Understanding Car Modification In Australia

There are always ways to make your car look, feel and drive better, whether it's a simple spray job or something more substantial such as modifying the engine. However, before you spray your car, lower it or add some horse power to the engine it is the car owner's responsibility to make sure the car is legal and roadworthy. Be aware that government laws and restrictions may be different from state to state and you must inform your car insurance company of any modifications you make.

 As you might expect, minor mods such as fitting a stereo, sunroof or driving lights are allowed. However, its always a good idea to check with the RTA and then your car insurance company. More substantial modifications such as adding spoilers, mag wheels, spinners, or rims are again worth checking out. Certain things such as engine parts sticking out of the bonnet aren't allowed.

 Under the bonnet
 Most engine modifications are allowed as long all smoke and noise control equipment remains in place, connected, unmodified and of course, in working order.

 Engine modifications are not allowed to make your vehicle pump out smoke or make it noisy. Any engine work must be within the manufacturer limits and if the modifications mean there is an increase in your car's power, then other things such as brake performance and suspension may also need to be upgraded and an engineer's certificate might be needed.

 Bodywork
 Avoid any fittings or modifications that might reduce the car's strength or safety levels. Inside and outside the car, avoid exposed sharp edges, pointed protrusions or anything that may be hazardous to your passengers or other road users are not allowable.

 Spoilers: Drivers can add front and rear spoilers, bolt-on fibreglass or metal guards only so far as they don't have any dangerous protrusions.

 Bonnet scoops: Allowed but it cant obscure the driver's view of the road.

 Sunroof: If you're thinking of installing a sunroof, make sure the structural braces in the roof aren't weakened, and make sure there aren't any projections that might come into contact with your passengers.

 Steering
 When replacing the steering wheel, you need to check with the supplier or the RTA that the car will still comply with rego requirements because by altering the diameter of the steering wheel it will affect the driver's control of the car. For example, if you reduce the diameter it may increase the steering effort required by the driver plus more kick-back from bumps in the road will be felt.

 Wheels and tyres
 Wheels can be increased by a maximum of 26mm more than the standard or optional wheels that came with the car. Tyres or wheels mustn't protrude outside of the vehicle bodywork or come into contact with any steering or suspension component or any part of the body.

 Seatbelts
 Seatbelts cannot be replaced with different styles of seatbelts  check out seatbelt covers instead.

 Dash Panel
 Instruments such as radios, tachometers or switches are okay as long as they aren't fitted to the padded portion of the dashboard. Cutting away the dash padding isn't acceptable either!

 Window Tinting
 Window tinting or window film is okay so long as it does not limit your view of the road, pedestrians, cyclists or other vehicles. Tinting that is overly dark, streaky, defective or is reflective and mirror-like is not allowed. A tinted band along the top of the front windscreen is permissible but it must not extend any lower than the upper 10% of the windscreen.

 LED Lights
 Be aware that there are a lot of restrictions when using non-essential LED lights connected to windscreen wipers, under the car or inside.

 Suspension
 Upgraded shocks and springs, sway bars or tramp rods can be used as long as they are suitable for the car type and get fitted properly. Only the wheels are allowed to contact the road surface and not any suspension parts

 Easy Modifications
 There are lots of simple things you can do to add some personal style to your car such as getting a customized number plate is an inexpensive touch. Consider getting your car airbrushed from a reputable airbrush shop or vinyl stick-on decals which can be fixed to your cars bodywork. Attach stylish wheel covers to recreate the look of more expensive mags. Lastly, fix on some branded mud flaps, car mats or car seat covers to stamp your style on your car.

Quality Car Seats

I can tell you from experience, there's a lot of shopping to do when a new baby is on the way! For a while I thought the list was endless: a crib, bassinet, changing table, swing, walker, clothes, high chair, toys, stroller, car seat, on and on. And that's not to mention maternity clothes for Mom-to-be!

There might be a lot of items on the list, but one of the most important things you're going to buy for your baby is a car seat. In fact, a lot of hospitals make sure you have proper car seat equipment before you even take the baby home for the first time.

Of course we all hope that the car seats for our children are never put to theseat test. In case the worst happens, though, buying a new car seat makes sure that your child will be as safe as possible. Car seat manufacturers are required to meet strict safety guidelines, and car seat makers like Britax are always refining their designs with new innovations to make your child as safe as possible.

An industry standard that has been introduced a few years ago is called LATCH. It stands for "Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren." It has not only increased the safety of child car seats, but made it easier to install and remove them also.

The system dictates that car makers provide standardized mounting points for car seats, and car seat manufacturers put accommodating mounting points on their car seats also. Everybody wins! Your child is safer and you are happy with the ease of use.

New car seat models from makers such as Britax not only comply with the LATCH requirements, but they often have additional safety features. For instance, a number of models from Britax offer a supplemental upper anchor called Versa Tether which provides more security and minimizes the possibility of head injury.

