Long live the era of modified cars, we love to see them. Whether you’re customizing for style to take your car out to a local car show or for performance, to enjoy the machine for the marvel of engineering it is, there are some important things to keep in mind.
While many mods can be simple, DIY-friendly, and affordable, some can be illegal and downright unsafe without proper knowledge. Before you start building your wishlist for your next car part, read through our list of risky car modifications you may not have known were dangerous (or outright illegal).
What Made the List
Car modifications have likely been around as long as cars themselves, or at least we’d like to think so. This article focuses on common modifications we see on the roads every day, whether it’s for performance upgrades or style choices to give your vehicle a custom touch.
Here, you’ll find the most common modifications you may see at a local modified car show, and while they aren’t all dangerous, doing some of these without proper knowledge certainly can be.
DIY Suspension Modifications Without Proper Knowledge
Suspension components and geometry are critical to your car’s handling and ride comfort, and they can be even more complex when you add systems that allow you to adjust between sport and comfort modes. Upgrading your car’s suspension can dial in your driving experience, but when done without proper knowledge, it can actually do more harm than good, not just to your car but also in terms of safety.
According to Mevotech, improper suspension modifications can lead to early part failure, loss of steering control, reduced ride quality, and sometimes unpredictable handling in different weather.
Aftermarket Wheels That Don’t Fit Properly
Aftermarket wheels are a great way to upgrade your car’s appearance and give it a custom look, but there are more factors to keep in mind than some people may initially realize. Besides making sure you have the correct lug pattern and spacing, things like wheel clearance (if you are changing size), hub size, and brake clearance are all things you need to ensure work with your vehicle before purchasing.
Aftermarket wheels can be safe if the offset, load rating, hub bore, and brake/suspension clearance match your vehicle’s requirements on your vehicle, and, worst case scenario, it is a non-permanent change you can swap back to original whenever you want!
Incorrectly Installed Wheel Spacers
Wheel spacers can do a lot for your car’s appearance, especially if you are trying to fit a set of aftermarket wheels. MotorTrend says that when used correctly, wheel spacers can be a great, subtle modification to your car. When they aren’t installed properly, however, they can lead to serious problems.
Like your lug nuts, ensure you apply the appropriate torque so you don’t risk your spacers rattling loose with the vibration of your car, potentially leading to your wheel coming off while driving, scary! Never use impact wrenches on spacer hardware. Never stack spacers or adapters. Avoid multi-piece spacers/adapters (units that bolt together). Torque to spec and re-check torque after driving per manufacturer guidance.
Removing Airbags
You may wonder why anyone would remove their airbags. While that isn’t typically a modification many people make, aftermarket steering wheels that don’t support factory airbags can be. Under federal law, dealers and repair businesses generally may not disable/remove airbags (the ‘render inoperative’ rule), while state laws and inspection rules may still restrict owner modifications and resale.
Besides steering wheels, off-road enthusiasts have been known to occasionally remove or disable airbags to prevent them from deploying in case of a violent bump or run-in with a tree, stump, or deep puddle of water, as mentioned on the 5thgenrams forum. Without airbags, you risk potential injury or even death in case of an accident.
Adding Gemstones or Decorations to the Dashboard and Steering Wheel
Adding gemstones or cute decorations to your dashboard or steering wheel may seem harmless, but it can be a potential threat, even if it’s something as small as a stuffed animal or rubber duck. In case of an accident, these objects can become high-speed projectiles launched at your or your passengers’ faces.
Steering wheel modifications that adhere to the surface also pose a risk if your airbag deploys, and the NHTSA warns that aftermarket decorative emblem decals (often rhinestone/metal) can become dangerous projectiles when an airbag deploys.
Extreme Lowering That Affects Road Clearance
Lowered cars can have a lot of curb appeal, but that doesn’t mean they are practical, or safe. Lowered cars often struggle over surfaces that aren’t flat, making speed bumps and speed dips their worst enemy. In places like Florida, where the streets are flat and the pavement is less affected by harsh winters and intense temperature changes, lowered cars are relatively popular.
