The used vehicle retail platform Carwow has warned drivers against fitting a number of modifications to their vehicle, highlighting that many could cause its value to fall.
From tinting the windows to changing the wheels, there are many ways a driver can modify their car to give it a personal touch.
However, Ian Reid, Head of Editorial at Carwow, recommended that motorists consider the overall impact and legality of any modifications before they make them to avoid trouble in the future.
He explained: “Modifying a car can be a fun way to add a bit of personalisation to your vehicle, but you should consider how this might impact things in the long run before you make any changes.
“Not all mods are legal and some can invalidate your car insurance, so be sure to check the legalisation around your preferred mods and whether they’ll be covered.”
Carwow highlighted that, on average, a modified car sells for around 94 percent of its initial valuation on the used market, meaning drivers typically lose out on £380 for any alteration they make.
According to a study conducted by the company, which surveyed the opinions of 2,000 drivers, the worst modification a motorist can make to their car is changing the camber (or angle) of the wheels.
Whilst altering the camber can help to improve the handling and stability of a high-performance vehicle, not everyone likes the look of a car with ‘wonky wheels’. The survey found that 69 percent of drivers would not buy a used car with modified camber.
Similarly, Carwow found that a staggering 65 percent of drivers would be cautious when buying a used vehicle that has a modified exhaust system.
Whilst some owners of older cars may need to fit a new exhaust due to the old one rusting, other motorists will add a specialist system with fewer restrictions to boost performance and, in some cases, aid fuel economy.
However, despite having its advantages, some modified exhaust systems may not be compliant with the UK law, particularly if the vehicle no longer has a catalytic converter.
Finally, the company suggested that motorists looking to modify their car think twice before altering the ride height and suspension, with 64 percent of Brits stating that they would not buy a car that had been lowered.
A popular car modification since the 1940s, lowering a car can help to better grip and handling. However, most used car buyers will avoid getting a car that has been lowered, with speed bumps and potholes being significantly more likely to cause damage.
In addition, many car insurance companies have strict limits on how much a car should be lowered, with some completely refusing to provide cover on a vehicle too low to the ground.
