5 Dumb Modifications You Should Never Do To Your Car
Throughout my years as a mechanic, I saw some seriously ridiculous car modifications. The key to a good mod is that it will actually enhance your vehicle in some way, whether it be performance or style. However, some mods are absolutely dumb. They can reduce the safety of your vehicle, lower the resale value of the car, and potentially even get you in trouble with the police. So, while you might think some of these mods look cool, you should avoid them at all costs. They’re more trouble than they’re worth.
1. Oversized Rims That Ruin Your Ride
You’ve probably seen people rolling around with massive rims on their cars. You may have even liked the way it looks, but in truth, this car modification comes at a serious cost. Large wheels can throw off your vehicle’s suspension. This makes it harder to handle and less comfortable to drive. On top of that, this mod can reduce fuel efficiency and cause your tires to wear out faster. Even worse, your oversized rims could mess with your speedometer, making it unreliable. You could wind up speeding and not know it, causing you more money in potential tickets. It’s best to stick to the factory-recommended wheel sizes. Just upgrade your rims to something more stylish if you want, don’t go bigger.
2. Extra-Loud Exhaust Systems That Annoy Everyone
A deep, throaty exhaust note might sound impressive, but excessively loud exhausts are more annoying than cool. Many cities have noise ordinances, meaning you could get fined for disturbing the peace. Performance gains from straight-piped or muffler-deleted exhausts are often minimal and not worth the hassle. Plus, the drone at highway speeds can make long drives unbearable. Instead of making your car sound like a jet engine, invest in a high-quality exhaust that enhances performance without being obnoxious.
3. Underglow Lights That Belong in a 2000s Movie
Underglow lighting had its moment in the early 2000s, but today, it’s mostly a gimmick. While it might look flashy in a parking lot, most states have strict laws about using them on public roads. Certain colors can even get you mistaken for an emergency vehicle, leading to unwanted attention from law enforcement. On top of that, cheap LED kits tend to burn out quickly, making them a waste of money.
4. Fake Hood Scoops and Vents That Do Nothing
A car should look as good as it performs, but fake hood scoops and vents are just embarrassing. These plastic add-ons serve no functional purpose and scream “cheap modification.” They don’t improve airflow, reduce heat, or enhance engine performance in any way. In fact, poorly applied fake vents can even peel off, leaving behind ugly adhesive residue.
5. Extreme Suspension Drops That Ruin Driveability
Lowering your car can enhance handling, but going too low causes more problems than benefits. Extremely low cars struggle with speed bumps, potholes, and even slight road imperfections. You’ll end up scraping your bumper, undercarriage, and even essential components like the oil pan. Ride quality also takes a huge hit, making every trip feel like an off-road adventure. Not to mention, an overly lowered car can even be unsafe, leading to poor handling and reduced braking efficiency.
Keep It Smart and Functional
There are some great car modifications out there, don’t get me wrong. You can make upgrades to your vehicle that improve performance or give you the overall look you’re going for. These five mods, however, are more of a problem than they are an upgrade. They’re impractical and annoying. In some cases, they might even be illegal. So, be smart when making changes to your car. It’ll save you a lot of trouble in the long run.
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Drew Blankenship is a former Porsche technician who writes and develops content full-time. He lives in North Carolina, where he enjoys spending time with his wife and two children. While Drew no longer gets his hands dirty modifying Porsches, he still loves motorsport and avidly watches Formula 1.