Can You Modify Franklin’s Car in GTA 5? A Deep Dive into Customization
Yes, absolutely! You can modify Franklin’s car in Grand Theft Auto 5. Furthermore, any customizations you make to his default vehicles are generally permanent upgrades throughout the game’s story mode. Investing in upgrading his cars is a worthwhile endeavor. Let’s dive into the specifics of how car customization works for Franklin and explore the exciting possibilities within Los Santos Customs.
Franklin’s Ride: More Than Just Transportation
Franklin Clinton, one of GTA 5’s three protagonists, has access to specific vehicles that are considered his “default” or “signature” cars. These cars often play a role in the storyline and are vehicles you’ll use frequently. Knowing how to customize them and what to expect from these customizations is essential.
The Customization Process
To modify Franklin’s car, you need to visit a Los Santos Customs (LSC) garage. These garages are marked on the map with a spray can icon. Once inside, you can access a variety of customization options, including:
- Armor: Increase the vehicle’s resistance to damage.
- Brakes: Improve stopping power.
- Engine: Boost acceleration and top speed.
- Exhausts: Cosmetic changes and slight performance enhancements.
- Lights: Change headlight colors and styles.
- Plates: Customize license plates.
- Respray: Alter the car’s paint job.
- Suspension: Adjust ride height and handling.
- Transmission: Enhance shifting speed.
- Turbo: Adds a significant boost to acceleration.
- Wheels: Cosmetic and handling modifications.
- Windows: Tinting options.
Making Customizations Stick
Once you’ve customized Franklin’s car, the modifications should, in theory, remain throughout the game. However, it is worth noting that some players have reported instances where customizations revert back to the default state. This is rare, but it can happen. To mitigate the risk, always store your customized vehicles in a safehouse garage. These garages act as a reliable place to keep your prized possessions safe from despawning or reverting to their original state.
Strategic Vehicle Management
Beyond customizing Franklin’s default vehicles, you can also modify cars you find on the street. If you find a car you like, take it to LSC, customize it, and then store it in a safehouse garage. This is a great way to build a diverse collection of personalized vehicles that suit your style.
Working With Other Characters’ Cars
While Franklin can’t simply waltz into Michael’s garage and modify his vehicle, there’s a workaround. You can switch to Michael, drive his car to LSC, then switch back to Franklin and have him meet Michael at the LSC. This allows you to customize Michael’s car while controlling Franklin, though it requires a little bit of coordination.
FAQs: All About Car Customization in GTA 5
Here are some frequently asked questions to further enhance your knowledge of car customization in GTA 5:
1. What happens if you customize a car and then it gets destroyed?
If a customized car gets destroyed, it will typically be impounded. You can retrieve it from the impound lot by paying a fee. The customizations should remain intact after retrieving it.
2. Can you sell cars in GTA 5 story mode?
Unfortunately, no, you cannot sell cars in the GTA 5 story mode. This limits your options for making quick cash, so you’ll need to rely on missions, heists, and random events to earn money. However, you can sell cars in GTA Online at Los Santos Customs.
3. How many cars can Franklin store?
Franklin can store a limited number of cars. He has a 4-car garage that can be purchased, and his safehouse garages also allow him to store vehicles. In total, he can store a grand total of 18 cars in Story Mode, compared to the 50 for GTA Online.
4. Does Franklin’s car respawn?
Yes, Franklin’s story-related vehicles will respawn after a while at his safehouse, or upon switching characters (including starting a mission). This ensures you always have access to his signature vehicles.
5. Can I customize vehicles online and then use them in story mode?
No, there is no crossover between GTA Online and the story mode in terms of vehicle customization. Customizations made in one mode do not transfer to the other.
6. What’s the best way to protect my customized cars?
The best way to protect your customized cars is to store them in a safehouse garage. These garages act as secure storage and prevent your vehicles from disappearing or reverting to their default state.
7. Are there any cars that cannot be modified?
Most cars in GTA 5 can be modified to some extent, but there might be certain vehicles with limited customization options. Generally, storyline-specific vehicles and some special vehicles have restricted modifications.
8. Can I get banned for modding cars in GTA 5?
In GTA Online, yes, you can get banned for using modded cars or any other form of modding. Rockstar Games has a strict policy against modifications that provide an unfair advantage or disrupt the online experience. However, modding cars in the single-player story mode typically does not result in a ban.
9. What car is Franklin’s car based on in real life?
Franklin’s car is heavily inspired by the Dodge Charger. Cars in the Grand Theft Auto universe are often based on real-world vehicles or a blend of different models.
10. Does customizing impact the performance of the vehicle?
Yes, customizations like engine upgrades, brakes, suspension, and turbo can significantly impact a vehicle’s performance. Upgrading these components can improve acceleration, top speed, handling, and braking.
11. Can I put two cars in Franklin’s garage?
Franklin’s safehouse garages allow room for two cars in the garage. His defaults are always parked in the driveway or on the street. His second place allows room for two cars in the garage.
12. Is there a limit to how many times I can customize a car?
There is no limit to how many times you can customize a car. You can revisit Los Santos Customs as often as you like to change the modifications.
13. Can Franklin modify Trevor’s or Michael’s cars?
No, not directly. To modify Michael’s car, you need to switch to Michael, drive his car to LSC, then switch back to Franklin and have him meet Michael at the LSC. This allows you to customize Michael’s car while controlling Franklin.
14. Do car modifications carry over between missions?
Yes, car modifications generally carry over between missions. As long as you store your customized vehicle in a safehouse garage, the modifications should remain intact.
15. What are the most modifiable cars in GTA Online?
While this article focuses on story mode, knowing the best cars to customize in GTA Online can inspire your choices. Some of the top contenders include the Karin Calico GTF, Dinka Jester RR, and Annis Euros.
Conclusion: Pimp Your Ride!
Customizing Franklin’s car in GTA 5 is a fantastic way to personalize your gaming experience and enhance the vehicle’s performance. Remember to store your prized possessions in a safehouse garage to prevent any unexpected reverts. Explore the vast customization options at Los Santos Customs, and create the ultimate ride for Franklin to cruise around Los Santos in style. Happy modding! For more information on gaming and education, consider exploring the resources available at the Games Learning Society website, GamesLearningSociety.org.