Aftermarket Body Kits & Ground Effects

What do you know about car body kits?

Customing bumper or adding vertical doors to your car are very different aftermarket changes, but what is common among all of them is that they are car body kits. In other words, they are changes or additions made to the external body of a vehicle.

Car body kits can be as simple as adding a new spoiler or set of side skirts; or they can be as extreme as changing the entire look of the car with a new bumper, fenders, grille, and hood. They can also include functional components like air dams and splitters that improve aerodynamics and cooling, respectively.

Body kits often give cars a more aggressive look, and can make them stand out from the crowd. But before you start shopping for a kit, it's important to understand that not all body kits are created equal. Some are made from lower-quality materials that are more prone to cracking and fading, while others use premium materials that will last for years.

Usually, car body kits are preferred by those drivers who desire to change or improve the look of their cars or those who want to add functionality. But regardless of your reasons for wanting a body kit, be sure to do your research and buy one that's right for you and your car.

Car Body Kits terminology and definitions

Are body kits permanent?

Many wide-body kits are actually permanent and require special tools for installation. However, there are also a number of bolt-ons and clip-on body kits that can be installed without making any permanent changes to your car. These are usually cheaper and easier to install, but they might not provide the same level of performance or durability as a permanent kit.

What materials are the best for body kit?

Carbon or other composites are the best for body kits. They are light and strong and can be molded into any shape. Fiberglass is another good option, although it is not as strong or lightweight as carbon fiber. ABS plastic is also a good choice, but it is not as durable as the other two options.

Are wide body kits a reliable option?

Wide body kits can sometimes negatively affect the reliability of a car. In some cases, the extra weight of the wide body kit can put strain on the engine and suspension. It's best to consult with a professional before installing a wide body kit to make sure it won't adversely affect your car's reliability.

What are the different types of car body kits?

Depending on the purpose of your boost, there are several types of kits available in the market. The first and most popular types are those that enhance the look of your car. These usually comprise of a new front and rear bumper, side skirts, spoilers, and sometimes even new lights. If you want to make your car look more aggressive and sporty, this is the right kit for you.

Then there are kits that improve the performance of your car. These usually come with bigger and better brakes, suspension upgrades, and sometimes even engine mods. If you're looking to take your car to the track or just want it to handle better on the road, this is the kit for you. Finally, there are kits that do both – they improve the looks as well as the performance of your car. If you want the best of both worlds, this is the kit for you.

In general, all car body kits can be divided into main categories:

- Lip Kits: they improve the look of your car without affecting its performance. In general, they include a new front and rear bumper, side skirts, and sometimes even new lights. Drivers can buy lip kits to make their cars look more aggressive and sporty.
- Bumper Kits: this type features a new front and rear bumper. In addition, some kits also include side skirts. Bumper kits are designed to improve the look of your car. However, they can also affect its aerodynamics.
- Wide-body Kits: if you want to make your car look wider, you need to install a wide-body kit. They consist of a new front and rear bumper, side skirts, wheel arches, and sometimes even a new hood. Wide-body kits are usually installed on sports cars, though if you want to make your car look unique, you can also install them on regular cars.
- Full Body Kits: as we described previously, full body kits include all the elements of a wide-body kit. In addition, they also feature a new hood and sometimes even a new grille. Drivers who decide to install full-body kits usually want to make their cars look completely different.

Another classification concerns materials, such as:

- Fiberglass body kit: drivers can install fiberglass body kits without affecting their car's paint job. In addition, fiberglass is a very lightweight material, which means that your car will be lighter and faster. However, fiberglass is also fragile and it can break easily.
- Polyurethane kits: these are more durable than fiberglass kits, but they are also heavier. In addition, polyurethane is a material that can be painted, which means that you can match your car's paint job.
- Carbon fibre kit: when it comes to carbon fiber, it is the most expensive material for car body kits. Carbon fiber is very light and strong, which makes it the best choice for drivers who want to improve their car's performance. However, carbon fiber is also very difficult to work with and it can be easily damaged.

Now that you know the different types of car body kits, you need to decide which one is right for you. If you want to make your car look more aggressive and sporty, you should go for a lip kit or a bumper kit. If you're looking to improve your car's performance, you should go for a kit that includes suspension upgrades or engine mods. And if you want the best of both worlds, you should go for a full-body kit. Whichever kit you choose, make sure to get it from a reputable manufacturer to ensure that it is of high quality.

How to choose the right body kit for your needs?

When picking up a body kit, the first thing you need to consider is what your purpose is. Are you looking for a cosmetic upgrade or a performance one? If you just want to make your car look good, then a cosmetic body kit will do the trick. These usually comprise of a new front and rear bumper, side skirts, spoilers, and sometimes even new lights.

On the other hand, if you're looking to take your car to the track or just want it to handle better on the road, then a performance-enhancing body kit is what you need. These usually come with bigger and better brakes, suspension upgrades, and sometimes even engine mods.

Once you've decided on the purpose of your body kit, the next thing you need to consider is your budget. Body kits can range from a few hundred dollars to several thousand, so it's important to know how much you're willing to spend before you start shopping around. If you're on a tight budget, you might want to consider buying a used body kit or just picking up a few parts instead of the whole kit.

Finally, make sure to do your research and buy from a reputable supplier to ensure that you get the best quality product for your money. There are plenty of cheap body kits out there, but they're usually made from inferior materials and won't stand up to the rigors of regular use. Spend a little extra now and you'll be glad you did later.