Cars, just like homes, can be customised according to one’s taste. You can choose to change your rims and tyres or go for a louder exhaust. The best way to transform your car into your dream ride is through a body kit.
Body kits come with a set of customised components to replace the stock ones. Most kits consist of a roof scoop, bumpers, side guards, side skirts and spoilers. This list is not exhaustive. There are many other different types of body kits, each with varying features.
The right body kit not only lends your car a sporty look but also affects its performance on the road. With so many body kit manufacturers in the market today, choosing the best body kit can be challenging. In this article, we look at some factors that you should consider before buying one.
Determine the Look You Want
Majority of car owners buy and install body kits because they want to give their car a specific look. If this is your first time, you need to decide on the look you want for your vehicle. It could be sleek, athletic, sexy, speed-oriented, distinctive and head-turning.
Keep in mind that the look you choose will have an overall effect on your car. Speed-oriented body kits, for instance, will easily catch the eyes of traffic cops. So don’t be surprised if you get flagged down several times on the road. A sleek, streamlined look, on the other hand, will enhance your car’s aerodynamics.
If you plan on selling your car in the future, pick a look that won’t scare off potential buyers when that time comes. The look you choose will also affect your customer base. Highly-customised cars have a narrower market than their generic version.
There are many options available in the market. You can play with various choices on colour and finish. If you're going for a performance-oriented look, you will need to factor in the weight of the components.
Decide Which Material You Want
Once you’re set on the look you want, the next factor is the material. To ensure that the body kit will serve you best, you’ll have to consider its durability, performance, look, repairability, and price.
If you want your car to sport a performance look yet remain light, carbon fibre is the way to go. Carbon fibre kits are slightly expensive, and repairing them is difficult. Unlike fibreglass, carbon fibre kits are neither flexible nor durable.
If your only consideration is the look, a polyurethane kit will do. Polyurethane kits are also preferred because they are durable and easy to repair. On the downside, they add to the weight of your car and are prone to warping when exposed to high temperatures.
Fibreglass is ideal if you want a custom and performance-oriented look. Fibreglass allows you to take care of performance aspects such as weight and flexibility. It is simple and has excellent heat resistance. However, it is easily damaged.
You can alternatively opt for kits made of composite materials, which possess the desirable characteristics of the compounds combined to produce it.
Plan Your Budget
Your budget is perhaps the most significant factor when it comes to getting a body kit. Once you figure out how much to spend, you can pick the best body kit within that range.
If you’re working on a tight budget, polyurethane kits are your ideal choice. You can alternatively choose fibreglass but only if you want a custom look. If you’re not put off by the high cost, you can go with carbon fibre kits.
If you are going for body kits designed to offer additional performance, be prepared to pay more.
Establishing a budget helps you avoid overspending. When creating your budget, do not forget to include postage/shipping and installation costs.
Custom Kits for Particular Needs
If you have a specific design in mind, then this option is for you. As a rule of thumb, custom body kits cost more than already designed ones.
For a custom body kit, you need to locate the nearest but reputable car customisation shop. Carry with you designs similar to what you have in mind. This will make it easier for the designer to recreate what you have in mind into an actual body kit.
You can negotiate with the designer on the budget which will be determined by the material and design itself. If you want the body kit design to be exclusive to you, you may have to pay more.
Body Kit Installation
Now that you have the perfect body kit, the delicate process of installing it comes next. If installed poorly, the performance of your vehicle will be compromised and the overall appearance may not turn out as expected.
For this reason, the installation must be done by a professional at a certified shop. There’s also the question of which type of body kit you need. A full car body kit, for instance, will leave all your car components intact whereas a wide body kit requires tweaking which translates to replacement of some stock parts.
Another thing to keep in mind is your car's warranty. Some warranty providers may have policies that void the warranty if car parts are replaced. Make sure that this is not the case with your car’s warranty. As long as the new components you are getting are from a reputable dealer, most companies would not mind installing a body kit.
Wrap Up
Body kits provide an easy and quick alternative for you to realise the car of your dreams. However, you have to be mindful of the different factors involved. We hope that with these tips, it will be easier for you to find the perfect body kit for your car.