Though most car modifications are legal in the UK, they are usually set at a certain specification and have to meet a particular standard. For many drivers, a car modification allows them to achieve a certain look, performance or feel from the car that they couldn't have normally achieved. For other drivers, modifications are an unwanted change to a perfectly good vehicle.
To help buyers better understand car modifications, we've put together a list of some of the most common modifications found on used cars and what to look for.
Firstly, you need to ensure that the modification has been applied correctly and doesn't put you or your passengers at risk. If you do spot a modification, ask the seller what it is and who undertook it. You may need to get it checked by a qualified technician. Secondly, some modifications can cause your insurance premiums to increase, so you need to know as to not potentially void your insurance policy.
There a multitude of high performance exhaust systems that can be fitted by enthusiasts themselves, so always check that the exhaust has been installed correctly. It's always worth checking that the exhaust system is also legal. Many big bore exhausts break legal noise levels and can above-the-limit emissions.
Many drivers choose to add a spoiler to their vehicle, often for two reasons. Firstly because it changes the style of the vehicle and creates a more sports car look to the bodywork of the car. Secondly, spoilers provide better handling at high speed due to changing the aerodynamics of the car. However, always ensure that the spoiler is correctly fitted to the car as it could prove incredibly hazardous to other drivers if it were to "fall off" at high speed.
Tinted windows have increasingly become popular in the UK over the last decade. Usually referred to as "privacy glass", they provide passengers with privacy as well as better comfort from sunlight. Please note that in the UK the legal requirement for any tinted glass is a light transmission through the front windows of 70% and 75% through the windscreen. Failure to comply with legal restrictions could earn you a penalty notice or worse, a trip to court.
One of the most altered modifications on a car is the wheels and tyres. Most manufacturers spend hours of testing and research to ensure that the correct wheel and tyre is used to protect the driver and improve road safety. Many tyres and wheels are changed in order to improve handling and performance, with sports tyres usually fitted. Beware that such tyres are often made for specific sports cars and under specific driving conditions. Tyre types such as stretch tyres are illegal in the UK and such you should always check that the tyres are safe to use on your vehicle.
Many drivers modify their car by adding new lighting systems in an attempt to make their vehicle stand out and appear more modern that it likely is. Undercar neon lights have increasingly become popular in recent years as has modifying headlights and fog lights. Ensure that any neon lights on the underside of the car comply with legal standards in that the tubing is not on show (otherwise they could be a dangerous distraction to other drivers). Front facing lights should always glow white or yellow. Any other colour is illegal in the UK.
Whilst there is nothing wrong with number plates there can be legal issues with customised number plates, so you need to be aware of the legal restrictions around them. Watch out for cars with customised number plates that aren't white reflective on the front and yellow reflective on the back. Number plates have to adhere to UK law in regards to size, placement and legibility of the registration number. Failure to do so could cost you a £100 fixed penalty notice - even if the previous owner installed the plates.
