huge difference in high-speed pursuits.

Armor and Defense

Cars in GTA 5 can take a beating. But you can make them even tougher. Los Santos Customs offers armor upgrades.

These are measured in levels. Higher levels mean more resistance to damage. This is super useful when you’re in shootouts.

Even with basic armor, your car can take a few hits. But with the best armor, your car becomes a tank. It can withstand a lot more gunfire and explosions.

This is a game-changer for missions that involve a lot of combat. You can drive right through enemy fire.

Visual and Cosmetic Upgrades

This is where you make your car look unique. There are tons of options. You can change the paint color.

There are metallic, pearlescent, and matte finishes. You can even get custom crew colors if you’re playing online with friends, but for story mode, it’s the standard palette.

Bumpers, hoods, and spoilers can all be changed. These change the car’s shape and style. You can make a car look sleek and sporty or aggressive and muscular.

The choices are vast. You can really personalize your ride.

Lights are another cool option. You can upgrade headlights and taillights. You can even change the color of your neon underglow.

This makes your car stand out at night. It adds a stylish touch to your vehicle.

Exhausts and grilles can also be swapped out. These add small but noticeable details. They help complete the look you’re going for.

You can even get custom horns. Some sound pretty funny.

And let’s not forget the windows. You can tint your windows. This adds privacy and a sleek look.

Darker tints look really cool. They also make it harder for enemies to see inside your car. This can be useful during missions.

The King of Customization: Benny’s Original Motor Works

Benny’s Original Motor Works is a special place. It’s not just about making cars faster. It’s about turning regular cars into something truly unique.

Benny’s specializes in lowrider culture. This is where you go for those iconic, flashy vehicles.

You won’t find Benny’s everywhere. It’s located in Strawberry, Los Santos. It’s a distinct garage.

You’ll know it when you see it. It has a special vibe. It’s all about style and showing off.

The main thing Benny’s does is hydraulics. This allows your car to bounce and hop. You can make it dance to the rhythm.

It’s a lot of fun to play with. It’s not practical for high-speed chases, but it’s amazing for cruising and showing off.

Lowrider Transformations

Benny’s takes certain cars and completely transforms them. You can bring a standard car to Benny’s and have it rebuilt. This process gives it a whole new look.

It often adds custom body kits. It also equips it with advanced hydraulics.

These transformed cars have a distinct style. They are lower to the ground. They often have unique paint jobs.

They can have flashy interiors. Benny’s is the place for true car enthusiasts who want something special.

Specialized Upgrades

Beyond the transformation, Benny’s offers exclusive upgrades. These include custom interiors. You can get fancy steering wheels and seats.

The sound systems are also top-notch. You can really deck out the inside of your car.

There are also unique body mods. These are different from what you find at Los Santos Customs. They are more elaborate and stylish.

They give your car a truly custom appearance. You can add different spoilers and skirts. These are designed for the lowrider aesthetic.

The paint options at Benny’s are also amazing. You can get custom finishes that are not available elsewhere. These often have a more vibrant and unique look.

They are perfect for making your car pop.

Where to Find These Garages on the Map

Knowing where to go is half the battle. Los Santos Customs garages are plentiful. You’ll see them marked on your mini-map with a spray can icon.

They are located in all major districts of Los Santos and Blaine County.

Some key locations for Los Santos Customs include:

La Puerta: Near the docks.
East Vinewood: A popular spot.
Strawberry: Also has a Los Santos Customs.
Sandy Shores: In the desert area.
Paleto Bay: Up north.

Benny’s Original Motor Works is a single location. It’s in Strawberry, Los Santos. You’ll find it marked on your map with a wrench icon.

It’s located on Grove Street, near the apartment buildings.

Quick Scan: Key Upgrade Locations

Los Santos Customs

What they offer: Performance, armor, cosmetics, basic body kits.

Where: Many locations across Los Santos and Blaine County.

Best for: General improvements, speed, defense, standard customization.

Benny’s Original Motor Works

What they offer: Lowrider transformations, hydraulics, unique cosmetic mods, specialized interiors.

Where: Single location in Strawberry, Los Santos.

Best for: Extreme customization, lowriders, hydraulics, unique styles.

The Cost of Customization: How Much Do Upgrades Cost?

Upgrading your car can get expensive. The price depends on the part and the car itself. Basic upgrades like paint jobs are usually cheaper.

Performance parts and advanced body kits cost more money.

A full upgrade at Los Santos Customs can cost thousands. A turbocharger alone can set you back over $10,000. Bulletproof tires are also a significant investment.

Engine upgrades can add up quickly.

Benny’s upgrades are even more costly. A full lowrider transformation can cost tens of thousands of dollars. This is because it’s a complete overhaul of the car.

These specialized parts are rare and complex.

So, it’s wise to save your money. Missions give you cash. Robbing stores and banks also provide funds.

Investing in a good car and upgrading it is often worth it for later missions. A well-upgraded car can make difficult objectives much easier.

My First Big Upgrade Experience

I remember getting the Vapid Dominator early on. It looked so cool. But it felt sluggish.

