10 Most Asked Questions About Car Modification In India

Have you ever thought about customizing your car? Here we cover some of the Frequently Asked Questions when it comes to car modification in India.

1. Are car modifications illegal in India?
   

   According to the Supreme Court of India, no one can legally alter the structure of a vehicle. Any vehicle modification thus made should comply with the specifications of the manufacturer. Therefore, remodellings like getting huge tyres are illegal while upgrading the suspension is not.

   Read more about Car Modifications In India | Legal Vs Illegal

2. Can I get a sunroof installed in my car?
   

   

   First of all aftermarket sunroofs are illegal as installing an aftermarket sunroof can change the structure of your vehicle. Secondly, they can also be a threat to the safety of the occupants of the car. Modifying the roof can put you at a bigger risk if met with a motor accident.

   This means no turning your car into a convertible either.

3. Is changing the exhaust illegal?

   

   An exhaust system that produces way too much noise is considered illegal. Usually, it is a certain decibel above which the aftermarket exhaust is now allowed. As long as the aftermarket exhaust complies with the Environment Protection Rules and Motor Vehicles Act they can be bought and installed. However, removing the catalytic converter or exhaust muffler is a bad idea. Many high-performance exhausts are not approved by the Regional Transport Office and are hence deemed illegal.

4. Does aftermarket accessories void my warranty?

   Even though all cars that are sold in the market comes with a warranty, there are many things that can make the warranty void just as easily. Mods are one of them. Many car manufacturers will not extend the factory warranty once you install the likes of aftermarket safety features, CNG kit or make mechanical alterations.

   If modifications have somehow caused damage to the car, the manufacturer will no longer pay you for repairs. It is best to make sure that the customizations you go for are endorsed by the carmaker.

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5. Can I modify the front grille of my car?
   

   Yes, you can change the grille of your car. Upgrading the bumper grilles can enhance the appearance of the vehicle. Changing the grille should not however hamper the functioning of the radiator. If the radiator is somehow obstructed, the engine cooling system of the vehicle will not work properly.

   

   But that said fitting features like bull bars are strictly illegal. Even though bull bars can protect the front end of the vehicle, they can hurt foot-travellers. Bullbars can affect the deployment of critical safety features like airbags at the time of a crisis. Because of this, you cannot place bull bars in your car.

6. Will car modification affect my insurance?

   Unfortunately yes. Modifications can increase the sum you pay as an insurance premium. Insurance companies consider some modifications to be risky. Alterations to the engine that improves performance are bound to be considered precarious and hence attracts higher premiums.

   

   Since installing alloy wheels makes your car more appealing to car burglars your insurance company might charge you 8% more for swapping the factory wheels with alloys. The exact increment in premium would vary with regard to the insurance provider you do business with. Even additions like window tint can drive up insurance premium. Similarly, a change in the exhaust system can increase the cost of your insurance cover by around 25%.

7. What are the RTO formalities and procedures to repaint cars in a different colour?

   First, you have to go to the Road Transport Office nearby with the RC book. You can also take with you a sample of the colour you want to paint your car in. You need a permission letter from the Regional Transport Officer.

   Afterwards, you can get your car painted. Then you have to take the car back to the RTO, fill out some paperwork and pay a small fee. In the RC book, there is a field where the factory colour of the vehicle is given.

   

   Once you comply with the procedure you can get this changed. Even though it is not illegal to change your car’s colour, you need to notify the RTO first.

8. How much does it cost to change the colour of a car?

   You will have to pay around 60,000 to professionally repaint your car in a different colour. But the money you will spend on the paint job can change depending on where you go. If you want the paint to last longer you might have to pay more.

   Looking to get your car painted? GoMechanic can help!

   Nevertheless, changing your car’s colour can make you spend more on insurance. And don’t forget that the new car colour has to be signed off by the RTO first.

9. How can I maintain a car wrap?
   
   

   An easy way to change the look of your car without painting it is by vinyl wrapping it. Car wraps have only been around for a couple of decades now and contrary to popular belief they can protect the paint on your car.

   Even though car wraps are durable and can last for years, make sure you take good care of them. To clean a wrap, use a sponge or microfibre cloth and a gentle detergent.

10. What are the best cars to customize in India?

    

    A car that offers superior performance and comfort is going to cost you more than aftermarket modifications you do to a cheaper vehicle. A good car to modify in India is the legendary Maruti Gypsy. It’s out of production, but you can always buy one from the used car market. This is also a very tuning friendly car.

    Hyundai Accent and Maruti Suzuki Zen also serve as good candidates for engine modification.

You can read about more cars that can be modified easily: 5 Tuning Friendly Cars in India | Fast Cars For Cheap

With some alterations to the factory model, you can improve the appearance, efficiency and performance of your car. Your car can be much more than just functional with this. Got more questions about vehicle modification? Let us know!

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