As a car owner, it’s easy to get excited about modifying your ride. Whether you’re looking to boost performance, add some personal style, or just enjoy customizing your car, the appeal is hard to resist. But before you jump into making changes, it’s important to think about the potential risks and downsides that come with modifications.

Here are six reasons not to modify your car in California.

 

What Are Car Modifications?

Car modifications are any changes made to a vehicle beyond what the factory installed. These can be as simple as custom paint or new wheels, or more involved, like tuning the engine or upgrading the suspension.

While some mods improve how the car looks or performs, others might cause problems that outweigh the benefits.

 

6 Reasons to Think Twice About Modifying Your Car

 

Voiding the Warranty

Maybe the biggest risk of modifying your car is that it could void the manufacturer’s warranty. Automakers usually have strict rules about what changes are allowed without risking coverage. If an issue pops up and the manufacturer traces it back to a mod, they might not honor the warranty, and you’d have to cover the repair costs yourself.

 

Higher Maintenance and Repair Costs

Customizing your car usually means adding aftermarket parts that may not be as durable or reliable as the original ones. This could mean more frequent maintenance and higher repair costs. Plus, finding replacement parts for modified cars can be harder and more expensive than for stock models.

 

Lower Resale Value

When it’s time to sell your car, potential buyers might hesitate if it’s been heavily modified. Most people prefer vehicles in their original condition because they’re unsure how well custom parts will hold up; this could lower your car’s resale value and cost you thousands.

 

Regulatory Compliance

Depending on where you live and the modifications you’ve made, your car might no longer meet local or state regulations; this can cause problems with inspections and registration and could even lead to legal trouble if the changes are considered unsafe or illegal.

 

Higher Insurance Premiums

Insurance companies often consider modified cars to be higher risk since the changes can impact performance, safety, or reliability. This could lead to higher premiums or trouble getting coverage for your modified car.

 

Compromised Safety and Reliability

Some modifications, especially to suspension or brakes, can unintentionally affect your car’s safety and reliability, putting you and others on the road at risk.

 

How Do Car Modifications Affect Lemon Law Claims?

The Lemon Law protects people who buy or lease defective vehicles that the manufacturer can’t fix. That said, certain modifications can impact your eligibility for a Lemon Law claim, including:

• Lift kits or oversized tires: These can change the suspension, alignment, and handling, making it harder for the manufacturer to find and fix defects.
• Electrical or electronic mods: Adding aftermarket systems like entertainment or communication devices can mess with the vehicle’s wiring and software, complicating repairs.
• Replacing original parts: Using non-OEM parts for things like brakes, engines, or transmissions can make it hard for the manufacturer to tell if an issue stems from their design or the replacement part.

 

Can You File a Lemon Law Claim for a Modded Car in California?

In California, the Lemon Law still covers modified vehicles, but the process is a bit more complicated. If you’ve made changes to your car and are dealing with ongoing issues, it’s important to document everything and be ready to show that the modifications didn’t cause the problem.

Having an experienced Lemon Law attorney can boost your chances of a successful claim, even with a modified car.

 

Have a 2019 or Newer Lemon Car? Contact Our Firm!

If you own a 2019 or newer vehicle that you think qualifies as a lemon, whether it’s been modified or not, reach out to Norman Taylor & Associates today. Our attorneys have a strong track record of fighting for consumer rights and winning favorable results for our clients.

Call 818-244-3905 for a free consultation to learn how we can guide you through the Lemon Law process!

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