Why modify cars

For most people modifying a car is a hobby, which turns into a passion, which turns into a obsession. Some people see it as a waste but enthusiasts will argue that its better than spending it on drugs and prostitutes and it keeps us out of trouble mainly as we are always working on the next thing.

This brings me to my next point, no ones project is ever "finished" not matter how complete it looks, this is due to our obsession with having to change everything and keep it all fresh. To me, modifying has turned into an obsession and I just cant help but mess with cars.

I have a massive passion for cars in general but then modifying them makes them better to me, this is because its more personal to the owner. Modifications can be done to anyone's taste so as long as you love your own creation is doesn't matter what anyone else thinks, and this is why I love it, no 2 cars as never the same.

All my cars are modified for the passion and no purpose at all, I just love taking the car I like and changing it into something I love and am happy to say I had the vision to make it how it is. For me it all started from the day I got my driving licence and first car, Fiat Punto mk2 1.

When I got the car i thought it was the best thing since sliced bread like any 17 year old and their 1st car and drove it everywhere, then came the wheel changes, stickers and subs. I must admit I made the car look like a mess to start with thinking it was cool, but I was sooo wrong but I got my act together and changed it.

It had a full change from ever panel being smoothed to having a turbo conversion on the little 1. I have a particular issue with collecting and changing wheels with 14 sets being bought and sold over a 3 year period for 1 car. My Fiat Punto 1. I have since kept my first car, the Punto above, but had second cars to try and be more "practical" which always failed as I modified those aswell.

My fourth car was a 1. From this I went to a BMW E36 i which I again went slightly different route with very small but subtle mods but then dropping it as low as possible on some super wide deep dish ACT Wheels 17x11j rears and have now got the itch for power so I will be doing a 1UZ-FE V8 conversion in it next year.

As you can see above I have been doing it for several years and it is purely for passion and obsession. Please call Member Services at Subscribers only Sign in or Subscribe now! Forgot password?

Check this box if you wish to have a copy mailed to you. Lifted suspensions can severely compromise vehicle stability. Will the warranty be voided? Are the modifications legal? Are the modifications safe? Is it worth it? Choose from cars, safety, health, and more! Already signed-up? Manage your newsletters here too. See your savings. Mobile Get Ratings on the go and compare while you shop Learn more.

Car modifications are split into two main categories: Cosmetic Modifications These change the appearance of a car, for example, changing car colour with a custom paint job or tinting the windows.

Performance modifications Changes that make a car drive differently for example, installing a bigger engine. Car modifications can make insurance more expensive Insurance tends to be more expensive if you have a modified car because statistically drivers that alter their vehicles make more claims. The modifications don't necessarily need to be dangerous to impact your policy price. Cosmetic changes like a custom paint job could make it more likely to get stolen.

Get a fairer policy price. Telling your insurer about car modifications You should tell your insurer about any car modifications before applying for a policy, as some companies won't insure them. Buying a modified car It's important to check the following features before buying a modified car: Quality of the modified parts and fittings It's important to check that the modified parts are from trusted industry brands to guarantee their quality.

General state of the car It's worth checking the service history and MOT records to gauge a car's condition. Our free car checker shows everything you need to know about a car including its: MOT history Insurance group Car colour Engine size Write-off history Import history That the modifications are legal Some car modifications are illegal as they make cars more dangerous on the road, for example, bright under-car neon lighting.

You can look at that data for free using our car checker tool. This includes changing the: Colour Engine Cylinder capacity cc Fuel type Chassis or bodyshell replaced or modified Number of seats Weight of a large vehicle, for example goods vehicle or campervan To make any changes, you'll need to update something called a V5C also known as a "log book" , which is the paperwork you get from the DVLA to prove that you're the registered keeper of a car.

A new V5C should be sent to you within two to four weeks. Types of car modification Common types of car modification could make your policy expensive such as: Engine or mechanical modifications Upgrading to a bigger engine makes a vehicle drive faster and more likely to get into an accident.

Wheels and alloys upgrades Opting for bigger wheels and new shiny alloy can change the way a car drives and make it more likely to get stolen. Exhaust modifications Exhaust upgrades give cars a boost in speed, making them less safe on roads and more expensive to insure. Cosmetic changes Custom paint jobs, vinyl wraps or resprays to change your car colour and bumper stickers could make your car more valuable and increase the chance of it being targeted by thieves.

External modifications Adding features like a sunroof, a tow bar or a roof rack are also classed as modifications that could increase your car policy price. Bodywork modifications Body kits, which include things like bigger bumpers and side skirts, aren't usually designed with safety in mind and are more likely to get damaged in an accident. Sound and entertainment upgrades Upgrading your sound system and installing in-car entertainment increases the value of your car , making it more likely to get stolen or damaged.

Number plates Some insurers consider personalised number plates to be car modifications, and they could increase the price of your premium. Security upgrades could make your insurance cheaper Some car modifications could make your policy cheaper if they improve the security of your vehicle.

This includes installing things like: Car alarms Electronic immobilisers Parking sensors Dash cams Locking wheel devices Vehicle tracking devices Most insurance companies approve of devices endorsed by Thatcham, an independent organisation that rates car security. Car modifications and the law Certain car modifications are illegal because they make vehicles unsafe to be on the road. Winter tyres aren't considered modifications anymore Most insurers signed an agreement to take winter tyres off the car modifications list, so using them shouldn't affect your policy price.

Younger drivers be cautious with certain car modifications Performance and cosmetic car modifications usually drive up the cost of a car policy, which can make it very expensive for younger drivers to get insurance.

Car modifications for physical disabilities If your car needs to be adapted to suit a physical disability, you'll need to tell your insurer about the changes and your policy could get more expensive too.

These include installing: Ramps Tail lifts Transfer seats Wheelchair storage Handbrake adaption Infra-red controls Some insurance companies offer tailored policies if you have a physical disability to help you with disabilities which includes cover for vehicles adapted to help them drive.

Cut the cost of insurance if your car is modified The cost of insurance for cars with performance or cosmetic modifications is usually more expensive.