No matter where you live, though, having a lowered car can be more than annoying, it can be dangerous. According to J.D. Power, lowered cars lack clearance to go over road debris safely, leaving drivers forced to choose between immediate damage to their vehicles or swerving and potentially hitting another vehicle.
Colored or Tinted Headlights
Some people love to change their headlight colors. You may see yellow, blue, or a wide variety of colored wraps on headlights to give them a custom appearance, hide certain elements of the lights, or change them altogether. While this modification can make your car pop, Lighting laws vary by state, but any film/cover/wrap that impairs required lamp effectiveness or changes required colors can be illegal.
Headlight visibility is important for seeing other cars, pedestrians, animals, and potential debris or hazards in the road.
Tinted Taillights That Reduce Visibility
Tinting taillights is often restricted, and it can be illegal if the lights are no longer plainly visible at the required distance or their effectiveness is impaired, but that doesn’t stop people from doing it. You can use wrap or spray tint to give your taillight a stealthy appearance, but it does have some dangerous consequences. This tint reduces the amount of light that comes from your taillight, dimming your taillights, brake lights, and even reverse lights if they are part of the same housing.
With lowered visibility of your brake lights and reverse lights, it may be difficult for other drivers on the road to see how you are navigating, leading to a potential accident.
Oversized Exhaust Systems
Oversized exhaust systems can look cool and change how your engine sounds, but they’re not without potential risks. In some states, any exhaust modifications are illegal, but in others, you can do so within certain parameters.
When modifying their exhausts, many car owners Some exhaust mods remove or alter mufflers/resonators (noise control) or emissions equipment like catalytic converters (pollution control), which can create legal and safety issues.
Stretched Tires
From appearance to cost, there are a few reasons why someone might decide to stretch their tires, but it is important to know the potential risks. A stretched tire is a tire that’s not wide enough for the wheel it’s mounted on, quite literally meaning the sidewalls have been stretched to fit on the wheel.
Carparts.com reports that stretching your tires can cause them to debead, meaning they lose the seal they have with the wheel and cause them to lose air pressure rapidly. It also causes additional stress to the sidewall and limits the protection your tires typically have against curbs or hard road conditions. Stretching tires increases risk of bead sealing problems (debeading), sidewall stress/damage, and can increase hydroplaning risk depending on setup.
Roll Cages in Street Cars
Roll cages can give your car a true race car feel, but when used without the proper safety equipment, they can be dangerous. In case of an accident, your vehicle’s safety systems, like the seatbelt and airbag, are designed to help move and absorb the kinetic energy from impact, but they don’t stop your body from moving completely.
A roll cage is composed of hard, exposed metal, which can be potentially deadly if your head bangs into it during a crash. Of course, a roll cage can potentially save you in case of a rollover, but ideally, you should wear a helmet in combination with the cage.
Overly Stiff Aftermarket Springs
Most cars are produced with suspension springs that offer a mix of practicality and comfort for the driver and passengers, but there is no shortage of aftermarket springs available. Your suspension components are an important aspect of your car’s handling and maneuvering, so it is vital to make an educated decision when selecting springs.
Choosing a spring that is too stiff can not only make your ride more uncomfortable, but Tevema reports that it also causes increased strain on your other suspension components, restricts your vehicle’s range of motion, and limits energy transfer that it is meant to absorb and distribute.
Deleting Catalytic Converters
Modified exhausts have been popular in the car community for decades, and while some states prohibit modified exhausts altogether, others are less restrictive. Almost every car has a catalytic converter as part of its exhaust system, which not only reduces the noise pollution created by your engine but also creates a chemical reaction that limits your car’s emissions. Removing a catalytic converter without replacing it with an approved replacement is illegal under federal law (emissions tampering), and it now applies to everyone, including car owners.
Removing your catalytic converters can also cause issues with your engine, according to AutoZone. While some may argue it gives you a small boost in power, that doesn’t negate the fact that you are making changes that can land you in trouble.
