The origins of car modifications can be traced back to the 1920s–1930s in California, when “Hot Rodding” became a thing. It’s a transformation of a vehicle to be lighter and faster for racing. In the beginning, those were old cars that had been stripped of all nonessential parts like bumpers, windshields, and hoods and had modified or new engines to be more powerful.

Eventually, it became a legitimate sport. Car clubs began to form, and race tracks were built so that people could show off their customized builds. Interestingly, the “Hot Rod” races were done in a straight line, as previously they were done illegally on city streets or straight roads. The racers would start at the same point and time after a given signal. The first car to cross the finish line became the winner. This gave way to the colorful culture of automotive modifications that we know today.

Not all mods are bad or tasteless, they can be renewed and brought back to life by someone who's willing to put in some work. Here are some popular and unharmful ways a vehicle can be modified:

• Repainting your car can make the biggest difference, but if you don’t enjoy making such long-term commitments, there is an alternative. Wrapping your car in vinyl film offers you the freedom to choose any color you’d like, provides protection, and can be removed whenever.
• A set of sports seats looks cool and can be more comfortable and supportive.
• Raising or lowering your vehicle’s height is also a great way to change the look of your car, and it might make your ride more comfortable.
• Changing out your rear and tail lights can also add detail and interest to your vehicle.

Before customizing your ride, it’s a good idea to check your country's guidelines for vehicles to avoid fines and safety issues.

Why exactly do people like to pimp up their cars? The main reason is to improve performance and make it go faster. Also, it helps to stand out in the crowd of ordinary-looking cars. By improving its fuel efficiency, it can save you money. Additionally, it’s a great hobby to express your personality and bond with other enthusiasts. Lastly, show-quality vehicles can enter competitions and win cash prizes, or they can be sold for a profit.

According to a survey done in the US, the most prioritized features when purchasing a vehicle are fuel efficiency and safety. Interestingly, only 32% seem to assign greater importance to the appearance of their new car. Prioritizing quality and comfort also ranks higher than design.

If not done correctly, mods can not only ruin the look of your car, but also cause safety issues. Tinting your headlights and windows creates a more uniform and aggressive look, but it can affect visibility for the driver and others, causing unpleasant accidents. Covering seats may also pose a danger, as some of them now have airbags inside. In case of an accident, they may prevent them from deploying correctly. Moreover, inadequate wiring and faulty installations of aftermarket parts can lead to malfunctions. Modifications can greatly interfere with or disrupt a delicate vehicle system, so it’s best to be knowledgeable in this area before committing to customizing.

Poorly executed paint jobs and additional body parts can not only damage your car but also make it less appealing to potential buyers. Customizations that speed up the car can affect insurance payments, adding to the general cost of maintenance and making it a less attractive purchase. A loud exhaust will inevitably decrease your vehicle’s value, as not everyone enjoys driving a car that everyone can hear from a mile away. Unless you’re selling a modified build to a fellow enthusiast, some of these advancements can shorten your list of buyers and decrease your profit.

It’s easy to get tied up in the world of cars, especially if you’re just a beginner. Automotive blogs stress the importance of planning your projects in advance. Conducting research about the best cars to alter and how is a smart thing to do before starting. Having the right car and your modifications planned can save you a lot of time, money, and nerves. It’s also important to be realistic; some alterations might not do what you expect them to. It’s best to be sufficiently informed and determined about your first customizations before you end up with a vehicle like this guy's…