Car Tuning

Car tuning is both an industry and a hobby, in which a car is modified in order to improve its performance, handling and looks and improve the owner's driving style. As most cars leave the factory set up for average driver expectations and average conditions, tuning has become a way to personalize the characteristics of the vehicle to the owner's preference. For example, cars may be altered to provide better fuel economy, produce more power at high revolutions or the ride comfort may be sacrificed to provide better handling.

There are several types of car tuning, each of them involves the modification in a special part of a car. Audio tuning can involve anything from the upgrade of the radio to a full-blown customization of a car based around its audio equipment. Interior tuning is a term used for modifying of the interior of a car. Car tuners usually install new turbochargers, modify the car's engine cooling unit, replace the air filters but they could also install a more powerful engine on the cars they modify. As for suspension tuning, shorter springs offer an improved lowered look and a lower center of gravity. Stiffer sway bars reduce body roll during cornering, thus improving the grip that the tires have on the surface; this improves handling response. Body tuning is done to improve the aerodynamic performance of a vehicle or to lighten the vehicle through replacing bodywork components such as hoods and rear view mirrors with components made from lighter composites.

Car tuning is related to auto racing, although most performance cars never compete. Rather they are built for the pleasure of owning and driving such a vehicle. Another major aspect of tuning includes performance modification to the car exterior. This includes changing the aerodynamic characteristics of the vehicle via side skirts, front and rear bumpers, adding spoilers, splitters, air vents and lightweight wheels.

“Streeted” or “Tuner Cars” are Japanese imports, such as a Toyota Supra, Mazda RX-7, Subaru Impreza and the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution series. These cars are most commonly modified with the more expensive mods available. The most popular modifications include suspension upgrades, exhaust systems, and turbos.

Many countries have legal requirements with regard to what car owners can and can't do in relation to vehicle modifications. For example, all vehicles in Victoria, Australia, must conform to construction standards to ensure vehicles provide drivers and passengers with a maximum level of safety. There are also restrictions for drivers which can prevent young people from driving modified vehicles. In the UK it is illegal for any car to have blue lights as they are used by the emergency vehicles. In Scotland and Denmark it is illegal for any car to have neon underlights on a car as it distracts other drivers. In the Netherlands neon is allowed under the car but only when the car is on display, if the car is on a public road the lights have to be switched off.

ANSWER THE QUESTIONS: 1. What does the term “car tuning” refer to? 2. What are the reasons for car modifying? 3. Choose one of the tuning types and describe it. 4. How can we call a tuned car? 5. Why are there legal requirements for modifying the car? Prove your opinion.