Car Modification Glossary
Plain-English definitions of the terms every car build uses.
Air suspension
Adjustable air-bag ride height on demand.
Body kit
A set of aero/styling body panels.
Camber
The inward/outward tilt of the wheels.
Canard
Small winglets on the front bumper corners.
Candy paint
Translucent layers over a bright base for depth.
Carbon fibre
Lightweight woven composite trim/parts.
Chrome delete
Blacking out chrome trim.
Coilover
Adjustable spring-over-damper suspension.
Colour-shift (chameleon)
Finish that changes hue with viewing angle.
Concave
A wheel face that curves inward.
Debadge
Removing model/maker badges.
Deep dish
A wheel with a deep, stepped outer lip.
DRL (Daytime Running Light)
Always-on accent lighting signature.
Ducktail
A subtle lip that kicks up at the trunk edge.
Fitment
How well wheel size, offset and tyre suit the car.
Flush
Wheel face level with the arch edge.
Front splitter
A flat lip that manages front airflow.
GT wing
A tall rear wing on stands for downforce.
Halo (angel-eye) lights
Illuminated rings around the headlights.
JDM
Japanese Domestic Market style/culture.
Lip kit
Subtle add-on lips for a cleaner look.
Mesh wheel
A fine multi-spoke lattice design.
OEM+
Upgrades that look factory-optional.
Offset (ET)
How far the wheel mounting face sits from centre.
Overfender
A bolt-on flare that widens the arch.
Pearlescent
Paint that shifts subtly with the light.
PPF (Paint Protection Film)
Clear film that shields paint from chips.
Quad exhaust
Four exhaust tips at the rear.
Rear diffuser
Under-bumper vanes that manage rear airflow.
Restomod
A classic restored with modern upgrades.
Satin finish
Between matte and gloss — a soft sheen.
Side-exit exhaust
Exhaust exiting ahead of the rear wheel.
Slammed
Dropped as low as possible to the ground.
Staggered setup
Wider wheels on the rear than the front.
Stance
How a car sits — height, camber and fitment together.
Underglow
Accent lighting beneath the car.
Vinyl wrap
A removable film that changes colour/finish.
VLT (Visible Light Transmission)
How much light a window tint lets through.
Wheel tuck
Wheels sitting inside the arches when low.
Widebody
Wider arches and fenders for a broader stance.