Car tuning is a term that refers to modifying a motor vehicle to enhance its looks and performance.
For some car enthusiasts, nothing brings more joy than transforming an average vehicle into one that stands apart from the crowd.
They are willing to spend money -- sometimes a lot of money -- to tune a car beyond factory specifications for their own satisfaction and driving enjoyment.
Car tuning is done primarily to make a vehicle more personal, more fun to drive, and more visually appealing.
Many cars have the potential for tuning.
Vehicles such as the Toyota Supra, Subaru Impreza, and Mitsubishi Lancer are sometimes known as "tuner cars" because they are frequently bought for the purpose of making expensive modifications.
But just about any car that's in good condition and still retains some value can be improved through car tuning.
There are many ways to personalise your car and tailor it to your own driving preferences.
Car tuning can involve modifying the body styling, suspension, engine, tyres, interior, audio system, and more.
You can spend anywhere from a few hundred to a few thousand pounds to tune your car.
Generally speaking, drivers who start off tuning one part of the car don't stop there.
That's why it's best to look at the car as a whole and plan vehicle modifications that will work together.
For example, if your main interest in car tuning is to boost the engine output, you should also consider the benefits of upgrading the suspension or replacing the tyres.
The most visible type of car tuning is exterior body tuning.
A body styling kit may include front and rear bumpers, spoilers, side skirts, hoods, air vents, and more.
Aerodynamic modifications are intended to reduce wind resistance.
Other body modifications can increase downforce, which lets the car hug the road during cornering at higher speeds.
Body styling goes through trends and fashions, just like anything else.
Some car tuning professionals say that the big body kits aren't as popular today as in the past, and they suggest sticking to more subtle effects such as installing new lighting, adding a lip to the bumper, putting in bigger brakes, or lowering the car.
At the very least, a body kit should complement the original car, not clash with it.
For instance, try to avoid mixing Japanese style mods with a European style car.
Interior tuning and audio tuning make the inside of the car as comfortable and attractive as possible.
Interior modifications might include removing the front seats and replacing them with bucket or racing seats, or changing the shift knob and other interior hardware.
In addition, many car owners choose to install an aftermarket audio system for more volume, clearer reception, and better sound quality.
Suspension tuning is one of the most frequently performed types of car tuning because the quality and the adjustment of suspension components are critical to the way your car handles.
The work involves replacing or modifying the springs, shock absorbers, sway bars, and other related parts.
The right set-up will improve steering and control, allowing you to enjoy both sporty performance and driving comfort.
Tyres strongly influence a car's handling and performance and they have to be replaced from time to time during the life of the car.
This makes them an obvious choice for tuning.
Factors such as grip, rolling resistance, and cost have to be weighed when you're choosing new tyres.
Engine tuning covers any type of modification to enhance engine power and operation.
Replacing factory components with high-performance aftermarket parts or installing new turbochargers and air filters to improve engine "breathing" are just some of the options.
But perhaps the most common method of tuning today's electronically controlled engines is to modify the engine control unit (ECU).
This procedure is referred to as remapping or chip tuning, and it involves changing the factory settings to allow the engine to produce more power and torque.
Remapping the ECU is the easiest and most reliable way to boost power, according to many car tuning experts.
After an engine remap, you can expect smoother driving and greatly improved throttle response.
With more available power and torque, acceleration is fast, linear, and lag-free.
A remap will increase engine by anywhere from 15% to 30% in a turbo diesel car.
Many countries have regulations about car tuning and vehicle modifications, so make sure you know what is or is not permissible where you live.
You should also inform your insurer about any modifications to your car.
Otherwise your insurance may be invalid.
Most vehicle modifications should really be left to the professionals.
For the best results, find a company that offers personalised car tuning packages or services.
Don't try to make it a DIY project unless you know what you are doing.
For some car enthusiasts, nothing brings more joy than transforming an average vehicle into one that stands apart from the crowd.
They are willing to spend money -- sometimes a lot of money -- to tune a car beyond factory specifications for their own satisfaction and driving enjoyment.
Car tuning is done primarily to make a vehicle more personal, more fun to drive, and more visually appealing.
Many cars have the potential for tuning.
Vehicles such as the Toyota Supra, Subaru Impreza, and Mitsubishi Lancer are sometimes known as "tuner cars" because they are frequently bought for the purpose of making expensive modifications.
But just about any car that's in good condition and still retains some value can be improved through car tuning.
There are many ways to personalise your car and tailor it to your own driving preferences.
Car tuning can involve modifying the body styling, suspension, engine, tyres, interior, audio system, and more.
You can spend anywhere from a few hundred to a few thousand pounds to tune your car.
Generally speaking, drivers who start off tuning one part of the car don't stop there.
That's why it's best to look at the car as a whole and plan vehicle modifications that will work together.
For example, if your main interest in car tuning is to boost the engine output, you should also consider the benefits of upgrading the suspension or replacing the tyres.
The most visible type of car tuning is exterior body tuning.
A body styling kit may include front and rear bumpers, spoilers, side skirts, hoods, air vents, and more.
Aerodynamic modifications are intended to reduce wind resistance.
Other body modifications can increase downforce, which lets the car hug the road during cornering at higher speeds.
Body styling goes through trends and fashions, just like anything else.
Some car tuning professionals say that the big body kits aren't as popular today as in the past, and they suggest sticking to more subtle effects such as installing new lighting, adding a lip to the bumper, putting in bigger brakes, or lowering the car.
At the very least, a body kit should complement the original car, not clash with it.
For instance, try to avoid mixing Japanese style mods with a European style car.
Interior tuning and audio tuning make the inside of the car as comfortable and attractive as possible.
Interior modifications might include removing the front seats and replacing them with bucket or racing seats, or changing the shift knob and other interior hardware.
In addition, many car owners choose to install an aftermarket audio system for more volume, clearer reception, and better sound quality.
Suspension tuning is one of the most frequently performed types of car tuning because the quality and the adjustment of suspension components are critical to the way your car handles.
The work involves replacing or modifying the springs, shock absorbers, sway bars, and other related parts.
The right set-up will improve steering and control, allowing you to enjoy both sporty performance and driving comfort.
Tyres strongly influence a car's handling and performance and they have to be replaced from time to time during the life of the car.
This makes them an obvious choice for tuning.
Factors such as grip, rolling resistance, and cost have to be weighed when you're choosing new tyres.
Engine tuning covers any type of modification to enhance engine power and operation.
Replacing factory components with high-performance aftermarket parts or installing new turbochargers and air filters to improve engine "breathing" are just some of the options.
But perhaps the most common method of tuning today's electronically controlled engines is to modify the engine control unit (ECU).
This procedure is referred to as remapping or chip tuning, and it involves changing the factory settings to allow the engine to produce more power and torque.
Remapping the ECU is the easiest and most reliable way to boost power, according to many car tuning experts.
After an engine remap, you can expect smoother driving and greatly improved throttle response.
With more available power and torque, acceleration is fast, linear, and lag-free.
A remap will increase engine by anywhere from 15% to 30% in a turbo diesel car.
Many countries have regulations about car tuning and vehicle modifications, so make sure you know what is or is not permissible where you live.
You should also inform your insurer about any modifications to your car.
Otherwise your insurance may be invalid.
Most vehicle modifications should really be left to the professionals.
For the best results, find a company that offers personalised car tuning packages or services.
Don't try to make it a DIY project unless you know what you are doing.
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