Car Modification - Modifying Your Car - A Global Trend
Modifying
your car has been a popular pastime for many years. By modifying your
car you are able to put your own unique personal touches on the vehicle
to make it stand out from the rest. There are many cosmetic
modifications that don't make the car run any different, but then that's
not the point 90 percent of the time! More often car modification is
done just to make your car look better or give it a more aggressive race
like appearance. These types of modification are simple and will make
your car stand out from the rest with very little work. As for the cost
of car modifications, that is an altogether different story. Parts are
freely available off the shelf from companies such as Spareco, Koni and
Spax. For example you can buy Spax suspension, Janspeed exhausts, Momo
rims and steering wheels, body kits, light alloy pedals, leather or led
lit gear knobs, Corbeau race seats and even race harnesses.
Getting
a new set of wheels for your vehicle is a popular choice. There are
many alloy wheel styles to choose from. Another popular modification is
having your windows tinted. Tinted windows can help keep the glare from
the sun out and also makes it harder for others to see into the car.
I.C.E or In Car Entertainment is vital to any car modification project.
Enhancing your cars audio is extremely popular and the range of products
and options available provide DIY car modifiers with a world of
choices. Products to choose from include the popular iPod Car Adapter
kits, USB, CD & MP3 Stereos and , multi CD changers, front and rear
parking sensors (some have video), plus the leads, tv screens and tools
required to fit everything. Leading brands include: JVC, Dension,
Panasonic, Connects2, Dashmount, Parrot, Alpine, Autoleads, Kenwood,
Pioneer & Sony.
Today
car navigation systems such as Motevo, TomTom, Garmin and Pioneer
navigation systems are key ingredients when modifying a car. Even
satellite or GPS Navigation systems come in hundreds of shapes and
sizes. The main types of in-car navigation systems are in-dash mounted
navigation systems, portable GPS systems, hand held systems, motorcycle
and marine systems and finally the remote navigation systems where the
GPS system is plugged in to your car radio for instance. When buying a
new GPS system its often better to opt for higher resolution screens as
they make the map information easier to see. Large memory and a decent
control chip make for smooth and efficient operating, the last thing you
need is slow loading and in accurate positioning. Most GPS systems have
large touch screens, working with a stylus can be tricky so it does
help and lastly pay particular attention to how visible and mobile you
wish your model to be.
If
it's a permanent fixture in your car then bigger models are great, but
if you need to take it in doors after use, a smaller model may be the
answer. Car security is a factor not only when modifying your vehicle
but also when insuring a car with lots of expensive audio equipment in
it. Phone you current car insurance company and find out what you can do
before your insurance starts costing you more. They will no doubt also
require an upgrade to your car security system and there are simply so
many companies out there the likes of Viper, Tracker and Clifford. They
all sell various systems such as standard car alarms, remote car start
systems and GPS tracking systems. GPS stands for Global Positioning
Systems. Professional fitment is recommended and car security shoppers
should always insist on a certificate of fitment from the dealer fitting
the car security system.
If
you want to give your car a sporty look without spending a fortune you
can have racing mesh fitted for the front bumper of your car. This looks
good and can also improve the airflow around the engine compartment.
"Eyebrow extensions" is another way to customise your car. These
extensions are usually plastic and are fitted to your car's head lamps.
You can get these in a variety of colours and are relatively
inexpensive. Car engine mapping is also relatively cheap to have done
and performance gains can be substantial. It is recommended that you
have engine mapping performed by competent, well known companies as they
are best able to advise you of other crucial safety features you should
improve when doing so. Up-rated brakes being one of them and more
expensive tyres make for better high speed performance and traction to
handle the additional engine power. Consider upgrading the oil you use
in your engine when you have this done and use an high quality
performance air filter, fuel filter and also replace all perished water
and oil hoses frequently, if you haven't already done so. Engine mapping
or chipping is basically re-programming your cars CPU and it is given
new instructions on how to fuel your engine. The more power you ask for
the more gas / petrol your mapping will request along with other
parameters such as increasing the airflow to the engine by tricking the
motor into thinking the air is colder, this produces more power. All
this power comes at a cost though. Most cars that have upgraded their
engine management systems do so for more power, not efficiency and in
doing so use more fuel and rev higher too. Cam belts should be replaced
more frequently and if you plan any engine modifications have a word
with the manufacturers about what you plan to do.
There
are many things that can be done to modify a car. An entire industry
has been created by the need for body styling, engine tuning, lowered
suspension and big bore exhausts. Any part of a car can be modified and
making modifications is a statement of individuality and personal style.
The most popular cars for modifying are usually small, low insurance
group hatches. Always update your car insurance company with the latest
modifications to ensure your cover is not withdrawn due to something you
thought may be ok which they do not. Other insurances like car
breakdown cover and gap insurance cover should not be affected by
modifying your car, unlike your car warranty policy which will almost
certainly be affected. Give your car warranty company a call and make
sure your cover will still be provided before you make any changes.
Popular Cars to Modify
Peugeot
All
of the cars from Peugeot are popular cars to modify. You can even
modify the 106, 206, and 306 pugs. The Peugeot 306 GTi is one of the
most popular hatches to modify and tune. You can find a wide range of
306 body kits and tuning parts. Second hand Peugeot vehicles are
reasonable and can be found almost everywhere. The insurance group
starts off low so it makes it affordable for most. These cars have the
potential to make a street racer that you can be proud of.
Citroen Saxo
The
Citroen Saxo is one of the most modified cars because there is loads of
modifying parts available. You can find everything from body kits to
suspension. A popular choice for modifying is the Saxo VTR because it
can go from 0 to 60 in less than ten seconds. It also is very fuel
efficient and takes corners well. There are plenty of places to get
parts and garages that work on them. You can modify a Citroen Saxo to be
a real head turner.
Vauxhall Corsa
The
Vauxhall Corsa is one of the cheapest and easiest cars to modify. They
are also very cheap to insure even when they have been modified. Parts
are readily available and they are reasonably priced. The Corsa B is a
definite favourite for modifying.
Honda Civic
The
Honda Civic has always been a popular car to modify. It has grown in
popularity due to the film, "The Fast and The Furious." The Honda Civic
EK is one of the more popular hatches to modify. You can find a wide
variety of Honda Civic body kits and tuning parts.
VW Golf
The
VW Golf can be modified to look cool and there are plenty of parts
available for the later Golf's. Volkswagen Golf VR6 is a poplar car to
modify and there are plenty of body kits and tuning parts available.
Famous Cars
Some
modified cars have become popular because of being in a film or on a TV
show. Some are noted for their superior performance and some are known
for the celebrity driving them. Below are a few of the cars that are
considered icons today.
1967 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 Fastback
was the star of the 2000 film "Gone in 60 Seconds." In this film the
car does some unbelievable stunts, including jumping over 15 feet of
cars.
1963 Volkswagen Beetle
became famous in the "Herbie" series films. Herbie was a little Beetle
with a Porsche 356 engine who gave the big boys a run for their money.
1969 Dodge Charger
became a muscle car icon through the television series, "The Dukes of
Hazzard." It had a confederate flag painted on the roof and the doors
were welded shut. The
