We all know that certain car customisations can make our vehicles look cooler and more attractive, but there are certain ones that drivers should avoid. Car modifications like window tints and subwoofers can definitely enhance a motor's aesthetics - but it's important to know what's legal and what should be avoided.

Get it wrong, and you could end up with substantial fines and penalties up to £2,500. To help motorists stay on the right side of the road pertaining to driving law, car insurance experts at Compare the Market examined the different rules and regulations around modifications.

They also explained how changing a car can impact your insurance premium, reports The Star.

• Read more: Parking tip for reversing into spaces that 'works every time'
• Keep up to date with all the latest breaking news and top stories from the North East with our free newsletter

Here's how changing your car's appearance can be incredibly costly

Lowering suspension, adding large spoilers or tinting headlights:

£2,500 fine and three points

Lowered cars aren't necessarily breaking the law, however, the alteration must not interfere with steering or affect the height of a car's headlights. Changes to suspension should always be carried out by a competent mechanic, and parts should never be cut and welded together as this can be a safety risk.

Spoilers also aren't illegal, but it must be fitted securely to prevent it from detaching on the road. It also shouldn't have dangerously sharp edges.

Regulation 30 of the Highway Code states that a spoiler also can’t obstruct the driver’s view of the road or traffic. While headlights can be tinted, they should not be more than 50 per cent, and the tint should not alter the colour of the light emitted.

The Highway Code also says that car lights must work at all times, and be kept clean and clear of debris. People who fail to comply with any of the aforementioned rules could be landed with a fine of £2,500 and three penalty points.

Installing a subwoofer:

The vehicle could be seized by the police

A subwoofer on its own isn't against the law, but drivers who play music loud enough to cause alarm, distress or annoyance could be stopped by the police. The Police Reform Act 2002 also says that police have the power to seize or remove the car, should a driver fail to adhere to warnings.

Tinting windows:

£60 fine and three points, along with the car taken off-road until the window tint is removed

A front windscreen must let at least 75 per cent of light through, while front side windows must allow 70 per cent. It is therefore illegal to fit or sell glass which breaks these rules, and if a car's windows are too tinted the driver could receive a 'prohibition notice' which stops them from using the vehicle until corrections are made.

They could also see a fixed penalty notice, which would result in a £60 fine and three penalty points.

Modifying the exhaust to make it louder:

£50 fine and the car taken off-road until the exhaust is removed

The modification of an exhaust pertaining making a car louder, after it has been 'type approved' is illegal. The police can take action if a silencer doesn't work too, or if a motorist is driving in a way that creates too much noise.

Those caught out can see fines of £50 on the spot, and their car may be taken off them until an offending exhaust has been replaced.

Motor insurance expert at Compare the Market, Julie Daniels, said: "No matter how minor the modifications are, any alterations to a car can potentially impact the cost of your car insurance. Often it will cost more to insure a modified car because of factors such as a greater possibility of theft, higher risk of speed-related accidents or simply because your car has increased in value and may now cost more to repair.

"If you decide to modify your car while you have an existing insurance policy, you need to notify your provider about the change. Ideally, you should check with your provider before altering your vehicle, to find out how it might affect your premium or if there will be any amendment fees involved.

"You must also do your research to ensure that all your modifications are legal. If any changes break the law, then you won’t be able to take out cover at all, and you’ll also risk hefty fines and penalties."