Nationwide Vehicle Contracts explains some of the most bizarre modifications guaranteed to turn heads
For as long as there have been cars, drivers have loved customising, modifying and rebuilding them, whether to make them faster, better to drive or more visually appealing.
However, when it comes to car modifications, some look great, but some drivers tend to cross the line and take things a tad too far with over-the-top car modifications and the cars are left better off after these unremarkable upgrades, both aesthetically and technically.
Most drivers are not massive fans of car modifications, mainly because some can be illegal and may invalidate your insurance, but also because some are just plain ugly. Nevertheless, Nationwide Vehicle Contracts have gathered a list of car modifications below, from body kit upgrades to spoilers to engine remaps.
Most Ridiculous and Over-The-Top Car Modifications
- Full Body Kits
The Fast and Furious franchise is mainly to blame for the full body kit modifications. Most full body kits look ridiculous 99% of the time, but they can also be dangerous and are liable to fall off at speed. Body kits tend to be added onto existing bodywork or replace current bodywork, compromising the safety of the car. Body kits are not necessarily made to meet the safety standards required and can fall apart under the slightest impacts.
- Exhaust Upgrades
Many drivers upgrade their exhaust systems to relieve pressure on the engine, which helps waste flowing through the engine, returning a little boost in horsepower. This usually makes the exhaust bigger and ridiculously louder and may increase your premium. However, UK law states that it is illegal to modify an exhaust system to make your car noisier, and the police have the authority to take action if your silencer is missing or doesn't work.
- Custom Paint Jobs Decals and Stickers
Car mod fanatics love custom paint jobs decals and stickers from funny slogans to manufacturer logos, decals come in all shapes and sizes but come with one thing in common most of them look awful. However, most people don't realise that insurance companies also classify decals and stickers as a modification. As a result, some drivers find their insurance invalid when they want to file a claim because they failed to declare their bumper sticker collection or racing stripes.
- Fake Performance Badges
Adding Fake Performance Badges to your standard car is one of the worst things to do to your vehicle in car enthusiasts' eyes. It doesn't matter how convincingly you add a fake 'GTI', "S", or 'RS' badge to your car, you aren't fooling anyone. Drivers do this to give basic model cars more prestige with fake badges available to buy for most manufacturers, trying to spruce up their dated Audi A3 with RS3 insignia.
- Huge Spoilers
Spoilers are designed for super-fast performance cars to provide downforce to the rear wheels. So spoilers are not needed on the average supermini. This doesn't stop many drivers from sticking one on the back of their car, usually with the intention of bigger is almost always better, making their car look ridiculous. Spoilers, the clue's in the name.
- Ludicrous Alloy Wheels
When vehicle modification enthusiasts want to give their ride a sporty look, alloys are frequently their first choice, but they often go overboard by selecting wheels that are two or three inches too big. Massive alloy wheels jammed beneath a narrow wheel arch can lead to various mechanical issues and just don't look right. However, alloy wheels can enhance vehicle handling when fitted correctly since they are both stronger and lighter. This is because there will be less resistance when you steer and less weight for the suspension to support.
- Under-Car Neon Lights
Another favoured car modification inspired by the Fast and Furious franchise is under-car neon lights. However, they are unnecessary mod drivers added for aesthetics, which tend to be fiddly to wire up, and put excessive strain on the car's battery. These can be fitted legally, but by law, you are not permitted to show the tubing, and the light cannot be too bright to cause you or other drivers to become distracted. So, for example, flashing under-car lights are illegal.
- Suspension modifications
Vehicle modification enthusiasts tend to lower their car's suspension to get a sporty low-rider appeal, often going overboard and lowering it too low. You can legally lower a car's suspension if it doesn't compromise the steering or headlight aim. However, there are strict regulations surrounding suspension modifications since adjustments to headlight aim have the potential to blind other drivers. Another issue with lowering a car's suspension is its ability to clear uneven road surfaces, such as speed bumps. Excessive lowering can make the vehicle handle-less effectively, endangering the driver and passengers.
Can You Modify a Lease Car?
Yes, you can modify a leased car in some cases, but only after getting permission from the vehicle's funder, as they own the car. If you don't, there's a chance that you'll void the car's warranty, and you could even be fined when it comes time to return your lease vehicle.
Some examples of modifications you can make to a lease car include:
- Tyre upgrades – you must keep your original tyres and have them fitted back on by a professional when you return the car
- Window tinting (Some window tinting options are reversible)
- Vinyl wrapping (as long as it's high-quality car wrap vinyl)
- Adding a removable tow bar
Read our Can I customise or modify my lease vehicle guide and our Vehicle Leasing FAQs for more information about Modifying a leased car.
Find out more about Car Leasing by calling Nationwide Vehicle Contracts on 0345 811 9595 to speak to one of our experienced leasing specialists about the right option for you.
