Sports cars are expensive because they use superior materials and technology. If you want a sports car without breaking the bank, our post ‘How to Make Your Car Look Like a Sports Car’ suggests replacing a few parts and using quality care products to imitate a sports car. However, there are some things you must know before making any changes. These will ensure your safety and make you aware of the consequences of customization. If you want to customize your car to look like a sports car, here are some things to consider beforehand:
Customization changes your car’s value
One of the more significant customizations you can make is to repaint your car. Red, black, and white are the most common sports car colors, so it makes sense to mimic these. However, it’s essential to note that these will alter your car’s worth. A post on Sound Dollar notes that painting a car could increase its value, which also increases its insurance premiums. This is especially true since you’re changing your car’s facade to that of a sports car—a luxury good that’s more susceptible to theft. Thus, it’s likely that your auto insurance costs will rise for better protection. Let your insurer know the specific cosmetic changes you’ll make so they can estimate how much your insurance will be after customization.
Customization is expensive to do and maintain
Color customization alone can cost a pretty penny. The sports car’s signature shiny look comes from metallic paint, and a similar paint job can cost anywhere between $300 to $10,000 depending on your car’s size and how professional the paint job is. Metallic paint is high maintenance, requiring regular polishing and waxing to prevent discoloration. Red and black paint jobs also make scratches more visible because they’re dark colors, so you’ll need frequent touch-ups. Meanwhile, the dark, ceramic window tints that are standard in sports cars, can cost you $99 to $850 and beyond. Customization is expensive, so make sure you can commit to its maintenance costs before making any changes.
Customization can void your car warranty
A car warranty usually lasts 3 years or 36,000 miles. If you plan on customizing your car within this time frame, there’s a chance that you’ll void your warranty. Koam News Now outlines some of the things that void your car warranty including the damage caused by modifications or using aftermarket parts, as using them are conscious decisions made on your part. Another is changing your odometer. You might want to make your interior look like a sports car’s, and revamping your dashboard—including the odometer—is one way to do so. This prevents your car dealership from knowing your exact mileage, granting a voided warranty. If you want to keep your warranty, customize your car after it expires, or be more mindful of the changes you’ll make.
Some customizations can be safety concerns
While you’re only altering your car’s look, specific customizations are dangerous. One is too-bright headlights that cause glare for oncoming drivers, something that prompted General Motors to recall 740k SUVs last March. You will be ticketed or fined for overly-bright headlights, so keep them under 3,000 lumens to abide by federal law. Blacked-out headlights are also hazardous. These are common in sports cars because it makes them look sleek. You might get the idea of using window tint on your headlights to achieve this look, but don’t do it. This completely blocks your lights, leading to poor illumination and increasing your risk of running into accidents. Instead, have any light customization done at a shop, as the professionals there know what’s dark enough to be considered safe.
Customizing your car is an effective way to feel like you own a sports car. However, it’s important to consider the above factors first to know the possible costs and the best practices you should follow.
