The Beginner’s Guide to Car Modding

Car modding is a fulfilling hobby that can equip you with a more powerful vehicle – or one better suited to your stylistic tastes. There’s so much room for experimentation and personal taste that there’s no single “right” way to mod a car. And no matter what kind of car you have or what your level of mechanical proficiency is, there’s something for you.

How can a beginner get involved in this hobby? And how can you make the most of it?

What Is Car Modding?

Car modding can be broadly defined as making any significant change to a vehicle. Altering the mechanical components of a car to improve performance, sometimes called car tuning, is common. But it’s also common to mod a vehicle purely for the sake of improving its aesthetics.

Car mods come in three main categories:

•       Performance mods. First, there are performance modifications that are designed to improve how the car performs across several categories. You might install improvements to the overall power of the vehicle, how the vehicle handles, or even the fuel efficiency of the vehicle. Common modifications include upgrades to the engine, brakes, tires, suspensions, and exhaust systems.
•       Functional mods. Next, functional modifications add or remove certain functions of the vehicle. For example, you might install a sunroof in a vehicle that didn’t have one or you might add a roof rack so you can transport more cargo.
•       Aesthetic mods. Aesthetic modifications change how your vehicle looks, typically without changing its performance or functionality. Anything from simple paint jobs to cosmetically changing the body can fall into this category. It’s also possible to make modifications to a vehicle while specifically trying to preserve its existing aesthetics; for example, you can supe up a C2 Corvette while still keeping the old-fashioned look you love.

The Pros and Cons of Car Modding

Let’s take a look at some of the pros and cons of car modding.

First, the pros:

•       A more personally satisfying car. Upgrading and improving a car for yourself means the car is going to be a much better fit. You’re going to be much more satisfied driving and enjoying your vehicle.
•       Better performance. If you’re into responsible racing or if you just like handling curves better, you’ll be pleased with the better performance of a car that’s been modified with performance specific upgrades. Improved handling, fuel efficiency, and power are their own rewards.
•       Higher resale value. In many cases, tasteful and broadly valuable upgrades can increase your resale value. If you plan on selling this car in the future, you can often make back much of what you spent on the upgrades.
•       Fun and engagement. Some people just like the process of modifying vehicles. They enjoy working on cars, learning about new mechanical systems, and doing the installation work.

However, there are some weaknesses:

•       Safety issues. If you install something incorrectly, or if you use an incompatible part with your vehicle, you could introduce a safety issue, jeopardizing your own safety and the safety of your passengers.
•       Warranty conflicts. In some cases, car modding may void your warranty. Depending on how long you’ve had the vehicle, this may or may not be a concern for you.
•       Insurance conflicts. Be sure to check your insurance policy to verify that the policy is still active even if you modify your car.
•       Potential resale value impact. Certain mods may negatively impact your resale value.

Getting Started

If you want to get started with car modding, these are some of the best tips to follow:

•       Start small. Don’t try to take on a big job or spend a lot of money right away. You’re currently inexperienced and unfamiliar with this area, so it’s a bad idea to bite off more than you can chew. Start with small modifications and work your way up.
•       Work with a mentor or professional. Some modifications are so beginner friendly, any amateur can handle them without guidance. But for the most part, it’s better to work with a mentor or professional. Find someone who has more experience in car modding than you and see if they can teach you a thing or two.
•       Recognize your limitations. Don’t try to install a car mod that exceeds your current skill level. Doing so could compromise your safety.
•       Do your due diligence. Always do your research before buying any new parts or trying to install them in your vehicle. Pay attention to compatibility and understand what the risks are.

If you’ve always been interested in the mechanics of vehicles, or if you’ve always dreamt of a “perfect” vehicle for yourself, car modding could be exactly what you need. However, it’s important to know what you’re getting into before you start diving into this hobby. If you’re ready to get started, talk to a car mod professional in your area and make an investment in your first modification.