Can car modification in India land you into trouble? Learn more here!

There are numerous types of car modifications that can be made to a vehicle. Some common types of car modifications are:

1. Engine modifications: This involves upgrading the engine components, such as the intake system, exhaust system, or turbocharger, to increase the vehicle's horsepower and torque.

2. Suspension modifications: This involves upgrading the suspension system, such as shocks, springs, and sway bars, to improve the handling, stability, and performance of the vehicle.

3. Brake upgrades: This involves upgrading the brake system, such as brake pads, brake rotors, and brake lines, to improve the stopping power and performance of the vehicle.

4. Exterior modifications: This involves modifying the exterior of the vehicle, such as adding body kits, spoilers, and custom paint jobs, to improve the appearance and aerodynamics of the vehicle.

5. Interior modifications: This involves modifying the interior of the vehicle, such as adding custom seats, steering wheels, and audio systems, to improve the comfort and convenience of the vehicle.

6. Wheels and tires: This involves upgrading the wheels and tires of the vehicle to improve the handling, traction, and appearance of the vehicle.

7. Lighting upgrades: This involves upgrading the lighting system, such as headlights, taillights, and fog lights, to improve the visibility and appearance of the vehicle.

It is important to note that some modifications may not be legal or safe, so it is recommended to consult with a professional before making any modifications to your vehicle.

In India, car modifications are regulated by the Central Motor Vehicles Rules, 1989 (CMVR). These rules specify the standards that a vehicle must comply with in order to be registered for use on Indian roads.

Modifying a car in a way that violates these rules can result in fines, impounding of the vehicle, and even cancellation of the registration. Some common modifications that are not allowed under these rules include:

1. Changing the engine capacity or power output of the vehicle.
2. Altering the chassis or body structure of the vehicle.
3. Installing tinted or coloured films on the front and rear windshields and windows.
4. Using unauthorised or modified exhaust systems that exceed the permissible noise levels.
5. Installing additional lights that are not in compliance with the CMVR guidelines.
6. Fitting oversized or undersized tires that do not comply with the manufacturer's specifications.

It is always recommended to consult with a professional before making any modifications to your car in order to ensure that they comply with the regulations.

The penalties for car modifications in India can include:

1. A fine: The offender can be fined up to Rs. 5,000 for the first offense, and up to Rs. 10,000 for any subsequent offenses.

2. Vehicle impounding: The police can impound the vehicle if it is found to be in violation of the CMVR rules.

3. Cancellation of registration: The registration of the vehicle can be canceled if the modifications are found to be in violation of the CMVR rules.

4. Seizure of the vehicle: The police can seize the modified parts of the vehicle if they are found to be in violation of the CMVR rules.

It is important to note that the penalties can vary depending on the nature and extent of the modifications made to the vehicle. Therefore, it is recommended to seek professional guidance before making any modifications to your vehicle to ensure that they comply with the regulations.

Car body wrapping is not a violation of the Central Motor Vehicles Rules, 1989 (CMVR) in India, as long as it does not alter the original color or pattern of the vehicle.

However, if the car wrap changes the original color or pattern of the vehicle, it would be considered a violation of the CMVR rules. According to the CMVR, any change in the color of the vehicle needs to be approved by the Regional Transport Office (RTO), and the owner needs to obtain a new registration certificate with the updated color information.

Additionally, if the car wrap contains any content that is deemed to be offensive or violates any laws or regulations, it could result in penalties and legal consequences.

Therefore, it is always recommended to consult with a professional before applying a car wrap to ensure that it complies with the CMVR rules.

The Skoda Superb - L&K Vs. Sportline - India

Brief history about Skoda and it's flagship "Superb"

Skoda Superb is a luxury sedan produced by the Czech automaker Skoda Auto since 2001. The name 'Superb' was first used by Skoda for a luxury car that it produced in the 1930s and 1940s. The modern Skoda Superb was introduced in 2001 as a flagship model to replace the Skoda Octavia. It was based on the Volkswagen Group's B5 platform and was initially available in both sedan and estate body styles.

The Skoda Superb has since undergone several updates and redesigns, with the third-generation model launched in 2015. The current model is based on the Volkswagen Group's MQB platform and is available with a range of petrol and diesel engine options.

Laurin & Klement (L&K) is a historic Czech automobile manufacturer that was founded in 1895 by Vaclav Klement and Vaclav Laurin in the town of Mlada Boleslav, which is now the headquarters of Skoda Auto. The company started out as a bicycle manufacturer before transitioning to producing motorcycles and automobiles.

