Roadside Assistance for Cars with Modified Exhaust or Body Kits | MyMechanic

Why Modified Cars Need Special Handling

• Reduced ground clearance: Front lips, splitters, diffusers, and mid‑pipe boxes sit lower than stock.
• Fragile mounting: Fibreglass/ABS parts use tabs/clips that snap with minor impacts or strap pressure.
• Hidden hardware: FMIC piping, oil coolers, and undertrays change safe jack points and tie‑downs.
• Wider track: Wheels, spacers, and overfenders complicate loading angles.
• Hot exhausts: Big‑bore systems and valved cans heat up quickly—touch and strap placement matter.

Small mistakes become expensive fast. The goal: protect aero, exhaust routing, and alignment.

First Steps If You Break Down

• Stop safe and straight: choose a wide shoulder, R&R, or forecourt. Hazards on. Avoid steep curbs and uneven gravel that can catch lips and skirts.
• Approach angle: if moving a few meters is possible, steer diagonally into a bay to reduce lip scrape.
• Avoid DIY jacking on gravel or sloped ramps: body kits often obscure correct jack points.
• Note what’s low/hanging: splitter, mid‑pipe, center resonator, canards, undertray, diffuser fins.

Common Modified‑Car Roadside Issues (And What Helps)

• Front lip scrape or partial tear: avoid reverse‑dragging; hold position and request assistance. Temporary taping can help prevent further crack spread—but only if safe.
• Exhaust contact or rattle after a bump: don’t continue if the pipe drags or leaks; heat can melt nearby plastics.
• Intercooler/ducting knocked loose: stop early; boost leaks can snowball into fault codes and limp mode.
• Air suspension fault (car sits ultra‑low): don’t force movement. Request low‑angle loading and ramps/blocks.
• Ultra‑low coilover cars: avoid steep recovery beds; insist on staged, low‑angle loading.

How MyMechanic Handles Modified Cars

Mod‑aware triage:

• Identify safe tie‑down points—not on lips, diffusers, or exhaust.
• Assess exhaust clearance and heat before strapping.
• Gentle wheel‑lift positioning only if it avoids underbody contact.

Correct recovery:

• Flatbed preferred with low‑angle loading, ramps/blocks, and soft straps.
• Wheel straps at approved points; no straps over aero or through wheels with delicate spokes/valves.
• Undertray and piping check to avoid snagging on winch approach.

Clear communication:

• We’ll confirm ride height, kit materials (ABS/fibreglass/carbon), and any known weak spots.
• Destination aligned to policy or preference—no guesswork.

If You Need To Move a Short Distance

• Angle your approach: use a shallow diagonal over small height changes.
• Slow and steady: feather throttle; avoid sudden weight transfer that dives the nose.
• Spotter helps: one person watches front lip and exhaust mid‑section while moving inches at a time.
• If any scraping sound continues, stop immediately.

Modified Exhaust: Heat, Clearance, and Strapping

• Cool‑down first: hot exhausts can melt straps or scorch plastics—wait before handling.
• No strap over cans or resonators: use wheel straps or chassis‑approved points.
• Check for kinks: if a pipe is visibly bent or dragging, choose recovery over driving.

Body Kits: Protecting Fragile Mounts

• Splitters and canards: never use as push/pull points.
• Skirts and overfenders: avoid stepping or leaning tools against them.
• Diffusers: fins crack under light loads—give extra rear clearance on loading.

Air, Coilovers, and Fitment Notes

• Air suspension: if the controller faults low, avoid cycling repeatedly; protect onboard compressor and lines. Request ramps/blocks for loading.
• Coilovers: if threads are seized or wheels rub, avoid full‑lock turns. Keep steering straight during winch loading.
• Staggered/wide wheels: confirm deck width and tie‑down path. Do not strap across sharp lips or valve caps.

Practical Documentation for Smooth Follow‑Ups

• Photos: lip/skirt height, exhaust clearance, any hanging parts, and undertray condition.
• Notes: ride height setting, air/coilover brand if known, and any rubbing/knock noises.
• Receipts: keep job notes and digital payment proof together for claims.

Payment and Safety

• Itemized job notes whenever time allows.
• Official company payment channels only; keep digital receipts.
• Confirm the destination in writing (panel, preferred workshop, or holding yard).

Do’s and Don’ts for Modified Cars

• Do request low‑angle loading, ramps, and soft straps.
• Do disclose air/coilover settings, kit materials, and known weak mount points.
• Don’t allow lifting under lips, diffusers, or exhaust boxes.
• Don’t accept wheel dragging or bumper‑push “nudges.”
• Don’t drive if exhaust is dragging, leaking, or contacting plastics.

EV/Hybrid and Performance Hybrids

• Low underfloor components make flatbed and low‑angle loading even more important.
• Avoid repeated “Ready” attempts if multiple warnings appear—protect the 12V system.
• Confirm safe tie‑downs that avoid battery trays and HV cabling.

Why Singapore Drivers Choose MyMechanic

• Cross‑border specialists for Singapore‑registered cars anywhere in Malaysia.
• Mod‑aware handling that protects aero, wheels, exhaust, and underbody.
• Practical fixes first; correct recovery when it’s the safest option.
• Clear, human communication—no pressure, no jargon—and claim‑friendly documentation.

Frequently Asked Questions