When it comes to car modifications, some upgrades genuinely enhance performance and style. But other misguided attempts at car customization are simply useless, tacky, or even ridiculous.
Get ready to shake your head and laugh at giant wings meant for flight, obnoxious neon lights, and ridiculous modifications that have nothing to do with vehicles.
#1 – Tinted Headlights/Taillights
Deliberately reducing the amount of light emitted to see (and be seen) at night might be one of the dumbest mods ever created. Aftermarket shaded tints on headlights and taillights aim to look menacing but often cause blindness.
But even legal levels of overlays and smoked lenses often trigger fix-it tickets by obscuring lighting clarity. Beyond reduced functionality, tinted lights complicate bulb replacement. Your ride should illuminate confidence through clarity, not squinting to see and be seen through dark lighting mods.
#2 – Extremely Lowered Suspension
An impractical car mod is when owners lower their vehicle so low that the car literally scrapes the ground. Even though a slight drop can improve handling, some go to the extreme, lowering their car an inch from the curb.
While giving your vehicle a stunning look, it also destroys maneuverability as your undercarriage eats speed bumps and you get stuck on parking curbs.
#3 – Neon Underbody Lighting
Nothing screams ‘I make questionable life choices’ like neon lights installed under your car. Even though some ambient lighting can be cool inside, underbody neon belongs in the ’90s with Reebok Pumps. Sure, it might give your Civic a cyberpunk vibe, but it ruins any attempt to look stylish.
The only things that light up underbody kits are speed bumps and road accidents. So if you want the glowing-in-the-dark aesthetic of a radioactive spaceship, save your money and drive near Chernobyl instead. Neon underbody lighting is tacky and totally useless.
#4 – Lambo Doors
Unless you’re driving a Lamborghini with real scissor doors, spending a lot of money to modify your doors so they open vertically screams midlife crisis more than performance upgrade. Sure, scissor doors look sleek on a Diablo, but they don’t belong on your 10-year-old sedan.
Lambo door kits are notoriously finicky, turning your doors into failure-prone birds of prey. Lambo doors belong on Lambos, not your project car.
#5 – Clear Turn Signals
Clear turn signals might seem discreet but reduce visibility and safety. Replacing orange bulbs with clear ones hides turn intentions from other drivers. Beyond camouflaging important directional signals, clear lenses are banned in most areas because they compromise clarity.
Even though subtle lighting can accentuate the style of high-end vehicles, essential lighting should highlight function, not hide it. Clear turn signals blend in when standing out matters most.
#6 – Huge Stereo/Speaker Systems That Take Up the Entire Trunk
Even though massive audio systems can increase volume, they swallow up cargo space. While quality speakers enhance your ride’s acoustics, some DIY setups go too far.
Turning your entire trunk into a bass box might impress some, but it destroys utility. With barely room for a gym bag, form has gone too far before function. Even though wall-shaking decibels and ground-vibrating bass seem cool at first, you’ll probably regret losing practicality and your neighbors will hate you.
#7 – Empty Roof Boxes Just for Show
Slapping a cargo box on the roof just for the look hampers MPG without any added utility. While storage boxes increase carrying capacity if used correctly, empty shells just add unnecessary drag.
Beyond wasting fuel to carry useless air, they invite sharp eyes to laugh when spotting their hollow hype. Roof storage should showcase real capabilities, not fabricate them through visual trickery. Leave the roof rack off until it’s ready for real action.
#8 – Fake Brake Caliper Covers
Snapping decorative covers onto stock brake calipers strives to fake performance credibility. While upgraded calipers can improve braking, fake ones are all show. These slip-on shrouds aim to mimic the look of real big brake kits, but their pointless style fools no one.
Beyond useless aesthetics, they can reduce brake system cooling and even fall off while driving. Don’t pay for imitations that hinder your brakes. If upgraded stoppers are just for looks, consider using that money for real brake upgrades instead of fake caliper covers.
#9 – Spiked Lug Nuts
Hollow spiked lug nuts try to look mean without the messy drawbacks. But these faux-deadly wheel nut covers offer no benefit beyond questionable style points. While posing no puncture risk, they can still loosen and cause collateral damage to brakes and suspension.
And their imposing image invites similar legal pressure in some areas. If you want style points with your wheels, invest in real alloys, not plastic spikes. Leave the hostile lug nut look to movie villain cars, not your daily driver.
#10 – Massive Chrome Wheels
Bigger isn’t always better when it comes to chrome wheels. While larger diameter wheels can enhance performance if properly fitted, some go overboard with giant chrome rollers that look completely disproportionate. Oversized chrome wheels might shine, but they scream poor taste when they overshadow the rubber.
Beyond appearance, oversized wheels can reduce ride comfort, handling, and even fuel economy. Big shiny wheels also attract thieves. Instead of obnoxious huge chromes, invest those funds in appropriately sized lightweight alloys that actually improve your drive.
#11 – Non-Functional Hood Scoops
Though meant to look aerodynamic, non-functional hood scoops are all show and useless. These cosmetic additions try to mimic the appearance of real ram air intakes that force-feed the engine air. But without actually connecting to the air intake system, they serve no purpose beyond questionable style.