Underglow Lighting That Distracts Other Drivers
If you’re a fan of the Fast and Furious movies, chances are you love some brightly colored underglow. According to FindLaw, depending on color and orientation, certain types of underglow can be illegal in some states. It is still legal in many states, much to the joy of car enthusiasts everywhere, but of course, there are some restrictions.
It is important to know what modifications are legal and what modifications are not, depending on the state you live in, because underglow can be a big deal to the law and others’ safety, even if it doesn’t seem like it. Improper colors or placement can confuse and distract drivers, and lighting patterns that flash or oscillate can be problematic.
Excessively Loud Sound Systems
Having a concert in your car is one of the daily pleasures of having a radio and a sound system, and adding an amplifier and upgraded speakers can do a lot to enhance that experience. While we love a good jam session, having a loud sound system can be distracting and prevent you from hearing other sounds on the road, like sirens from a police car or ambulance, honking from other drivers, or yelling.
This reduces your situational awareness and can lead to dangerous situations for yourself and other road users.
DIY Turbocharger Installs
In the words of popular YouTube channel Donut Media, “Mo Powah, baby!” Garret says turbochargers give your car’s engine a boost by forcing a higher density of air into the combustion chamber. That may seem simple, but the overall system itself can be rather complex and daunting if you aren’t sure what you’re doing.
Worse than that, turbocharging your car isn’t just about the mechanical aspect; you also have to adjust your car’s tune to compensate for the difference or risk damage to your engine or overall complete failure. Turbochargers can be a safe way to give your car a boost if you know what you’re doing, but if you don’t, consult a professional.
Improperly Installed Aftermarket Steering Wheels
Who doesn’t love the look of a nice aftermarket steering wheel? I certainly do. With air bags and steering wheel control buttons, however, installing a steering wheel can be tricky if you don’t know what you’re doing. In certain conditions, you could argue that upgrading your steering wheel may give you better grip and hand placement on the wheel, allowing you to maneuver and control the car more efficiently.
To be clear, we aren’t arguing against aftermarket steering wheels, but rather the improper installation. AutoZone says you should always be sure to disconnect the battery to avoid having the airbag deploy, and follow installation instructions carefully or consult with a professional.
Using Cheap Coilover Kits
Who doesn’t love getting a good deal when you’re buying car parts? Coilover kits can be pricey, and while you can find some moderately priced brands on the market, it’s important to ensure you aren’t sacrificing quality and safety to save money.
According to Grassroots Motorsports, coilovers don’t just affect your vehicle’s stance and appearance, they also affect ride quality and handling capabilities. They are also a high-wear item, so buying ones that will last or being diligent about a set that you are buying is crucial not only to your wallet but to your safety.
Removing Mirrors for Aesthetics
This should go without saying, but removing your side mirrors, changing them for a smaller option, or relocating them for appearances can cause major issues. While many people who do this mod retain their rearview mirror, that alone isn’t enough to offer a full view of what’s going on around your vehicle.
While car enthusiasts love a good-looking modification, safety should be at the top of your mind when deciding what modifications to make… and removing your mirrors can be illegal in some states and risky in all.
Replacing Seatbelts with Racing Harnesses on Street Cars
Replacing your seatbelts with racing harnesses may be a great idea on the track, but that isn’t always the case on the road. According to Explico, three-point seatbelts, meaning the normal shoulder and waist strap setups you see in most cars, are designed to work in conjunction with airbags to give you the best chance of survival in case of a crash at any speed.
Harnesses, while great on the track, are cumbersome and not without risks. Some harnesses are designed to be used with additional safety equipment, like a Hans device, and some may be DOT-approved but still more difficult to adjust, making them less than ideal for passengers, too
Modify Your Car Safely and Legally
We hope that the culture of modifying and customizing cars never goes away, but to ensure we don’t give lawmakers more reason to ban the things we love, it’s important to ensure we are following instructions, staying informed, and following our local and state legislatures.