I saved up every dollar from random jobs. Finally, I had enough for a trip to Los Santos Customs. I bought the engine upgrades first.

The acceleration was amazing!

Then I added better brakes. It felt so much safer. I also got a spoiler.

It made the car look way sportier. That day, I realized how much upgrading mattered. It turned a good car into a great car.

It felt like I had a whole new vehicle.

Choosing the Right Car to Upgrade

Not all cars are created equal. Some cars have better base stats. Others have more upgrade options.

It’s good to know which cars are worth investing in.

Sports cars and supercars usually have the best performance potential. They are built for speed. Sedans and SUVs can be upgraded for better handling and durability.

They might not be as fast as a supercar, but they can be very effective.

Lowriders are a special category. They are best suited for Benny’s. Their appeal is unique.

They are not about raw speed. They are about style and flair. If you want to bounce your car, this is the way to go.

Consider the missions you’re doing. If you need speed for chases, a sports car is ideal. If you need a car that can take a lot of damage, an armored SUV might be better.

Think about what you want the car to do.

Popular Cars for Upgrading

Here are a few popular choices for upgrades:

Karin Futo: A nimble sports car. Great for tight turns.
Vapid Dominator: A classic muscle car. Good acceleration.
Grotti Carbonizzare: A sleek Italian supercar. Top-tier speed.
Declasse Vigero: Another solid muscle car option.
Bravado Gauntlet: A powerful muscle car with good handling.

For Benny’s, you can bring cars like the Albany Emperor or the Voodoo. These are classic lowrider bases.

Myth vs. Reality: Car Upgrades

Myth: Upgrading armor makes your car invincible.	Reality: Armor upgrades significantly increase durability but your car can still be destroyed. Heavy firepower will eventually break through.
Myth: All cars perform the same after upgrades.	Reality: Base car stats matter. A supercar will always be faster than a sedan, even with full upgrades.
Myth: You need millions to make a car good.	Reality: Smart, targeted upgrades on a decent base car can make a big difference for much less money.

When to Worry: Is My Car Performing Normally?

In GTA 5, cars have different feels. Some are naturally fast. Some are naturally slow.

Some handle well. Others are a bit clumsy.

If your car struggles to climb hills, it might need an engine upgrade. If it slides around too much on corners, consider better brakes and suspension. If it gets destroyed too easily during missions, more armor is a good idea.

It’s normal for basic cars to feel less powerful. They are not designed for high-speed chases. They are meant for everyday driving in the game world.

The upgrades are what turn them into something special.

If you’re using a sports car and it feels slow, check your upgrades. Make sure you have the best engine and turbo installed. If you’re driving a reinforced vehicle and it’s still getting blown up quickly, you might need the highest armor level available.

Quick Tips for Smart Car Upgrades

Here are some pointers to help you spend your money wisely:

Prioritize performance first. For most gameplay, speed and handling are key.
Consider armor for tough missions. If you’re constantly under fire, this is a must.
Don’t neglect brakes. Stopping power is crucial for control.
Cosmetics are fun, but often secondary. You can always change the paint later.
Save up for turbos. They offer the biggest speed boost.
Benny’s is for style. Use it when you want a unique vehicle for cruising or show.

It’s also helpful to test drive your car after upgrades. See how it feels. Does it handle better?

Is it faster? Make adjustments as needed.

Frequent Questions About GTA 5 Car Upgrades

Where can I find Los Santos Customs in GTA 5 Story Mode?

Los Santos Customs locations are marked on your mini-map with a spray can icon. You can find them in most major areas of Los Santos and Blaine County, including La Puerta, East Vinewood, and Sandy Shores.

What is the best performance upgrade for speed?

The best performance upgrades for speed are the engine upgrades and the turbocharger. Investing in these will significantly increase your car’s acceleration and top speed.

Can I get bulletproof tires for all cars?

Yes, bulletproof tires are available as an upgrade at Los Santos Customs for most vehicles. They are a great investment for surviving chases.

How do I unlock Benny’s Original Motor Works?

Benny’s Original Motor Works is unlocked automatically as you progress through the story mode. You will get a phone call or mission that directs you there.

What kind of cars can be transformed at Benny’s?

Benny’s specializes in transforming certain cars into lowriders. You typically bring specific models like the Albany Emperor, Voodoo, or Willard Faction to Benny’s for this unique conversion.

Are car upgrades permanent in GTA 5 Story Mode?

Yes, car upgrades made at Los Santos Customs or Benny’s are permanent for that specific car. The car will retain its upgrades even if it is destroyed and then retrieved from a garage or impound.

How much does a full upgrade cost at Los Santos Customs?

A full upgrade at Los Santos Customs can range from several thousand dollars to over $50,000, depending on the car and the extent of the upgrades chosen. Performance parts and armor tend to be the most expensive.

Conclusion: Drive Your Dream Car

Upgrading your cars in GTA 5 Story Mode is a rewarding experience. It lets you personalize your gameplay. You can make your favorite vehicles perform better and look amazing.

From the practical enhancements at Los Santos Customs to the unique flair at Benny’s, there are many ways to improve your ride. Go out there, earn some cash, and build the car of your dreams!