If you like cars, it is natural to want to own the specifications of your vehicle. Modifying (or "customizing") your car is a very open process. Some people want to enhance the appearance while others prefer practical improvements to their car's specifications. Some enthusiasts prefer a mix of both. Although car modifications can be very expensive projects even if you do them yourself, they can greatly increase the value and intrigue of your car.
Steps
Part 1 of 4: Improve the appearance of your car
Step 1. Come up with a plan beforehand
If you want to customize your car, it is a good idea to make a general plan that considers how each of the improvements will affect the others. Some cosmetic changes will clash with each other, or worse, you may run out of space to fit all the pieces in your car. Consult an auto expert on all of your ideas before committing financially to them.
Step 2. Paint your car
A fresh coat of paint is arguably the most transformative thing you can do to the look of your car. If all you want is to improve the appearance, you can find a paint that has the effect you want. You can also paint your car in your garage with specialized spray paint. Due to the value of your car, it is very important to paint slowly and steadily.
- If you are going to paint the car in your own home, don't forget to apply a coat of primer beforehand.
- Car modification shops can offer you more intense paintings with images like flames. These paintings are more stylish, but you need to make sure that your car model is the right one before committing to something so ostentatious. For example, images of flames on a Toyota Camry will not give you the attention you want.
Step 3. Put on tinted windows
Tinted windows add class to a vehicle quickly. The mystery factor and privacy of tinted windows can make even an average car look luxurious.
By replacing factory parts, you could void your car's warranty. Check with the manufacturer before proceeding
Step 4. Replace the headlights and taillights
Headlights and taillights attract a lot of visual attention as they are designed to reflect light. Swapping them out for a more ornate design is relatively inexpensive by car modification standards, but the subtle difference in your car's appearance won't go unnoticed by those who know where to look.
Make sure your tail light modifications are roadworthy. Although you can change the appearance of your car by replacing the lights, you must still make sure that they comply with the rules of the road
Step 5. Reupholster the seats
While many of the car modifications focus on external presentation, you can renew your in-vehicle experience by changing the seats. Most factory seats are upholstered in fabric, but for a modern touch, replacing them with leather seats is quite luxurious.
If you go for leather seats, be sure to give them the maintenance they require
Part 2 of 4: Fully Customize Your Car
Step 1. Assess your car's potential for modifications
While all cars can be modified, some are easier to dress up than others, and the more popular models will have a greater number of options ready. If you have the money to do it, you can even decorate a rickety junk into something special. However, if this is your first time customizing a car, you can make it easier for yourself to get started by choosing a car that is well suited to modifications.
Look online for examples of modifications for your car model. Some models will give you a lot of results while others will give you nothing. The number of results will likely give you an idea as to whether or not your car is considered suitable for modifications
Step 2. Lower the suspension
Lowering the suspension has the effect of making your car look sleeker and sportier. You can do it in any modification workshop. Even lowering it slightly can have a big effect on the look of your car.
- On the other hand, you can raise the suspension for a rougher look. This option is popular for trucks and SUVs.
- There is a safety concern when it comes to lowering a car's suspension. Although it may look great, you will sacrifice a bit of your car's handling in the process. Keep this in mind if you consider lowering your suspension. A faster looking car will not necessarily be better.
Step 3. Add a spoiler to the rear of your car
The spoilers are designed to give your car the visual impression that it is fast enough to need aerodynamic support. Of course, for all cars except the fastest racing cars, the spoilers are just decoration. Still, many car fans find the look of a spoiler very appealing. Depending on how common this accessory is for your car model, your mechanic might be able to guide you towards a suitable spoiler for the car you want to modify.
Step 4. Upgrade the stereo system
A stereo system doesn't significantly change the look of your car, but you can feel a new subwoofer. If you have money you can spend on upgrading your car, upgrading the stereo will add a soundtrack to your car. Best of all, you can spend as much or as little as you want to reinvent your sound system. A new pair of front speakers could cost you just $ 50, while a full stereo system could cost you thousands of dollars.
- Bass sounds are not everything in a stereo system. An intense sound will give you greater pleasure when listening to music than a device whose power is found in bass sounds.
