Turning Your Ride into a Personal Statement: Car Customisation Options
Let's chat about the most creative and expressive aspect of automobile ownership... Car customisation! It's not just about turning heads when you roll down the road; it's about making a personal statement and turning your four-wheeled machine into a reflection of your unique identity.
Nevertheless, during your customisation journey, it's essential to keep your ride roadworthy and to ensure that any changes you make to it don't make it unfit to be on the streets. That's where DEKRA comes in. We provide thorough Roadworthy and Technical Inspections that can be done after any car customisations. So, let's hit the road and explore the different types of customisations that can inject some personality into your ride.
1. Paint and Decals
The colour and appearance of your vehicle is the first thing people notice when you make an appearance. Why choose this kind of customisation? It's your canvas for self-expression and a chance to showcase your style and personality. A custom paint job can range from a simple colour change to complex, airbrushed artwork. Decals, too, can give a distinct touch to your ride, with options from racing stripes to intricate vinyl designs.
Photo credit: Paolo Nicolello on Unsplash
2. Interior Upgrades
From bespoke leather seats to LED ambient lighting, customising your car's interior can drastically enhance your driving experience. The main motivation behind these upgrades is comfort and luxury. If you spend a lot of time in your car, these changes can make the journey more enjoyable.. Here is a list of the kinds of interior car customisations you can make:
- Seat covers and upholstery
- Steering wheel
- Pedals
- Dashboard and instrument cluster
- Interior lighting
- Sound system
- Floor mats
- Gear knob
- In-car entertainment
- Custom storage
3. Custom Rims and Tyres
Custom rims and tyres are significant modifications that car owners make to enhance their vehicles' aesthetics and performance. Typically, custom rims, often made from alloy, are lighter and more appealing than standard rims, providing a unique and personalised look to the car.
And they're not just for show. These rims can offer improved handling and fuel efficiency due to their reduced weight. Upgraded tyres, on the other hand, can be chosen based on the driver's specific needs, be it improved grip for sporty performance, tread patterns for certain weather conditions, or larger sizes for enhanced stability. Opting for custom rims and tyres is about finding the perfect balance between style and function, turning a standard vehicle into one that truly reflects its owner's personality and driving preferences.
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4. Performance Upgrades
Power, speed, and precision. This is what performance upgrades are all about. They can range from adding a turbocharger to tweaking the exhaust system or adjusting the suspension. They're meant to boost the car's performance, giving you that adrenaline rush every time you hit the pedal. Modifications and upgrades can include:
- Engine tuning
- Exhaust systems upgrades
- Suspension modifications
- Brake system upgrades
- Air-intake systems
- Transmission modifications
- Weight reduction
5. Sound System Modification
For the audiophiles among us, enhancing a car's sound system can take the entertainment quotient to the next level. Be it installing a state-of-the-art stereo or adding extra subwoofers, this customisation turns your car into a mobile concert hall. If your car has a built-in radio or sound system, you might be wondering if it's possible to upgrade it. The answer is totally! The head unit, speakers, amplifiers, subwoofers, and sound deadening can all be upgraded to enhance your driving experience.
Photo credit: Richard Biros on Unsplash
6. Lighting Customisation
LED underglow, custom headlights, interior ambient lights. The possibilities are endless. Unique lighting adds that 'WOW' factor can also improve visibility. That said, it's also important to consider the safety and legality of this car customisation. Improperly installed or excessively bright lights can cause issues or violate laws. Always ensure that custom lighting improves visibility without blinding other drivers. After customising your car's lighting, consider having your vehicle inspected by DEKRA to ensure your modifications are safe and that your vehicle is still roadworthy.
7. Body Kits and Aerodynamics
Body kits, comprising elements such as front and rear bumpers, side skirts, spoilers, and occasionally wider fenders, are dual-purpose customisations that both boost your car's aesthetics and functional efficiency. These kits, when properly designed and fitted, control the airflow around the vehicle, minimising drag and enhancing performance. Additional aerodynamic components like spoilers and diffusers also serve to optimise airflow. Spoilers 'spoil' adverse air movement over the vehicle, reducing turbulence and drag to increase downforce and improve traction. Diffusers, generally positioned beneath the rear bumper, manage high-speed airflow under the car, reducing air pressure and augmenting downforce for superior high-speed stability.
While these modifications can certainly elevate your vehicle's performance and visual appeal, it's critical that they're safely and properly installed and do not infringe any regulations. It's also important to note that, if your car is still under warranty, some of these modifications might go against the warranty stipulations. Before starting any customisation, check with your dealership first. After implementing body kits and aerodynamic adaptations, scheduling a Roadworthy or Technical inspection from DEKRA is a wise move. This step ensures your vehicle remains safe, legal, and road-ready post-customisation.
Each of the car customisations we've listed allows you to make a statement with your vehicle. They allow you to silently say, "This is me. This is who I am". But remember, while personalising your ride, safety and roadworthiness are paramount. After adding that snazzy body kit or those LED lights, make sure your vehicle passes all safety standards. DEKRA offers top-notch Roadworthy and Technical Inspections to ensure that your creative expression doesn't compromise your safety on the road. Get in touch with us today to book your next inspection.