Types of tuning

Having become the proud owner of a new car, a driver first sorts out all the necessary legal formalities, such as third-party liability insurance, comprehensive cover and registering the car with the police. Then comes the stage of testing the car and getting used to it. And then the driver realises that something is missing from the car's base spec, and the time comes for tuning.

All tuning methods can be split into three main types, based on the tasks they solve. The first type of tuning is technical. It's meant to improve the car's technical characteristics. This is achieved by fitting a sports suspension, more powerful headlights, upgrading the engine and so on. This also covers fitting roof racks, meant to increase the volume of cargo the car can carry. When technical tuning is carried out, extra parts are fitted to the car, or existing parts are swapped for more reliable and functional ones.

The second type of tuning is practical. It raises the level of comfort for the driver and passengers, so it mostly concerns fitting out the cabin. This includes seat organisers with plenty of pockets, a steering-wheel tray table, more powerful audio and climate systems, and so on.

Some tuning elements fall into both of the types mentioned above at once, since they serve practical and technical functions simultaneously. Side steps, for example, not only make it easier to get into the car but also protect it in the event of a side impact.

The third and rarest type of tuning is aesthetic (airbrushing). Of course, painting a car any colour you like is no problem today, but a single colour won't make your car stand out. Only a beautiful, multicoloured design on the body, created by a professional artist, can do that.

It has to be said that the era of mass, homemade tuning is now behind us, with the exception, of course, of airbrushing. Practically every major, reputable carmaker now offers a whole arsenal of fittings for various types of tuning for their own models. This approach has two advantages. First, genuine parts from the carmaker fit the car well and are easy to mount and just as easy to remove if needed. Second, they work reliably and guarantee safety, which matters especially for technical tuning.