There is no one car seat that is the "safest" or "best." The best and safest car seat is the one that fits your child correctly and is installed and secured properly, every time you drive. And speaking of proper use, remember to never place a rear-facing car seat in the front seat of a car that has a passenger air bag. For that matter, all children under the age of thirteen are safer in the back seat.

The saying "they don't make 'em like they used to" could certainly apply to car seats! Technology and research have definitely played a central role in the evolution of child car seats, to the benefit of everyone. Give your child every advantage and make sure they are protected by a new car seat designed with their safety and comfort in mind.

Car Theft Prevention Methods

Car theft is a very prevalent crime across our nation and needs to be stopped. Auto theft is considered the attempt to take or the actual stealing of a motor vehicle that does not belong to you. Automobile theft not only causes a problem for the owner of the car, but also causes many economic problems. This form of theft can also be extremely dangerous if the thief who steals the vehicle decides to drive recklessly, which is often the case.

Even though we have law enforcement that is out there trying to put a stop to these devastating crimes, there are many things that we as citizens can look for and do to help prevent automobile theft. Being able to identify the methods that car thief's use to steal automobiles and the reasons why they steal them will help you defend your vehicle from a criminal act.

One of the first precautions that you can use to fend off an intruder from your vehicle is to make sure that all valuables and possessions are out a plain view. If a criminal sees a purse, jewelry,like necklace, ring,  CDs, sunglasses, electronic equipment such as an iPod, satellite radio, or CD player, or any other sort of item that may make them curious, they will be more likely to break into your vehicle. Making sure that these sorts of possessions are hidden under the seat, in the trunk, in the glove compartment, or removed from the automobile altogether will limit your chances of having your car burglarized.

Many people often lock their keys in their cars and need a way to be able to remove them from inside of the vehicle, so to aid in this problem they keep a key on the outside of their automobile. Driver's that are prone to locking their keys in their cars often purchase a small, metal box used to house a spare key. The box containing the key is then placed on the outside of the vehicle so that the driver is able to regain access once they have been locked out. Most auto owners that decide to exercise this precaution so that they are able to get back into their vehicles do not exercise the same preventative measure when finding a hiding place for the spare key. Spare keys are often hidden under the front or back bumper, on the side of or behind a trailer hitch, or just under the car. While you could get creative and find a unique place to hide a spare key it is best to just not keep one of the outside of your vehicle at all. Most thieves are experts in finding these keys that give them easy access into your automobile.

Practicing these preventative measures can help to ensure that your car is one less that is stolen. If more citizens do there part we can help decrease the number of car thefts.

Customize Your Car, Truck And Suvs With A Body Kit

A bodykit or body kit is an assortment of outside modifications to a car, truck and SUVs; it is typically composed of front as well as rear bumpers, side skirts, spoilers, sometimes front & rear side guards and roof scoops.

 A car, truck or SUVs looks more aerodynamic, modified as well as exclusive because of just some exterior modifications. It can be accomplished by installation of a body kit. This body kit is usually made up of a rear bumper, custom front bumper and two side skirts. But some full blown customizations also contain front & rear lips, spoilers, fender extenders, carbon fiber hoods, air scoops, and "Lambo doors", amongst others.

 Body kits work ahead of just altering the way your vehicle looks and it also helps to cut drag and to give your vehicle smooth remuneration. With installation of the body kit car, truck and SUVs will get better mileage and it also play vital role to improve the handling. Side skirts, an air dam and ground effects of body kit help to minimize the flow of air under the vehicle and make the car hug the ground. Further rear spoilers are also used to build a good grip in duration of acceleration.

 In spite of make or model Japanese, American and European vehicles with inclusion of SUVs, cars and trucks are being fitted with body kits to modify not only their look but to improve performance as well. Even though, conventional body kits are prepared with a front bumper, side skirts & a rear bumper; however there are some kits available which have a total of nine pieces. Extra accessories also exist for to have enhanced look as well as performance of most automobiles.

 There are many online sources available for cheap body kits and they offer body kits for cars, truck and SUVs. They also provide Carbon fiber hoods, Carbon hoods, Vertical doors, Lambo doors and more. Car body kit includes BMW body kits, Mercedes body kits, Honda body kits, Lexus body kits and more. You can also have a choice of led tail lights, projector head lights, mustang body kits, truck body kits and more.

 Polyurethane, Fiberglass and carbon fiber are the most popular resources which have been used to form the body kits. Fiberglass is the one of the cheapest materials out of the three in terms of mechanized cost and generally it provide a perfect fit regardless of the vehicle. In comparison to fiberglass, polyurethane is more flexible as well as more immune to damage and does not crack like fiberglass in cold weather. Lastly body kits made of polyurethane are indisputably quite luxurious. Carbon fiber body kits are uncommonness but offer an exclusive look and help to diminish the overall weight of the vehicle. In the majority cases, a high quality fiberglass body kit will be the best bang for your buck.