A car is supposed to take you from point A to point B. However, for some people, men and women, young and old, a car is more than just a commodity. It is a fashion statement and a hobby. Such a trend is design tuning of cars.
Car design has taken on a completely new meaning. There is specialized software available to pre-design a cars exterior and even matches which engine parts would complement other engine parts. It is mostly about improving the exterior appearance of a vehicle with art, called speed stripes, and other designs matching the owners personality. This redesign or modification not only applies to the exterior of the car, just as much effort and money is spent on the interior of the car. Steering wheels and foot pedals are replaced with those used in racing cars and even seats, called bucket seats are installed for a racing driver feel to each time the driver uses his car.
Body kits are alternative modifications that are either bought or custom made to be fitted to a car. There are various reasons for altering a car with spoilers or bumper wings. Most common reasons are to make the vehicle lighter by replacing heavy bodywork like the goods and rear view mirrors and the other reason to improve the appearance of a car.
When a car is lighter, it is said to improve cornering speeds and adhesion as it generates down force. When one increases the wheel track width through spacers and wider body kits, it also improves cornering abilities. Suspensions are most likely to be tuned for this specific reason.
Car tuning mostly relates to improvement of a cars performance, improving the driving style of the owner and the overall presentation of the car. Anyone who has seen the range of movies relating to street racing will be well aware of how an ordinary car can get tuned into some remarkable machine with four wheels. It is all about the color, speed stripes, wheeling rims, and of course, what is hidden under the hood. The performance modifications are somewhat of a secret and only true experts can spot something new.
Pushing movie life aside, it is mostly about performance modifications to the exterior of the car. The change in aerodynamics by using side skirts, front and rear bumpers, spoilers and air vents and of course, light weight wheels.
Car audio design is a major trend in pimping up ones car. It usually involves a fully customized sound system supported by lights and fancy speakers mounted in tailor made units that are fitted in the car. Some car owners go as far as removing the back seats to make space for these sound monsters to have a prime spot in their cars. There are events held where owners of such sound machines compete for the loudest, best quality reception and most innovative and attractive sound systems.
Most countries have laws governing what a car may and may not do to modify their cars. These laws are mostly related to road and passenger safety. Restrictions to registration plates of cars also need to be adhered to.
