For some people, there is nothing more satisfying than customizing their new vehicle to their own taste. While there are some obvious benefits to modifying your car, there is also a significant downside when it comes to vehicle customization.
Related: The Best Ways to Customize Your Car
Here are 5 key things you should think about before you begin modifying your new car:
It won’t be cheap
If you have already spent on purchasing a car, you likely won’t have enough money left in your budget for modifications. Plus there could be hidden costs involved with customizing your car. For example, if you have got your engine modified, you may need to switch to premium fuel, while installing wider tires will affect fuel consumption so you would need to refill, ever so often, etc.
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The cost of driving a vehicle can already be quite expensive for some. You don’t want to spend much out of your pocket just for something that may seem nice but isn’t a necessity. It’s all up to you whether you really want to do it.
The risk
While some alterations can actually make your car safer, others can be quite dangerous. Unfortunately, there is always the risk of an improper installation or a faulty part that could put you in serious jeopardy. Before getting any customization done, particularly electrical alterations, it’s important to perform the proper due diligence and look at reviews of the company doing the modification.
Warranty could be voided
Perhaps you may not have to worry about your warranty being voided for something as simple as a body modification; however, you could run into trouble if you are altering your car’s engine in some way by manipulating its electrical components or ECU.
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Even if a related part is impaired, the car manufacturer will likely blame the damage on the modifications and your warranty claim will be denied. Therefore it is probably in your best interest to avoid any internal modifications if your vehicle is still under warranty.
Increase in maintenance expense
Obviously it’s not that you modify your car and will begin living happily ever after. Depending on the modifications done, especially if there are performance enhancements, there will be an extra burden on the maintenance of the vehicle, so be prepared for that.
Will affect the resale
While it may not always be the case, modifications will likely lower the resale value of your vehicle. The primary reason is that the modifications may suit your personal taste, but they might not have a wider appeal.
Related: 10 Factors that Affect the Resale Value of Your Car
Remember, just because you value something high, doesn’t mean another person will. However, if you have a modified car, it’s always better if you can find someone to buy your car who probably values the modifications as much as you do.
RICED… Beware!
In the context of car modification, RICED is a term that often refers to a heavily modified vehicle that prioritizes flashy aesthetics or exaggerated features over performance improvements. The acronym RICED stands for:
- R: Race-inspired
- I: Cosmetic
- E: Enhancements
- D: Done
The term “riced” can carry a negative connotation, typically used to describe modifications that are viewed as excessive, mismatched, or non-functional. Examples might include:
- Large, non-functional spoilers
- Over-the-top decals or graphics
- Oversized or misaligned body kits
- Loud but non-performance-enhancing exhaust systems
- Neon lighting and other flashy but purely cosmetic add-ons
It originated from the term “ricer,” which was initially used to stereotype Japanese import cars (like Honda Civics or Toyota Supras) modified in such a manner. However, the term has since expanded and can be applied to any vehicle, regardless of its make or origin, with similar types of modifications.
It’s worth noting that some enthusiasts embrace this aesthetic as a personal style, so opinions on what constitutes “RICED” can be subjective.
A computer animation professional with over 23 years of industry experience having served in leading organizations, TV channels & production facilities in Pakistan. An avid car enthusiast and petrolhead with an affection to deliver quality content to help shape opinions. Formerly written for PakWheels as well as major publications including Dawn. Founder of CarSpiritPK.com
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