The Art of Auto-tuning And Modifying Your Cars
Not everything that is possible with tuning brings advantages. Some of the creative arts and modifications done actually hurts the car and others are even illegal. So the question is: what is allowed – and what is not?
You can immediately recognize some of the modified cars such as swarming basses make the rear window vibrate. There is no piece of paper between the tire and the wheel box, and the front spoiler crouches on the floor. Car modification is not for everyone. But it doesn’t always have to be extremely wide, deep or glittering. Modifying your car is also more discreet. There are number of things to consider in order to be legally on the safe side.
Modifying And Tuning The Wheels And Body Are Getting More Popular
According to the German Road Safety Council, larger and wider wheels are particularly popular with tuners. This is followed by body kits with spoilers and side skirts. Harald Schmidkte of the Association of Automobile Tuners (VDAT) sees it similarly: “Wheel tire combinations with special wheels are absolutely one of the most popular tuning products.” But also lowerings or lane extensions or optimizing the engine or exhaust is popular with tuners.
Subtle Tuning Is Trending
According to Arnulf Thiemel of the ADAC, the trend is towards near-series tuning without noticeable optical changes. Measures without major conversion effort with trouble-free retrofitting are also popular. These include other wheels, chip tuning, folding and exhaust systems. “Working on safety-relevant parts such as the engine, powertrain, chassis and braking system, but also on airbags and electrical systems, is only for professionals,” says Thiemel.
Tuning Can Affect Road Safety
All changes to the vehicle with possible influence on road safety or essential environmental values lead to the expiry of the operating license. “The owner should therefore ensure that the desired product is delivered with the certificate necessary for legitimization,” says Schmidtke. He advises customers to check before purchasing. The association has founded the “Tune it safe” initiative.
Buy Tuning Parts With Operating License
Jürgen Bente from the DVR only recommends parts that have a General Operating Permit for purchase. Otherwise you need an expensive expert opinion for an individual acceptance and you have to go to the testing center. Subsequently, the change had to be entered in the vehicle documents. All of this costs time and money.
Inform Car Insurance About Tuning Measures
After a tuning measure, the experts recommend that you inform the car insurance company, as the data of the insured risk have changed. Engine optimization does not necessarily go along with a reclassification of the insurance class.
Car Drives Lowered Completely Different
The lowering of cars also has its downsides. After the installation of shortened springs, the chassis geometry changes. If chassis geometry is not adapted to the new components, the driving behavior of the car changes massively.
Problems With The Exchange Of The Infotainment System
The installation of an infotainment system is comparatively unproblematic. But Bente points out: “With modern vehicles with CAN bus networking, not any radio or navigation system can be integrated into the vehicle system.” In some cases, the volume control on the steering wheel cannot react or even paralyze the system.
The Best Tuning Is Good Care
According to Bente, however, the trend towards individualization remains unbroken. However, the simplest tuning to improve engine performance is often neglected such as an air filter, spark plug and oil change reduces fuel consumption and increases performance.