Car modification can be done for different reasons, such as improving the performance of the car or changing the way it looks. While they may look cool and can be quite beneficial for your vehicle, you can’t just go modifying your car to your heart’s content. You need to be aware of the UK laws on car modification. Here’s what you need to know before bringing your car in to a mechanic.
Things to Consider Before Modifying Your Vehicle
The car modification laws in the UK vary depending on what type of modification you want to make to your car. Some modifications, such as installing a new stereo system, are relatively simple and can be done without any special permission. However, more extensive modifications, such as changing the engine or adding a turbocharger, require approval from the DVLA (Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency).
There are a wide variety of aftermarket parts available for cars, so it’s important to choose wisely. You’ll want to make sure that the parts you select are compatible with your car and that they’ll achieve the results you’re looking for. You should also be aware of any legal restrictions on car modifications in your area.
Car Modification Laws: Which are illegal?
In the UK, there are a few car modifications that are illegal. These include modifications that make the car too loud, modifications to the vehicle’s suspension, and modifications that make the car wider than it’s supposed to be. Let’s look at some examples:
1. Undercar Neon Lights
Undercar neon lights are a popular modification in the UK, but most of them are illegal. The reason for this is that they can be distracting to other drivers, and they can also be a safety hazard. Only white lights are allowed to be fitted in front of your car while red lights are on the side. Any other colour on other parts of the vehicle is already considered illegal. Even if you put LED lights inside of your vehicle, they can still be deemed distracting.
2. Engine Swapping
An engine swap is when you take out the original engine in a car and replace it with a new one. This is usually done for performance reasons or to get an old car back on the road when its engine has failed.
There are two main types of engine swaps: like-for-like, where the replacement engine is built to fit the same make and model of car, and non-factory-specific, where the engine is not made for the car, and so modifications will be needed to get it to fit and work. While you may be able to swap out your car’s engine for a different one and still be within the law, you will need to notify your insurer and the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) first.
3. Window Tinting
In general, tinting your windows is perfectly legal in the UK. However, there are certain restrictions on the type of tints you can add to your vehicle. Your car’s front side windows and windshield must allow at least 70% of light to pass through. For vehicles first used before April 1, 1985, this requirement applies to both the front windshield and front side windows.
This law exists to make sure that drivers have a clear view of the road and everything around them. There are no rules about how dark you can make the windows in the back of the car.
4. Big Bore Exhausts
Most big bore exhausts are illegal for use on public roads in the UK. Most big bore and sports exhaust systems emit louder noises than what is allowed by a vehicle’s Type Approval, so it is illegal to drive such a vehicle on a public road.
Conclusion
Before you make any changes to your car, it is important to check if the change is legal. If you are not sure about the change, it is best to go to a professional for help. It’s important to have the right kind of car insurance when you have a modified car. If something happens and you haven’t told your insurance company about the modifications, you may not be covered.
Instead of doing something risky such as engine swapping, consider going to a reputable automotive expert for an ECU modification. Carlton Tuning specialises in car remapping services to help you enhance your vehicle’s performance without physically modifying anything. We offer a hassle-free custom remapping service for optimum engine performance. Contact us today to learn more about our services.