Sports cars automakers have ascended the auto industry’s ladder to become some of the most popular and consumer friendly in the whole world. US roads are filled with mainly compact sedans and big bulky pick ups, trucks and SUVs. That's what's mainstream right now in the US, your daily commuter for the average person. A car that would go A to B just fine. But younger generations like us prefer cool cars with a character.
Something that will reflect a part of our personality. A machine that is worth remembering for days to come. Every and each one of us then wants to be a little bid different from the crowd so he customizes his vehicle in a way that will appeal more personal and dear to him.
Something that will reflect a part of our personality. A machine that is worth remembering for days to come. Every and each one of us then wants to be a little bid different from the crowd so he customizes his vehicle in a way that will appeal more personal and dear to him.
Seven Common Mods that can get you in Trouble with the Law
5. Chip tuning / ECU tuning
Emissions – One of the most important functions that your car’s ECU fulfills is regulation of the emissions functions on the car. Sometimes an “engine chip” will disable these systems, which can result in a failed test emission as well as the “check engine” light coming on. Any chip which deactivates your vehicle’s stock emissions controls isn’t doing your nice car any good and is probably illegal. Ditch it.
More hp = More emissions = larger ticket
Warranty – If your car is still under any type of factory or extended warranty, you should be wary of installing any type of chip that requires you to open your car’s ECU case. As a general rule, opening the ECU will immediately void the warranty.
It’s also important to note that your car’s engine computer is designed to perform specific functions, and it wasn’t necessarily built with the capacity to change in any really significant way. Any engine chip that claims to be able to drastically change the output of your car’s engine by tearing open the computer box is probably bogus.
Efficiency – “Engine chip” modifications can have negative effects on a vehicle’s gas mileage.
Efficiency – “Engine chip” modifications can have negative effects on a vehicle’s gas mileage.
6. Windows tinting
Don't go too dark
This one is confusing, as tint laws vary from state to state. It’s not just the tint percentage (a measurement of how much light can filter through the tint). There also specific laws about which window can be covered and which not. Unfortunately, it seems to be selectively enforced, as a 5% limo tint is ignored by LEOs in some areas, but get a fix-it ticket in the town next door.
Best bet is to just ask a reputable tint shop about the local laws. Some auto shops won’t even install illegal tint.
Best bet is to just ask a reputable tint shop about the local laws. Some auto shops won’t even install illegal tint.
7. Alterations to the headlights
Always go to a car specialist !
When we talk changing and upgrading your headlights – consulting with a specialist and actually letting him do the work is essential. Any work with headlights should adhere to the DoT certifications, and even though the laws are different in every country, in the U.S using the dollar store chrome headlights typically used for Honda cars, are deemed highly dangerous and unsafe due to their poor quality, leakage and poor electric installations are considered highly dangerous and unsafe. This applies to the aftermarket HID lamps and aftermarket back-lights that are also banned in some states.
This applies to the aftermarket HID lamps and aftermarket back-lights that are also banned in some states. Text us on our facebook page if you guys know some other mods that can get you in trouble with the law, we'll be happy to update the article. Find us on Facebook @TeamImports. Feel free to check out our apparel story linked at the end of the article.
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Sources : @myautocars