Laurin & Klement produced its first car, the Voiturette A, in 1905. The company quickly gained a reputation for producing high-quality cars that were popular in Europe and beyond. In 1925, Laurin & Klement merged with Skoda, another Czech automobile manufacturer, to form Skoda-Laurin & Klement.

The Skoda Superb L&K is a special variant of the Skoda Superb that is named in honor of the company's founders. It is the top-of-the-line variant of the Superb and comes with a range of premium features and finishes, including leather upholstery, wood accents, and advanced safety and entertainment systems. The Skoda Superb L&K was first introduced in 2002 and has since become a popular luxury sedan in many markets around the world.

The Skoda Superb is a classy sedan with a bling value in India and is available in two variants, including the L&K and Sportline. Here are some key differences to consider when comparing the Skoda Superb L&K and Sportline:

1. Design: The L&K variant of the Superb has a more classic and elegant design with chrome accents and a sleeker grille, while the Sportline has a more aggressive and sporty design with a blacked-out grille, larger air intakes and blacked-out elements.

2. Performance: Both variants of the Superb are available with a 2.0 Litre Turbocharged petrol engines producing 188 bhp @ 4200 rpm and 320 Nm @ 1450 rpm of max power and max torque respectively. Unlike the Sportline variant sold in Europe region which has a sport-tuned suspension, larger wheels, and a more responsive steering setup, making it a more engaging car to drive than the L&K variant - the India variant unfortunately, has no performance worthy differences whatsoever!

3. Features: The L&K variant is the top-of-the-line variant and comes with features such as an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, panoramic sunroof, ventilated front seats, and adaptive dampers. The Sportline variant is more focused on performance and comes with features such as sports seats, paddle shifters, and a sportier instrument cluster.

4. Additional features: Incidentally, the L&K variant is provided with three driving modes namely, Normal, Eco and Sport mode. They are for dynamics lights, aircon, steering weight and throttle sensitivity. Surprisingly, the Sportline variant misses on this and the TPMS (Tire pressure monitoring system) which the L&K conveniently provides!

5. Price: The L&K variant is typically more expensive at Rs. 43 Lakhs on-road Delhi than the Sportline variant Rs. 37 Lakhs OTR Delhi due to its higher-end features and premium design.

6. Comfort and Space: Both variants of the Superb offer spacious and comfortable interiors with plenty of legroom and headroom. However, the L&K variant has a more luxurious and premium feel, with leather upholstery and more advanced features such as the adaptive dampers, making it more comfortable for long journeys.

April 2023 will see the second and more stringent phase of BS6 emission norms get implemented within the country. While we’ll see many cars get upgraded to satisfy them, a couple of models are going to be discontinued thanks to the high cost of upgrading or thanks to them simply not bringing enough sales to form them viable. The primary car we all know which is going to be discontinued is the Skoda Octavia. The Superb (if we were to believe the sales teams in dealerships) will continue to sell with an engine upgraded to meet BS VI norms in India.

The car definitely gives a run for the money to the cars in the next class, sharing the same engine setup with a different tune - the Audi A4 and the Audi A6. It surely justifies it name - The Superb! Ultimately, the choice between the Skoda Superb L&K and Sportline variants depends on your individual requirements and preferences. If you prioritize luxury, comfort, and advanced features, the L&K variant would definately be a better option. If you value a sporty design, (with no specific performance variance) the Sportline variant may be more suitable for you.

What are naturally aspirated car engines?

A naturally aspirated engine is an internal combustion engine that draws in air through the normal atmospheric pressure and does not rely on any form of forced induction such as a turbocharger or a supercharger. In a naturally aspirated engine, the air is drawn into the engine through the intake manifold and mixed with fuel in the combustion chamber.

Naturally aspirated cars, or non-turbocharged cars, have some unique benefits that make them attractive to drivers who value a different kind of driving experience. Here are some benefits of naturally aspirated cars:

1. Simplicity: Naturally aspirated engines are less complex than turbocharged engines, which can make them more reliable and easier to maintain over the long term.

2. Linear power delivery: Naturally aspirated engines tend to deliver power in a more linear way, which can make them easier to control and more predictable in certain driving situations.

3. Lower cost: Since naturally aspirated engines are simpler and require fewer components, they are generally less expensive to produce and maintain than turbocharged engines.

