Automotive Business Review February 2015 | Page 51

LAUNCHES • REVIEWS • MOTORSPORT

What’s

the

REV?

| by Jeff Osborne

Industry snippets and quick news about
launches, reviews, motorsport

Should we clamp down on modified cars?
but bear in mind that those
parts have been exposed
to the elements and may
become hazardous.”

Many Capetonians have
had their license discs
removed by the City’s traffic
department as officers
clamp down on modified
vehicles. The automotive
industry is still divided
over whether or not this is
justified.

In addition, new and
overhauled engines have
to be legally obtained.
“All engines and chassis
must have VIN numbers
or other forms of
identification – do not
purchase any part that
cannot be identified.”

“I am certainly in favour of
anything that makes our
roads safer, however, if a
modification is done safely
and within guidelines,
and if the vehicle has
passed a roadworthy
test, I see no reason to
victimise the owners of
modified vehicles,” says
Jeff Osborne, head of
Gumtree Automotive.
“Cars are more than a
mode of transportation.

➲

Many enthusiasts enjoy modifying or
restoring cars as a hobby and there is
a booming aftermarket industry as a
result. Some individuals modify their
cars for professional racing and rarely
drive them on the open road except
when en route to the track.”
Any modification, including larger
exhausts or fittings not specified by the
car’s manufacturer or not completed by
an individual with a letter of authority
by aforementioned manufacturer, may
lead to the vehicle being declared
unroadworthy, according to city
officials.
Osborne says that the city may very
well be making scapegoats of the
owners of modified vehicles in order to
clamp down on street racing.
“Illegal racing is a big concern and
many modifications – including lowering
of vehicles – are associated with the
activity. However, modification and
racing do not always go together.”
Gumtree alone has over 10,000
automotive parts and accessories for

Similarly, if you are
planning on fitting a
custom body kit to your
car (even one that you’ve
made yourself) it must
be done by a licensed
professional. “Loose parts
Discreetly modified road cars, like this Chrysler, are difficult to
persecute at face-value
are particularly dangerous
and it is important to
adhere to guidelines in
terms of specifications.”
sale in the Western Cape, and Osborne
believes that aftermarket manufacturers
Osborne says there are several dangerous
will be equally impacted by the
but common modifications spotted on the
clampdowns.
roads, including:
“A distinction should be drawn
•
Large exhausts: “The trend is to make
between responsible and irresponsible
your car as noisy as possible, but
modifications.
this can actually impact your car’s
There are many ill-maintained cars on the
performance.”
road made up of only original parts that are
•
Car electrics: “You should not attempt
neither roadworthy nor safe at all, and the
to DIY your car’s electrical system – if
opposite could be said of certain modified
you fail to provide proper insulation or
cars.
overload the circuits, the result could
be a hazardous engine fire.”
In fact, in some cases modifications
•
Too much power: “Many people buy
improve the vehicle by introducing
simplistic, small cars and then fit
stronger or uprated parts, reducing fuel
bigger, more powerful engines. Bear in
consumption or shortening braking
mind that your brakes won’t be able to
distance.”
handle the power hike – a new engine
But, he cautions, there are a few safety
may require a complete overhaul of
guidelines and regulations that must be
brakes and suspension.”
adhered to before tinkering with your cars’
Osborne advises all modification hobbyists
engine.
to gather the necessary paperwork required
“It is important to use quality parts from a
and to consult the traffic department before
reputable manufacturer,” says Osborne.
attempting modifications.
“It’s not uncommon for cars that have
“It is better to err on the side of caution in
stood on cinder blocks in someone’s back
this case,” he concludes.
yard for months being broken up for parts,

| Wheels in Action

49

FEBRUARY 2015