- Don't be inconsiderate when listening to music with the subwoofer turned up to full in crowded areas.
Step 5. Install a hydraulic suspension kit in your car
Hydraulic suspension is a theatrical twist on your car. With it, you can raise the suspension of your car and make it "dance". Hydraulic suspension is a big part of car modification culture and is preferred on vehicles with low suspension, called lowriders. If you want to give your car a playful touch, take it to a workshop and install this specialized suspension control.
- Hydraulic suspension is expensive and many people outside of the car modification community associate it with gangs.
- If you belong to the culture of car modification, you can join a "dance competition" of car hydraulics.
Part 3 of 4: Enhance Your Car's Specifications
Step 1. Change the tires
Tires have a big effect on the way your car looks and feels. If you are interested in increasing the functionality of your vehicle, getting better quality tires can change your driving experience. This is an important tip whether you are a veteran of car modification or a "casual" owner.
- Keep the climate of where you live in mind when choosing tires. Some tires are specially designed to run in rain and snow.
- In general, the bigger the wheels, the less sensitive they will be when driving. Try to strike a balance between the form and function of your tires.
Step 2. Reprogram your car's engine control unit (ECU)
Newer vehicles are regulated by an internal processor, called an ECU or engine control unit. These processors determine how much fuel is injected into the engine at different revolutions per minute. If you want to get additional potential from your car (and save fuel), you can buy an introductory field for the ECU and install it in your car. Although it is only recommended that you change the default ECU settings if you know what you are doing, you can get a little extra power out of your car just by improving the efficiency of the parts you already have.
By cutting off the fuel at the right times, you can make your car "backfire," causing a flame to burst from the tailpipe when you accelerate. This is not recommended for street cars and should only be addressed if you know what you are doing
Step 3. Upgrade your exhaust system
Your car's exhaust pipe has a major effect on the horsepower of your car and the amount of noise it makes. Replacing the exhaust pipe and muffler with something fancier can help improve the efficiency of your car. Some car modifiers also enjoy experimenting with the noise a vehicle makes. Removing the muffler will make your car noise considerably louder. While this may make the car appear faster, it is also inconsiderate of other people on the road.
Step 4. Replace the suspension bushings with polyurethane
The suspension is normally damped with rubber bushings to improve the feel and handling of the car. However, these erode over time. Replacing them with durable polyurethane can be a mostly invisible upgrade to your car but it can work wonders for driving if you've driven your car for a long time.
Part 4 of 4: Evaluating whether or not to customize your car
Step 1. Consider how it could affect your insurance
Car modifications can affect your insurance premiums. It's best to find out how each modification can affect your insurance before committing to it. Talk to your insurance company if you are not sure.
Step 2. Find out the legality of the modifications
Nobody likes that their vision of the perfect car is limited by the law. Still, you should keep legality in mind when modifying your car to make sure it can't be taken away once you're on the road.
The legality will depend on the country where you live. As a general rule of thumb, if your car seems designed more for a race track, there is likely something that conflicts with the regulations
Step 3. Keep safety in mind
Some popular car modifications, such as bringing the tires closer to the fender (known as "hellaflushing"), are becoming increasingly popular despite limiting the car's performance. In the end, you have to make sure that your car stays safe and usable. Even if something looks cool, nothing is worth endangering your life and the lives of others.
Step 4. Predict how others will interpret your modified car
If you modify your car in any visual way, you will send a message to anyone who sees it. Most tasteful modifications will be received positively, while the most bombastic changes could be seen as a joke. Make an effort to avoid inconsiderate modifications. Removing your car's muffler greatly increases noise pollution, and you should also avoid anything that creates excess smoke.
Advice
- In most cases, you should have your car modified by specialized mechanics.
- Consider getting additional insurance for your car to take into account the price of the modifications.
Warnings
- Car modifications can cost a lot, in some cases more than the original price of the car itself. Keep the price in mind and only make modifications that are within your budget.
- Adding nitrous oxide tanks to a gasoline engine is not recommended unless you are making modifications specifically for drag racing.
- TV shows like Plug Me in the Machine can provide inspiration for what you can do with your car, but don't take them as a real-world example. Most of them are made up or sensational and made solely for the show.