4. Lower fuel consumption: Naturally aspirated engines can be more fuel-efficient than turbocharged engines, especially in city driving conditions where the benefits of a turbocharger may not be as significant.

5. Better throttle response: Naturally aspirated engines typically respond more quickly to changes in throttle input than turbocharged engines, which can make them more engaging to drive.

6. Better low-end torque: Since naturally aspirated engines don't require time to build up boost pressure, they often produce more low-end torque, which can be beneficial for certain types of driving.

7. Lower exhaust emissions: Naturally aspirated engines tend to produce fewer exhaust emissions than turbocharged engines, which can make them more environmentally friendly.

While there are certainly some drawbacks to naturally aspirated engines, such as potentially lower power output and acceleration times compared to turbocharged engines, these benefits can make them a good choice for drivers who prioritize simplicity, fuel efficiency, and a more natural driving experience.

There are several cars in India that come with naturally aspirated engines. Here are some examples:

1. Maruti Suzuki Alto
2. Maruti Suzuki Swift
3. Maruti Suzuki Dzire
4. Hyundai Santro
5. Hyundai Grand i10
6. Honda Amaze
7. Honda Jazz
8. Toyota Etios Liva
9. Toyota Yaris
10. Tata Tiago

These are just a few examples of cars in India that are available with naturally aspirated engines. Naturally aspirated engines are common in small cars and mid-sized sedans, but they can also be found in larger vehicles such as SUVs and pickup trucks. It is important to note that some of these cars may also come with turbocharged or other types of engines as well, so it is always best to check the specifications before making a purchase.

What is the difference between a turbo-charged and a non-turbo charged car?

The main difference between turbocharged and non-turbocharged vehicles is the way they generate power.

In a non-turbocharged engine, the air that enters the engine is drawn in by the vacuum created during the intake stroke of the piston. The amount of air that is drawn in is limited by the engine's natural aspiration and is dependent on factors such as engine displacement, valve size, and number of cylinders. The fuel is then mixed with this limited amount of air and burned in the engine to generate power.

In a turbocharged engine, the air that enters the engine is compressed before it enters the combustion chamber. This is done by a turbocharger, which is a device that uses a turbine driven by the engine's exhaust gases to compress the incoming air. The compressed air is then mixed with fuel and burned in the engine to generate more power than a non-turbocharged engine of the same size.

The benefits of a turbocharged engine include:

1. Increased power output: The compressed air allows for more fuel to be burned, resulting in a significant increase in power output.

2. Improved fuel efficiency: The increased power output allows for better fuel efficiency, as less fuel is needed to generate the same amount of power.

3. Better performance at high altitude: At high altitudes where the air is less dense, a turbocharged engine can maintain power output better than a non-turbocharged engine.

4. Smaller engine size: A turbocharged engine can produce the same amount of power as a larger non-turbocharged engine, allowing for smaller and lighter engines with the same performance.

5. Faster acceleration: The increased power output of a turbocharged engine can result in faster acceleration times.

However, turbocharged engines can be more expensive to produce and maintain, and may require higher-quality fuel to prevent damage. Additionally, they may be more complex and require additional cooling mechanisms to avoid overheating.

So does that mean I should now sell my non-turbo charged car?

The answer is No! Here are some benefits of non-turbocharged cars:

1. Simplicity: Non-turbocharged engines are generally simpler and less complex than turbocharged engines, which can make them more reliable and easier to maintain.

2. Lower maintenance costs: Non-turbocharged engines generally have fewer components, which can result in lower maintenance costs over the life of the vehicle.

3. Lower purchase cost: Non-turbocharged engines are generally less expensive to produce, which can result in a lower purchase price for the vehicle.

4. Less wear and tear: Non-turbocharged engines tend to experience less wear and tear on their components over time, which can result in a longer lifespan.

5. Better fuel economy: Non-turbocharged engines tend to be more fuel-efficient than their turbocharged counterparts, especially in city driving conditions where turbochargers may not be as effective.

6. Less need for premium fuel: Non-turbocharged engines may not require premium fuel, which can result in lower fuel costs over time.

7. More predictable power delivery: Non-turbocharged engines tend to deliver power more predictably, with a more linear power band, which can be beneficial for certain driving situations.

Of course, there are also some drawbacks to non-turbocharged engines, including potentially lower power output and slower acceleration times compared to turbocharged engines. However, the benefits listed above may be important considerations for drivers who prioritize simplicity, affordability, and fuel economy over raw power and performance.