Tuning: definition, regulation and price

Car tuning consists of personalizing and modifying a vehicle to improve its style, power, or performance. It can be worn both outside and inside the car, as well as on its auto parts. However, this is regulated by the regulations so that the vehicle can still be driven on public roads.

🚘 What is tuning?

Le setting it is the personalization of the vehicle, whether it be a car, a motorcycle, etc. It matches all the modifications that can be made to a production vehicle to personalize its style as well as to improve its performance.

Therefore, tuning can include the installation of elements located both outside the car (body, wheels, spoiler, etc.) and inside (seats, steering wheel, etc.). This can also apply to mechanical and electronic parts.

The parts most often changed in tuning are the engine to improve the performance of the car without violating traffic laws, and the appearance of the car: doors, spoiler, wheels, rims or windows.

In fact, there are many different types and styles of customization, often from different countries. The practice of tuning originated in the United States with Hot rods, Fords that were used in street racing. The cars have been modified to be as light as possible and have better aerodynamics.

Subsequently, other tuning styles appeared in America, for example, pro-tourist, which applies in particular to older muscle cars, the suspension, brakes and mechanics of which have been modified to provide the comfort and performance of a modern car.

You can also mention lowridingdeveloped by Latinos in the western United States and featured prominently in cinema. This type of tuning consists of equipping the car with a hydraulic suspension so that it can go up, down or even jump.

We also sometimes talk about the German tuning, which means a sober and uniform tuning, about the Spanish, Italian or French tuning, depending on the country of origin of the style. Finally, we sometimes hear the term jackie tuning, a derogatory word for a vehicle that has been poorly tuned or tastelessly tuned.

📝 What are the customization rules?

Tuning is about modifying your production vehicle to personalize it both in terms of engine power and performance and appearance. However, tuning runs the risk of making your car incompatible with French regulations, especially if modifications involve mechanical or electronic components.

Any modification is free as long as dimensions and technical characteristics The car is not finalized. Know that you are free to change the accessories of your car, that is, items related to comfort, interior or sound system, as long as you do not change the car's own weight and that you do not overload it. its size.

Thus, you cannot freely install a new spoiler, but you can freely change the sound system of the car as long as it does not increase its curb weight.

Anything that falls under "The transformation is noticeable"that is, modifications to the engine, tires, chassis, brakes, etc. must be entered on your vehicle's registration document after approval by the Regional Office for Environment, Development and Housing (DREAL).

Traffic rules indicatearticle R321-16 elements whose modification is to be subject to a new homologation. We find, for example:

• Engine ;
• Chassis;
• Wheelbase;
• Pendants;
• Wheels and tires;
• Direction ;
• Lighting.

Some items are governed by their own rules, such as headlights and windows. Thus, you must follow the opacity rules if you can install tinted windows, and lighting if you plan to modify the lighting.

Whichever modification you wish to make, you must ensure that matching accessories which must comply with French law. Pay special attention to the origin of your parts, which may not comply with French regulations.

Finally, pay attention tocar insurance... Even if your tuning complies with French car regulations, car modifications may not be covered by your insurance contract. In this case, insurance may refuse to cover your vehicle.

Failure to comply with these rules may result in refusal of technical control, a fine or even immobilization of the vehicle.

📍 Where to tune the car?

In accordance with French regulations, it is highly recommended that you entrust the tuning of your vehicle to a specialist. professional... He will monitor road traffic regulations and install relevant parts in France when he modifies your vehicle.

With the development of tuning and its evolution in recent years, many professionals now work in France. However, make sure it is valid. licensed professional to make sure your vehicle is homologated after tuning.

💰 How much does tuning a car cost?

The tuning price, of course, depends on the modification of the car. Generally, tuning is expensive. On average, you need a budget of 3000 € personalize your car. Of course, everything is possible with tuning! So, count for example:

• From 200 to 600 € tint windows;
• 100 to 700 € for car spoiler;
• 50 to 900 € for rims;
• 700 € on average for the body kit.

That's it, now you know everything about car tuning! As you can imagine, this is a legal but regulated practice in France. Therefore, we advise you to contact an approved professional (body builder, etc.) to make any changes to your vehicle.