Plastic stick-on scoops only trigger laughter, not power. If the goal is improving engine breathing, save your money for legitimate performance upgrades that increase power. Otherwise, you end up with worthless fake vents that only drain your wallet.
#12 – Poorly Done Matte Paint Jobs
Even though matte paint can look amazing when done right, sloppy applications prove problematic. Achieving a smooth, flat finish requires meticulous prep and spray technique. But some overambitious DIYers end up with blotchy, uneven layers from a rattle can.
Beyond horrible aesthetics, defective matte paint lacks durability, causing damage from swirls, UV rays, and scratches. Spare your ride from being an eyesore and your wallet from redos. Stick to professionally applied paint or quality wraps instead of trying cheap matte.
#13 – Fake Vents
Fake vents are arguably one of the dumbest car mods. They strive to create a racy look, but these faux body additions are useless beyond appearances.
Unlike functional vents that actually ventilate engine compartments or wheel wells, fake vents are simply bolt-on posers. Without real openings or ducts, they serve no purpose other than questionable style attempts.
Besides looking obviously fake due to using plastic covers instead of cutting metal, they seem tacky and might even reduce aerodynamics. Don’t pay for useless embellishments that mimic real vents. If your fenders need venting, do it right or just leave them be.
#14 – Fake Exhaust Tips That Don’t Connect to the Exhaust
Chrome fake exhaust tips are harsh but literally exhaust no one. These slip-on shrouds only mimic the appearance of real exhaust pipes though not actually connected to the exhaust system. Without engine gases flowing through them, they’re all shine with no sting.
Beyond useless aesthetics, they can muffle actual exhaust noise, potentially signaling issues. Don’t pay for non-functional decor that masks your vehicle’s true voice. If your car needs more aggressive exhausts, go for real cat-back upgrades. Otherwise, fake tips will detect your fake status.
#15 – Spinner Rims
Wheels that keep spinning in place might dizzy spectators, but spinner rims serve no purpose in practice. These motorized kits allow stationary wheels to rotate around a fixed hub. Initially meant to keep chrome rims clean while parked, spinners have long outlived their limited utility.
Besides being outdated, they reduce real-world functionality by adding weight and complexity while hindering acceleration. Unless you want to perpetuate 2000s car culture nostalgia, leave spinners in the bling era.
#16 – Huge Exhaust Tips
Oversized exhaust tips strive to visually amplify engine power but often backfire. Massive exhaust outlets seem tough but often belong to anemic engines rather than high-horsepower monsters.
Like fake chrome tips, these coffee-can-sized shrouds often don’t connect to real exhaust pipes. They muffle the true engine sound while aiming to visually deceive. Big tips don’t equal big power. Only significant engine builds deserve large-sized exhausts. Go big under the hood before getting loud at the tail.
#17 – Squatted Trucks
Squatted trucks for the “Carolina Squat” or “Cali Lean” are a trend that deserves the boot. This stance lifts the front while lowering the rear, creating an awkward nose-high appearance.
Besides looking broken, it also harms performance by compromising weight distribution and suspension geometry. Plus, driver visibility is severely reduced. Due to the danger, many states have banned squatted trucks.
#18 – Exhaust Whistle Tip
Whistle tip exhausts aim to mimic turbos but usually just make noise in neighborhoods. These clamp-on devices fit existing exhaust outlets to add a high-pitched whistle during acceleration. But their auditory assault annoys more than it increases performance.
Besides irritating everyone within earshot, whistles can signal problematic backpressure from clogged exhausts.
#19 – Bullet Hole Decals
Don’t shoot your vehicle’s style in the foot with fake bullet impacts. These vinyl decals aim for danger but misfire horribly. Beyond questionable taste of fake gunfire, adhesive perforations devalue your vehicle’s appearance instead of enhancing its edginess. And ironically, real bullet damage would likely risk destroying your car rather than cleanly piercing it.
If your goal is an urban, authentic look, invest in quality wrap or paint work done by a skilled shop. Otherwise, ditch the tacky cosplay and aim for real automotive aggression through performance upgrades.
#20 – Obnoxiously Loud Mufflers and Exhausts
Exhaust systems that shatter eardrums might seem cool but are more nuisance than upgrade. While properly tuned exhausts enhance performance and responsiveness, overly loud setups push noise pollution too far.
Beyond annoying entire neighborhoods, extremely loud mufflers often backfire, signaling engine issues needing tuning, not deafening decibels. On top of that, your chances of receiving heavy fines and citations for violating local noise ordinances increase significantly.
#21 – Window Tint That’s Too Dark
While light to moderate tint levels are a great way to enhance your vehicle’s appearance, overly dark windows increase risks as well as style. Legal limits exist for good reason: excessive tint dangerously reduces visibility, especially at night. But even when accepted, blackout tint screams overkill rather than tasteful accent.
Beyond endangering safety for imagined menace, complete light blocking ruins your vehicle’s exterior aesthetics. Consider balancing slightly darker rear tints with clearer fronts for enhanced style without driving blind.
#22 – Distracting Interior LED Lighting
