10 Car Trends That Should Die Already
Being a car guy, I’ve seen plenty of automotive trends come and go over the years. Some of them have been really cool, even timeless, while others are overdone, impractical, or just plain annoying (I’m looking at your oversized rims). Ultimately, these 10 car trends should take the hint and just quietly die already. They’ve outworn their welcome in car circles.
1. Fake Exhaust Tips That Go Nowhere
Fake exhaust tips serve no real purpose, yet they’re plastered onto everything from compact SUVs to high-end sedans. They look impressive at first glance but often reveal themselves as hollow styling gimmicks. Automakers add them to give vehicles a sporty vibe, but most drivers see through the illusion. These decorative pieces usually don’t connect to the actual exhaust system at all.
2. Oversized Rims That Ruin the Ride
This is one that has always driven me crazy! Big rims might look cool to some people, but they absolutely ruin the comfort of the ride. Not to mention, they can be detrimental to the performance of the car overall. It might make your car recognizable at car shows, but your back will feel broken if you have to ride around in it too long.
3. Fake Engine Sounds Pumped Through Speakers
Electric vehicles have been making their way into the car scene for a while, but you may be surprised to find out that many EV owners still try to make their ride sound gas-powered. Don’t get me wrong, the roar of a V8 engine is music to my ears. Playing it out of your speakers is lame, though. If you own an EV, be proud of the silence of the engine. That’s part of the whole appeal, after all.
4. Giant Grilles That Look Like Shaving Razors
At some point, automakers decided that bigger grilles made vehicles look more “aggressive.” Now we’re stuck with front ends that resemble oversized shavers or futuristic bugs. These grilles often have no aerodynamic benefit and can even make parking more difficult. In some cases, they’re more prone to damage and costly repairs.
5. Glossy Touchscreens That Smudge Like Crazy
Touchscreens are everywhere in modern vehicles, replacing buttons with slick panels that look good in the showroom. But once you’re on the road, they become a smudgy, glare-prone nightmare. Adjusting simple functions like temperature or volume becomes a multi-step distraction. Worst of all, they don’t always respond quickly, which can be dangerous while driving.
6. Fake Vents That Serve Zero Purpose
We get it—vents look sporty. But fake side vents and hood scoops that do absolutely nothing? That’s automotive cosplay. They’re often glued on as an afterthought, adding clutter without improving airflow or engine cooling. Just like fake exhaust tips, these phony features reduce credibility.
7. Overly Dark Window Tints That Obstruct Vision
Dark window tints may seem cool or add privacy, but there’s a point where it becomes a safety hazard. Super-dark tints can reduce visibility at night and make it harder to see pedestrians or other cars. Some drivers even tint their windshields, which is flat-out illegal in many states. The look may appeal to some, but it’s not worth the risk.
8. RGB Interior Lighting That Feels Like a Club
A subtle ambient glow? Classy. A full-blown disco on your dashboard? Not so much. RGB interior lighting has gone from a fun accent to a full-on distraction in many modern cars. Bright colors flashing from door panels and footwells aren’t just tacky—they can reduce night vision.
9. “Slammed” Suspensions That Scrape Everything
Lowering your car can give it a sleeker look, but when it’s so low it scrapes speed bumps and driveways, practicality goes out the window. These extreme setups are uncomfortable to ride in and often cause more harm than style. Many drivers with slammed suspensions end up damaging their undercarriage or exhaust just pulling into a parking lot.
10. Pointless Spoilers on Non-Performance Cars
A spoiler on a car with 200 horsepower is like wearing racing cleats to walk your dog. Unless it’s a performance vehicle that actually benefits from downforce, the spoiler is just for looks. They often create drag and offer no functional benefit on everyday sedans or hatchbacks.
Time to Let Go of the Gimmicks
As someone who previously had a modified street racing car, customizing your ride can be incredibly fun. However, there are some car trends that just shouldn’t be a thing. In the end, functionality and performance should be the most important thing when modding your vehicle. Leave these 10 gimmicks in the past and place your focus on quality design, comfort, and safety. Having a practical vehicle won’t ever go out of style.
Which car trend drives you up the wall—or did we miss one? Drop your least favorite in the comments and let’s talk about the future of car culture.
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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.