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Pimp My Ride: A Comprehensive Guide to Car Modification in Grand Theft Auto

So, you’re itching to take your stock standard wheels in Grand Theft Auto and transform them into a roaring, head-turning masterpiece? You’ve come to the right place! The world of car modification in GTA is vast and varied, offering everything from performance enhancements to visual overhauls that can make your ride truly unique. Here’s your definitive guide to where you can indulge your inner mechanic and create the car of your dreams.

The most common places to modify your car in Grand Theft Auto V (GTA 5) and Grand Theft Auto Online (GTA Online) are:

Los Santos Customs / Beeker’s Garage: These are the most readily available and basic modification shops. They offer a wide range of upgrades, from engine tuning to cosmetic changes, and are spread throughout the map. There is essentially no functional difference between the two, except maybe location, however, these are not the best place for advanced modifications.
Benny’s Original Motor Works: Located in Strawberry, Los Santos, Benny’s is the place to go for lowrider customizations and other unique modifications. Benny’s is the spot for custom jobs on specific vehicles that will change up the look of your whip.
Arena Workshop: If you own an Arena Workshop, you can customize vehicles with exclusive modifications designed for the Arena War gamemode. This includes armored plating, weapons, and other offensive and defensive upgrades.
Auto Shop: Owning an Auto Shop provides access to a range of modifications and customizations for a variety of vehicles. It is a solid all-around shop for the budding car enthusiast.
Car Meet: Accessing the car meet is essential for acquiring HSW (Hao’s Special Works) upgrades, for compatible cars, on the next-gen console versions of GTA V. Hao’s Special Works is only on the PS5 and Xbox Series X/S editions of the game.
CEO Office Garage: CEO Garages allow you to store your car.
Agency: Some agency vehicles can be modified at the agency.

FAQs: Your Burning Questions About GTA Car Mods Answered

Here are some frequently asked questions on modding cars in GTA:

1. Are Los Santos Customs and Beeker’s Garage the same?

Yes, practically speaking, Los Santos Customs and Beeker’s Garage offer the same services and modifications. The only real difference is their location on the map. The locations are marked by cans of spray paint. Click the location on the map to set a waypoint to the garage if you’d like GPS guidance to the garage.

2. Where do I find the “mods” folder for GTA 5 on PC?

The “mods” folder isn’t always there by default. You’ll likely need to create it yourself. Here’s how:

Locate your GTA 5 installation directory (usually C:Program FilesEpic GamesGrand Theft Auto V or C:Program FilesSteamsteamappscommonGrand Theft Auto V).
Inside this directory, create a new folder named “mods”.
Place your mod files into this folder.

3. Can I get banned for modding GTA 5?

Rockstar Games has a clear stance: single-player mods are generally allowed, but any mods that affect GTA Online are strictly prohibited. Using mods in GTA Online can lead to account bans, so stick to single-player if you want to experiment.

4. What kind of modifications can I do at Benny’s Original Motor Works?

Benny’s specializes in lowrider customizations and unique visual modifications. You can convert certain vehicles into their custom variants, adding hydraulics, custom interiors, unique paint jobs, and more.

5. What are some of the best cars to customize at Benny’s?

Some popular choices for Benny’s customizations include the:

Specter Custom
Elegy Retro Custom
Sultan RS
Comet Retro Custom
Banshee 900R

6. Where do I find HSW (Hao’s Special Works) Upgrades?

HSW upgrades are exclusively available on the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S versions of GTA Online. You’ll need to visit the Car Meet and then unlock access to Hao’s Special Works to access these performance-enhancing upgrades.

7. Do vehicle armor upgrades affect my car’s speed?

No, vehicle armor does not directly impact your car’s performance stats, like speed or acceleration. It only increases the car’s resistance to damage.

8. Can I make my car bulletproof in GTA 5?

While no car is completely invulnerable, some vehicles offer significant bullet resistance. The mil-spec patriot is bulletproof from the back with the fully enclosed fastback cap installed. The Nightshark and the Insurgent Pickup are also excellent choices for armored vehicles.

9. What’s the fastest car in GTA 5?

As of late 2023, the Grotti Itali GTO Stinger TT with HSW upgrades claims the title of fastest car in GTA Online, reaching a top speed of 168.50 mph (271.17 km/h).

10. What are some of the coolest cars to customize in GTA Online overall?

Here are a few vehicles offering extensive customization options:

Karin Calico GTF
Dinka Jester RR
Annis Euros
Bravado Gauntlet Classic Custom
Överflöd Entity MT

11. Can I modify any car at any garage?

No, not all vehicles can be modified at every location. For example, Benny’s Original Motor Works specializes in specific vehicles that can be converted into custom variants. Hao’s Special Works upgrades are only available for certain vehicles on the PS5 and Xbox Series X/S versions.

12. Are there any cheat codes that affect car performance?

While there are no cheat codes to directly increase a car’s speed or handling, you can use cheat codes to get other useful effects, like:

Max Health and Armour: 1-999-887-853
Invincibility: 1-999-724-654-5537

These can help you survive longer in chases or races.

13. Is it safe to download GTA 5 mods?

Downloading mods carries some risk. Always download mods from reputable sources, scan them with antivirus software before installation, and back up your game files before making any changes.

14. Where is Benny’s Original Motor Works located?

Benny’s is located in Strawberry, Los Santos, just south of the Olympic Freeway. It’s easily identifiable by its unique storefront and the lowriders parked outside.

15. How can games like GTA 5 contribute to learning and skill development?

Games, including GTA 5 (in its single-player mode), can foster various skills, such as problem-solving, strategic thinking, and spatial reasoning. Organizations like the Games Learning Society are dedicated to exploring the intersection of games and education, showcasing how games can be powerful tools for learning. Explore more at GamesLearningSociety.org.

Transforming Your Ride: A Step-by-Step Guide

Let’s break down the process of upgrading your car:

Choose Your Vehicle: Not all vehicles are created equal. Some cars have more customization options than others. Consider what you want to achieve visually and performance-wise.
Select Your Garage: Decide where you want to modify your car. If you are on old-gen, Los Santos Customs is where to go. If you are on next-gen and have the Car Meet unlocked, you will be able to access HSW upgrades after purchasing a compatible vehicle. If you’re aiming for a lowrider conversion, head straight to Benny’s.
Browse the Options: Once inside the garage, explore the available categories:
- Armor: Increases the vehicle’s resistance to damage.
- Brakes: Improves braking performance.
- Engine: Enhances acceleration and top speed.
- Suspension: Affects handling and ride height.
- Transmission: Improves shifting speed.
- Turbo: Adds a significant boost to acceleration.
- Wheels: Visual customization and sometimes improved handling.
- Paint: Change the car’s color scheme.
- Cosmetics: Add spoilers, bumpers, skirts, and other visual enhancements.
Make Your Choices: Carefully select the upgrades that best suit your needs and budget. Keep in mind that some modifications may impact the vehicle’s handling or appearance.
Test Drive: Once you’ve finished customizing, take your new ride for a spin! See how the upgrades affect its performance and make any necessary adjustments.

Final Thoughts: Unleash Your Creativity

Modifying cars in GTA is more than just upgrading stats; it’s about expressing your personality and style. Whether you’re building a race-ready supercar, a menacing armored vehicle, or a flamboyant lowrider, the possibilities are endless. So, fire up your game, head to your favorite garage, and start creating the ultimate ride!

Where can I mod my car in GTA?