Road Safety and Modifying Cars

You have passed your driving test and have looked forward to the day when you can buy your first car which will be your pride and joy.

You have a passion for cars and want to look into different options regarding modifying your vehicle.

Lets look at some of the do’s and dont’s of modifying your car with an emphasis on road safety and the safety of others around you.

Some of the most popular changes people make to their car are:

Different alloy wheels and tyres

The alloy wheels you choose need to be the correct offset so that they don't rub on the wheel arch or catch on your suspension.

You need to check that you choose the correct Pitch Circle Diameter (or PCD for short).

Alloy wheels which are too heavy place strain on your steering rack.

Buying oversized alloys which are too large for your vehicle can throw your speedo out of synchronisation.

Heavy alloys add more un sprung mass decreasing acceleration, affecting braking efficiency and increasing fuel costs.

Tyres that are stretched to fit look unsightly and reduce road safety.

Consider choosing your vehicles flagship (top of the range) alloy wheels.

These will come in the correct manufacturers offset and are designed to fit your vehicle increasing your on road safety.

Consider having a set of custom alloy wheels made which are designed with the same specifications as your original alloy wheels.

Choose the correct tyre size to match the width of your alloy wheels.

Replacement suspension items

Lowering your vehicle with springs only that are not designed to work with the original manufacture’s shock absorbers can create a bumpy and uncomfortable ride.

Using a full lowering kit which brings your wheels in contact with your wheel arches is unsafe and may cause an M.O.T. failure.

Never cut a coil from your suspension springs to make your car look lower this is dangerous and puts yourself and those around you at risk from an accident.

If you are going to use lowering springs only, make sure that are designed to work with the original manufacture’s shock absorbers.

If you decide to choose a full suspension kit use a reputable brand, e.g. Eibach or Bilstein.

Ideally you would aim to your car so that it looks different but doesn't compromise your road safety or look like your car is sitting on the floor.

A classy amount to lower your vehicle is around 30mm to 40mm, giving a sporty ride without being too harsh.

Performance exhaust

Purchasing a cheap aftermarket exhaust that may not be welded properly or fit your vehicle properly is not a wise thing to do.

Worst case scenario exhaust fumes can find their way into your cabin, if you go for a full downpipe back system which hasn't been designed or fitted properly.

Driving with no exhaust silencers so that your car sounds like a tractor through a loud speaker is not cool and is also harsh on people’s hearing.

Adding an exhaust with a huge tail pipe is not ideal unless it comes designed like that from the manufacturers!

Purchasing a discreet stainless steel exhaust which adds a non too obtrusive sports note is the ideal choice.

You have the option of a custom exhaust or what is know as an “off the shelf item”.

Most stainless steel exhausts come with a lifetime guarantee so you don't have to worry about the item rusting and having to purchase a replacement.

Cosmetic body kits

Adding aftermarket low hanging front and rear bumpers is not the best thing to do when your car is used for day to day driving, they will get damaged on speed humps and potholes.

If you want to add cosmetic modifications use the side sills or bumpers that are designed for the top of the range model of your vehicle.

Tinted windows

Some cars come as standard from the manufacturers with the back and rear side windows tinted to a slight degree.

Tinted windows can protect your passengers eyes and car interior from the excessive glare of the sun.

Vehicles used on or after 1st April 1985 must let 75% of light through the front windscreen and 70% of light through the front side windows.

If you tint your front windscreen or front side windows you may end up with a prohibition notice, penalty notice or court summons.

Engine remaps

Some people wish to change the drivability of their vehicle with regard to:

• Throttle response.
• Ironing out an engine flat spot in the power delivery.
• Changing power and torque outputs.

Manufacturers have designed each car engine map for the average daily driver, taking into account a particular servicing schedule and minimum grade of petrol pump fuel that will be used.

Once you start upping vehicle power you have to think about:

• Are the brakes of my car still suitable for the new power and torque output?
• Is the tuner’s new map set up with the correct air to fuel ratio so that the engine doesn't suffer heat failure?
• Will the new remap put strain on the clutch and gearbox?
• Can I afford any increased fuel costs and repair bills?
• Do I have the experience to drive a vehicle with increased power and torque?

In car head unit and associated speaker equipment

Some in car music systems are not the best quality. If you go for an upgraded unit for a richer sound quality, it is important to remember that if you play your music too loud when driving, you may not hear an emergency vehicle driving through a red light which could lead to a serious accident.

Playing loud music outside someone's house is anti-social and unfair. If you want to play your car music loud do this where it will not effect other people.

To Conclude

If you are a relatively new driver with little or no experience, it is always advisable to buy a 1.0 or 1.2 litre engine whilst you are gaining driving experience by yourself.

You need to learn your current vehicle before you make any changes to it.

If you do decide to go down the modification route, choose modifications that are designed for your car that will enhance it, not decrease your safety and the safety of those around you.

If you do modify your car in any way you must let your insurance company know so that there are no issues. If you don't declare your modifications your insurance may be invalid.

Very Important!!!

It is never advisable to buy a performance vehicle as your first car when you are a novice or new driver. You would be at risk of seriously injuring yourself and those around you.

Always start your driving career with a low powered vehicle to build up your driving experience.

Always drive safely in built up areas as there are people, animals and many potential hazards about.

We offer a Rural driving course and Pass Plus course for those who would like to look at other aspects of driving.