Can I add this modification to my car?

A common question and dilemma a lot of prospective vehicle owners have are around what modifications they can perform to their vehicle and what are best purchased as factory installed options. This post attempts to guide such buyers through that decision.

Modifications that cannot/should not be done after purchase of a new vehicle without considerable effort & cost and putting your warranty in question and having to deal with questionable quality: 

• Adding/changing air conditioning/heating /cooling systems/climate control
• Changing engine
• Changing from petrol to diesel
• Changing from manual gear shifter to automatic
• 4×2 to 4×4
• Modifications to doors,bonnet,trunk
• Increasing/decreasing ground clearance
• Rear defogger/wiper
• Additional interior space
• Additional fuel tank capacity
• Performance/mileage modifications (Turbochargers, superchargers exhaust systems, chip modifications, tri-phase electrical, intake systems)
• Changing vehicle color
• Changing exterior so much that the vehicle is not recognizable. Some examples can be found at:Top Gear: http://www.topgear.com/content/timetoburn/sections/carbage/pages/0532/  & Team BHP: http://www.team-bhp.com/forum/collection-best-threads/1954-pics-weird-wacky-mod-jobs.html#post21498

(Please do think many times before you go down this path. Your/your parents’ hard earned money may make you the laughing stock of the world).

Safe modifications that can be done at any time by the dealer or by reputed independent vendors anytime after you purchase a new or used vehicle:

• Adding/upgrading ICE (Head units, in-dash/flip down/headrest mounted displays, speakers, sub-woofers, tweeters etc)
• Upgrading headlamps/adding fog lamps
• Adding alloys & changing to tubeless tyres
• Up-sizing tyres(when done correctly)
• Sun film
• Vinyl stickers/paint jobs
• Central locking/power windows
• Remote locking( easier to do if the vehicle already comes with central locking)
• Security systems
• Remote starter
• Backup sensors, alarms, cameras
• Air filters
• Spoilers and body kits(stock)
• Sunroof
• Upgrading Horns (within legal limits)
• Adding cloth/leather seat covers /re-upholstering the seats/changing to racing style seats
• Changing to sports steering wheels (smaller in size etc) (not advisable if your car has driver side steering wheel mounted airbags)
• Portable fridges/coffee warmers
• Central Armrests/ consoles
• Interior fake wood/carbon fiber/chrome type finishing
• Door pads/roof upholstering
• Sports type pedals
• Gear knobs

Though these are considered “safe” modifications – if done carelessly they can damage your vehicle and also void the warranty. So do shop around and don’t be in a hurry, take your time to evaluate the installer, their wares and warranties before you spend your money.

 A thumb rule to a vehicle owner to help determine if they are over-doing the modifications – if you are spending more than 25% of the value of the car on accessories and modifications – you are definitely going overboard with the modifications. You would have been better off buying a costlier car which would give you most of the features you have added on and in addition have the comfort and peace of mind that comes with a OEM backed warranty and service network.

Have I covered this in sufficient detail and covered the usual accessories and modifications? Are there any questions on these – please do post your thoughts through the comments on this blog.