Think twice before you Huat! Tempting vehicle modifications that are prohibited in Singapore

Arguably one of the key visual upgrades if drivers intend to achieve a Group B rally car vibe. Drivers can install spot lamps, but they have to be covered up. We reckon that there might be classic Porsches and MINIs, or even rally-inspired JDM machines rocking the look with a couple (or even four!) spot lamps positioned just under the front grille or on the roof, but they have to be off duty, and purely for aesthetic purposes.

We can envision scenarios where drivers show up at car meets in the wee hours of the morning, switching on decorative LED strips that illuminate the front grille and undercarriage. Yes, they can be deactivated at a flick of a switch, but distractions will arise that cause glare for fellow road users even for a split-second. Neon LED strips are best left at home (literally), concealed behind your computer’s external monitor to enhance your WFH setup.

A subtle addition that might entice drivers to take the plunge, but they will not be tolerated by eagle-eyed authorities. Tow hooks are sharp and understandably very sturdy, as they are bolted to the frame of the vehicle. We agree that a decked-out Ford Ranger Raptor with front and rear tow hooks exude unwavering muscular appeal, but they do endanger fellow road users and pedestrians due to the sharp nature of the object. Keen drivers might be tempted to install racing-style tow hooks to get them out of sticky situations on track days (once border restrictions ease), but they are best utilised exclusively during track sessions, isolated from local tarmac.

We have encountered noise from commercial trailers’ air horns registering well over 140 decibels (dB) from other markets - a harrowing experience we hope that you will never ever come across. Noise from a typical car horn ranges from 100 - 110 dB. For reference, noise over 70 dB over a prolonged period of time may damage our hearing. Temptations to install air horns abound given that it could be a rational self-defense “weapon”, but with decibel levels that can awaken an entire neighborhood, we might even place our bets on fellow road users engaging in counter-intuitive evasive actions.

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Credits: Gerald Yuen