Is modifying cars, the specifications to be exact, good or bad? Is making it more high performance according to a whim, worth the cost. This guide by Philkotse.com will try to answer that question and more.
Should a car’s components be modified whether it be a major or minor modification to make it run better or to give it a different look? Those with an itch to do so, must the check if there will be some negatives as a result. It’s better to keep a car unmodified because there will be some limitations when it comes to some matters.
Is modifying cars, the specifications to be exact, good or bad?
The thing anyone wants to happen is to find out that a little car modification will prompt some expenditures. These expenditures at the dealer may involve some fine details about what can be modified or not.
But luckily car modifications can be done on some components, so it’s really no sweat. Just do the research about what can be done or not to make sure. Also, some modifications done may extremely alter the running condition for good or bad, bad should be avoided. To be more specific, Philkotse.com suggests some things to consider and think about.
I. Things to consider before modifying cars in PH
1. Reliability is compromised.
Car manufacturers make sure that all their cars come out of the plant, in excellent condition. Everything is fine-tuned for all component parts to perform at an expected ratio. But ill-advised modding of the component will have some long-term mechanical effects that may not be good.
Consider how reliable the car is before doing anything that compromises it, at a whim.
2. Car warranty other servicing conditions
Now, the new car comes with a warranty and extras like a standard service plan that is usually iron-clad. This means these incentives can be lost with ill-advised mods done on the vehicle. Usually, stock parts come with a serial, so they know if the part or component has been tampered with.
Now, the new car comes with a warranty and extras like a standard service plan that is usually iron-clad
If the car has been bought with good price with warranties and extras that extend its service life. Then say goodbye to spending less, on general car maintenance and other jobs that can be gotten for less. This will make the wallet cry and make maintenance twice as hard and more expensive. So, consider the brand-new car as is and the specs must be altered!
3. Insurance plan should be kept intact.
If the car is insured and it’s a brand-new car; then it should be kept as is, in an untampered condition. Insurance pays for repairs and any accidents when the investigator finds out it has been modified. There will be problems that in redeeming the insurance money most definitely.
If the car is new, then this booboo just caused the owner a bit of money. Hiding any car modifications to pay fewer premiums, isn’t the smartest move. Better to be advised that have insurance problems, especially full-coverage insurance.
If the car is insured and it’s a brand-new car; then it should be kept as is, in an untampered condition
These articles about car insurance in the Philippines will help you a lot when taking this issue into account:
- Second Hand Car Coverage in PH: Questions Answered
- Comparison of Comprehensive & Liability insurance
4. Get an older car model that has mechanical components.
Newer cars are heavily computerized with sensors, CPU that are tied to the stock factory setting, that tampering with it will cause the programming to go awry. Only qualified servicemen can really modify these new cars but involve a lot of reprogramming and chip modification to do it.
Older cars that are just run by chips or much older cars that are wholly mechanical should be modified.
5. Not all car modifications are prohibited.
The good news is that mods can be done but only for cosmetic purposes nothing more. What is grossly prohibited is tampering with the cars CPU and sensors that run the engine, vital systems in it. For example, altering the factory setting of the CPU will grossly affect how the electronic sensors function.
So, touching the programming is a no-no that will void any warranties and service options. Be smart and stick with the stock condition.
The good news is that mods can be done but only for cosmetic purposes nothing more
When modifying cars, good or bad should be on the good side! This will avoid losing out on the insurance and any vital maintenance freebie that came with it.
II. Minor mechanical and cosmetic car modifications that can be done
Not all is negative when modifying your car’s specs so if it’s on the good side. Modifications on some car components to give it a better ride and minor equipment change is possible. Here are those allowable mods to do. Take note that newer cars are better now, so it is advised to do this for older models.
1. Good tires always hits the spot.
New cars come with stock tires and rims but sometimes getting better will improve the ride more. Rule of thumb is that it should be more premium, not the cheaper set. Chances are the stock set of tires are better because it is specified for the car.
2. Limited Slip Differential
First off, older engines aren’t governed by CPUs or chips, with a significant improvement in power. This is suicide when the insurance will be risked as well as freebies which came with it. Modern engines may not have "Limited Slip Differential", but it excels in efficiency with a decent power output. Using LSDs will get high performance, but should be done on older models only!
Using LSDs will get high performance, but should be done on older models only
3. Modified brakes
Okay here it gets touchy because of Electronic Brake Distribution and Brake Assist that’s tied into the sensor and CPU. The mechanical parts like the rotor or brake pads can be exchanged for hi-performance parts. Avoid anything that can affect the computerized sensors on the brake assembly, but it can be done freely with older cars.
4. Better seats is an option.
Older car seats that are soft and ragged at the edges should be replaced. Getting race seats, bucket seats with good cushioning will be good! For racers, this kind of seat is advised and saves weight on the modified car.
Getting race seats, bucket seats with good cushioning will be good
5. Get better rubber bushings for replacements
The moving parts in the suspension assembly are prevented from rubbing metal to metal by rubber bushings. Ordinary replacement bushings can be used, but more expensive and durable ones will last longer. Rubber bushings are subjected to wear and tear so getting the best ones with keeping the suspension assembly in good condition.
6. Better shock absorbers and better springs
Usually, production cars just have standard shocks and springs, but they can be modified for a softer and less bumpy ride if desired. They are mechanical car modifications and in most product suspension assembly for cheaper cars tend to be less efficient than premium models.
7. Adjustable Anti-Roll/Sway Bar
This device keeps the car body from swaying excessively and keep all the weight centered. This may be installed on newer cars because it is just attached but consult before doing it.
This may be installed on newer cars because it is just attached but consult before doing it
8. Adding parking sensors, reverse cam and dashcams
One of the easiest mods because some newer cars don’t have some of these options. They are easy to install and will be powered by the car’s battery or power cells. They add extra safety and security when driving and parking.
Consider all these info to guide in deciding which mod is best.
III. Conclusion: Tying everything up!
Deciding to modify the ride is possible if it is desired, but it has limitations to consider. They are the following that should be looked over. These tips are meant to guide and clear up a relevant question that needs advice.
- Will car modifications affect the status of the insurance and extras? Consult before doing anything.
- New cars are sensitive machines compared to older cars. It is better to mod an older car because it is less computerized.
- Mods should be cosmetic and should not affect sensors or the CPU.
Read through this primer and find out if modifying cars is good or bad before deciding what to do.
At last, do not forget to visit Philkotse.com regularly for more useful car tips and advice.
