Think twice before doing this to your car in South Africa

Car modifications are nothing new, and can be a form of expression, or a way to improve the performance or efficiency of a vehicle, but some alterations should be avoided entirely.

Most car manufacturers deliver vehicles that would satisfy the average driver’s needs, in configurations that should provide the best longevity, fuel economy, ride comfort, and performance.

Arrive Alive explains that in some cases, perhaps when drivers cannot afford a “performance” model from the manufacturer of their choice, they may choose to modify their own vehicle and its performance.

These changes may include altering a vehicle’s dynamics, which not only makes it appear more visually appealing to the driver but may also improve its performance.

Modifications can include enhancing a vehicle’s fuel consumption, load capacity, cosmetic trim, acceleration, or top speed.

Notably, not all modifications and alterations comply with the requirements of the Road Traffic Act and are then deemed to be illegal.

Visual modifications, which include paint jobs, chrome rims and aftermarket grilles, or replacement trim pieces, only affect aesthetics but none of the other categories of modifications.

These typically have no direct impact on vehicle function, performance or safety, and while the industry is huge, these alterations are largely harmless.

Functional modifications, which include lifted or dropped suspensions, bigger wheels, tinted windows, and the like, are often designed to improve the driver’s experience.

An example of this would be off-road tyres on a bakkie, along with a “suspension lift”, which will make the vehicle more capable of handling rougher terrains.

These modifications affect the capabilities of a vehicle, so they are more enhancements than mere alterations, although some are used only for aesthetic value.

Performance enhancements are where modifications become more relevant for road safety.

If a driver wants a greater power output, they may look to upgrade their vehicle’s performance with the help of a turbocharger or an entirely new motor.

Once performance is increased, the suspension needs to be changed to cope with it, which includes better shock absorbers, brakes, and potentially a new gearbox.

Finally, design modifications are where the engineering types get involved and might include any combination of differential, gearbox or ratio changes, suspension enhancements or a completely new vehicle system.

Arrive Alive explained that when these design modifications are selected, the vehicle is almost completely redesigned.

Dangerous modifications

The modifications seen on vehicles today came into effect long after the Road Traffic Act (RTA) was originally adopted, which is why not much legislation deals with modifications and alterations.

Arrive Alive noted that in some provinces, law enforcement officials have removed vehicles from the road based on their interpretation of the act, which “deals with the fact that the vehicle is not the way it left the factory.”

Design modifications, like the excessive dropping of suspensions, could violate wheel clearance and body contact regulations, although the act does not address it directly.

The simplest test would be to take a modified vehicle for a roadworthy test.

If it fails for any reason, which might include even something as simple as spotlight positions, the vehicle should probably not be on the road.

More extensive alterations, like performance enhancement, can pose a serious risk on South Africa’s roads.

Simply put, speed enhancement modifications present the biggest risk on our roads, followed by the lowering of ride height, which significantly affects steering and control.

Vehicles that have been fitted with massive engines can lead to reduced handling capabilities and poor stopping ability.

Suspension and wheel alterations may lead to the premature wear of the vehicle’s wheel bearings and other critical components.

It is far too common for vehicle owners and aspiring “street racers” to focus on improving acceleration and top speed while ignoring suspension and braking upgrades.