3 Common Mistakes When Modifying Your Vehicle

Change is good--and this applies to your vehicle as well. Of course, there's a limit to how much you can modify your vehicle. Do a bit and you can probably get away with it. Do too much and you won't recognize your vehicle--or worse, fail to drive it again.

Here's a case in point: How far should you go to adding more horsepower to your car's engine? If you're not careful, you'd be surprised with a mountain-full of maintenance (and repair) bills slapped on your face. And if you're lucky, your vehicle will vibrate like a road-drilling machine that sounds like it can dismantle the earth's molten core.

So yes, change is good--but make sure you can back it up with solid knowledge and a couple of hefty piggy banks that your wife doesn't know--in case things don't work out according to plan.

Here are some common mistakes you need to avoid to make your life easier:

Going overboard with the 'juice'

Like we've said earlier, adding more horsepower to your car engine can be very tempting, especially if you're really into speed. However, the question is: are you willing to pay more, not just for the modification itself, but also on regular maintenance?

Also keep in mind that adding more juice requires updating your other car parts to keep up with all that 'extra power'. So expect to upgrade your vehicle to heavy-duty brake pads, better-cornering suspension systems, and stronger tires.  And they're just the basics.

Avoid going too much for the looks

Yes, we know one of the main reasons why you want to pimp your ride is to impress girls (or boys). And that's just the wholesome part of it (we're aiming for PG-13 ratings, here). Whatever reasons you have, getting a major facelift--like adding flared skirts bigger than your mother's balloon skirt--can affect your vehicle's performance.

For instance, lowering your car's suspension to the point that you can't distinguish where the chassis meets the concrete is a headache in the making. Not only will your tires and suspension suffer the brunt of all that friction, but you will need to spend a lot on scrapes, floodwater, and dirt getting inside your car's interior. Now that's a nightmare.

Adding too many "interior" modifications

It's one thing to add a couple of exotic carpets, a snazzy steering wheel, or even seats with premium leather from time to time. But taking out your seats to make them lighter, reshaping your dashboard to look like Batman's,  customizing seats to fill in that extra space on the sides, or even using incompatible seat belts can mean higher premiums in your car insurance.

What's more, even helpful modifications can be more expensive for your car insurance. Adding car ramps or lifts for passengers with limited or no mobility may be practically sound for those who need it, but insurance companies see these "retrofits" as added expense.

So, the moral of the story?  Think twice before you make those modifications on your vehicle. They might look good on paper, but not all of them are worth it--especially if you'll spend more than your vehicle's price value. Make those changes only if it's what you really want--and you're sure you won't be disowned by your family once you make them.

Read All

Featured Articles

Recommended Articles For You

Read All

Featured Cars

  • Upcoming

Car Articles From Zigwheels

  • News
  • Article Feature
  • Advisory Stories
  • Road Test
  • First-ever ‘BYD Grab Day Caravan’ puts spotlight on Seal 5 DM-i
    First-ever ‘BYD Grab Day Caravan’ puts spotlight on Seal 5 DM-i
    Ruben Manahan IV . Today
  • Inchcape PH releases Mercedes-Benz V-Class Elegance
    Inchcape PH releases Mercedes-Benz V-Class Elegance
    Ruben Manahan IV . Today
  • Latest ‘Kia Movement’ leg set this weekend
    Latest ‘Kia Movement’ leg set this weekend
    Ruben Manahan IV . Jul 10, 2025
  • Bentley unveils all-electric EXP 15 concept car
    Bentley unveils all-electric EXP 15 concept car
    Cesar Miguel . Jul 10, 2025
  • TMP Tech produces latest batch of technicians
    TMP Tech produces latest batch of technicians
    Ruben Manahan IV . Jul 10, 2025
  • Nissan Livina vs. the competition
    Nissan Livina vs. the competition
    Cesar Miguel . Today
  • Exploring the Jetour T2’s interior
    Exploring the Jetour T2’s interior
    Cesar Miguel . Jul 10, 2025
  • Suzuki XL7 Hybrid vs Toyota RAV4 vs BYD Tang: tough-looking NEV options
    Suzuki XL7 Hybrid vs Toyota RAV4 vs BYD Tang: tough-looking NEV options
    Paulo Papa . Jul 09, 2025
  • Explaining the different types of hybrid powertrains
    Explaining the different types of hybrid powertrains
    Cesar Miguel . Jul 07, 2025
  • Check out these basic overlanding items for when you want to enjoy the outdoors
    Check out these basic overlanding items for when you want to enjoy the outdoors
    Paulo Papa . Jul 04, 2025
  • Do you still need to wash your car after it rains?
    Do you still need to wash your car after it rains?
    Cesar Miguel . Jun 12, 2025
  • What should you visit first at MIAS 2025?
    What should you visit first at MIAS 2025?
    Cesar Miguel . Apr 11, 2025
  • Do you really need 4x4 for overlanding?
    Do you really need 4x4 for overlanding?
    Cesar Miguel . Mar 26, 2025
  • Number coding 2025: what you need to know
    Number coding 2025: what you need to know
    Paulo Papa . Mar 09, 2025
  • EVs still require lubrication, JAMA execs say
    EVs still require lubrication, JAMA execs say
    Paulo Papa . Mar 09, 2025
  • Honda BR-V S CVT: all about that ‘base’
    Honda BR-V S CVT: all about that ‘base’
    Paulo Papa . Jul 09, 2025
  • Dongfeng Rich 7 4X4 Upper: ideal entry-level truck
    Dongfeng Rich 7 4X4 Upper: ideal entry-level truck
    Paulo Papa . Jul 07, 2025
  • First drive: MG ZS Hybrid+
    First drive: MG ZS Hybrid+
    Cesar Miguel . Jun 30, 2025
  • BYD eMAX 7 Superior Captain: MPV for modern families
    BYD eMAX 7 Superior Captain: MPV for modern families
    Paulo Papa . Jun 18, 2025
  • Suzuki Ertiga Hybrid: modest mover
    Suzuki Ertiga Hybrid: modest mover
    Paulo Papa . Jun 05, 2025