5 tips for modifying a car
When it comes to modifying a car, there are so many aspects to consider we simply can't fit them all into one article. However, we can touch on the main aspects to help provide a basic overview of the things you really need to consider when modifying a car. Some may seem obvious, whereas others may come in handy.
We can't emphasise enough that research and planning is essential throughout the process of modifying a car. Modifying your car should be treated as an investment, (although you won't always make your money back), so you should modify it with care and attention.
Tips for modifying a car
Plan your modifications
It's worth coming up with a plan from day one - what do you want to achieve by modifying your car? Instead of saying, "I want this intake to make it sound good", look at the bigger picture and the outcome you want to achieve in the long run. More often than not, people will add modifications to their car which will later on be too big / small for the other modifications they want to add to it. Plan with your future aspirations in mind.
Use reputable garages
When it comes to performing the work on your car, it is essential to use reputable garages that you know you can trust. When speaking with industry experts, and our own customer base, the general consensus is that they always use garages they know / have had recommendations from, to perform the required work on their car. By not using a reputable garage, who ends up damaging your car, it will soon become a costly mistake to rectify!
Safety aspects
This part is vital. Think about it, if you're increasing the power of your car, what else do you need to upgrade? More often than not, it's the brakes. Will you need to upgrade the rotors or brake pads? Or do you need a whole new brake kit? These are questions that need to be asked, and they need to be answered.
You'll also want to consider adding extra safety features, such as a safety harness, (4 point or 5 point), and maybe even a roll cage? All of these depends on what the intended use of the car is, as well as the power it has behind it. If you want advice, speak with the garage who is doing the work on your car and find out what they would recommend. You could even speak with experts on forums online.
Don't be fooled...
It's easy to fall into the trap of, "The louder the exhaust, the better it is" - Right? Wrong! Don't be fooled - do your research. Just because something may be loud, it doesn't mean it's better. Nowadays, you can get much quieter exhausts that are actually more powerful. This also goes for other modifications you want to add to the car. Don't go for the shiniest, most eye-catching modification if that's not your intended purpose. If you want power, research what product would be best for modifying in that respect. Always be careful when it comes to aftermarket parts, make sure you know what you're looking for!
Always check with your insurer
Before going out and spending hundreds, if not thousands of pounds on modifications, it's worth checking with your insurer that they can cover the types of modifications you want. For example, if you are planning on modifying your car with NOS (Nitrous Oxide), here at Safely Insured, we would not cover it. Generally, this is to do with modifications that are either illegal or that change the chassis dramatically, such as turning a van into a convertible. If you're just upgrading the wheels, or not doing either of the above, here at Safely Insured, we can probably cover the new upgrades (but always double check with us).
Modified Car Insurance
If you own a modified car, or are planning to modify your car, then it's beneficial to take out a Modified Car Insurance policy. A lot of standard car insurance policies do not cater for the types of modifications our customers have. As a result, we have specialist policies to cover them. Our policies can include: Agreed Value, and 'Like for Like' modifications cover. We also understand your modifications, so you don't need to explain to us how a turbo works.
Visit our Modified Car Insurance page for more information.
We know that we could have quite literally covered 101 things in this article, but unfortunately there's just not enough room to fit them all in. The main things to consider are: Planning, safety, garages, parts, and insurance. From intake systems, to turbos / superchargers and tuning your car, there is a lot for you to consider. Take your time, do your research, and get advice from reputable garages, industry experts, and people that have successfully modified their car before!
Further Information: Modified Car Insurance | Call Us