The Trashiest Things People Have Done to Their Vehicles
Cars are more than just a means of transportation; they’re a reflection of their owners. However, some vehicle owners take this to an extreme in the worst possible ways. From disturbing modifications to neglectful behaviors, here’s a look at some of the trashiest, most ridiculous things people have done to their cars that not only lower their vehicle’s value but also make you question what they were thinking.
1. Driving With Cracked Windshields (and Worse)
Why It’s Trashy
A cracked or shattered windshield is a safety hazard. Yet, some people continue to drive with extensive damage to the windshield without getting it fixed, often putting themselves and others at risk. In extreme cases, some people use tape or stickers to “cover” the cracks instead of actually repairing the glass.
Why It’s Dangerous
- Cracks in the windshield can obstruct vision.
- Damaged glass compromises the vehicle’s structural integrity, making it more dangerous in the event of a collision.
- It can also be a legal violation in some regions.
Example
Some individuals will drive for months (or even years) with large cracks that spread across the windshield, compromising the entire structure of the car’s safety features.
2. Extreme “Custom” Paint Jobs
Why It’s Trashy
Personalization is great, but some people take it too far with hideous paint jobs that include overly loud colors, mismatched finishes, or bizarre graphics. Some even go as far as covering their car with decals, slogans, or graffiti-style artwork that make the car look more like a moving circus.
Why It’s Annoying
- Extreme paint jobs often lower the resale value of the car.
- It makes the car look tacky, especially when the designs don’t reflect any cohesive aesthetic.
- Custom paint jobs are costly, and when done poorly, they just make the car look worse.
Example
Bright neon colors with graffiti-style designs or large, unprofessional decals of cartoon characters, or excessive flames and skulls, can transform a car from a functional vehicle into a laughing stock.
3. Junk Piled High in the Backseat and Trunk
Why It’s Trashy
One of the worst things a person can do to their vehicle is neglect its cleanliness to the point that the car becomes a mobile trash heap. Some people pile up fast food wrappers, bottles, clothes, and random junk until the interior of the car is unrecognizable.
Why It’s Unhygienic and Dangerous
- Accumulated trash can cause bad odors and encourage pests.
- The clutter can block important features such as seatbelts, airbags, or emergency kits.
- In case of an accident, loose items can become projectiles, increasing injury risk.
Example
Imagine opening a car door and being greeted by a pile of fast food wrappers, dirty socks, and old newspapers, all spilling out from the backseat and trunk. Some people even have layers of old pizza boxes or used coffee cups stacked up.
4. Removing the Muffler for a “Louder” Sound
Why It’s Trashy
Some car owners remove or intentionally damage their mufflers to make their cars sound louder and “cooler.” What they don’t realize is that removing the muffler not only harms the car’s exhaust system but also makes the car sound obnoxiously loud, drawing attention for all the wrong reasons.
Why It’s Bad for Your Vehicle
- It reduces the car’s fuel efficiency and performance.
- Loud exhaust noises can attract unwanted attention and are often illegal.
- It may damage the exhaust system, leading to expensive repairs.
Example
You’ve probably seen cars that sound like they’re going to explode when they accelerate because the muffler has been completely removed. The result? A car that’s noisy, inefficient, and often quite embarrassing.
5. Using Duct Tape for “Repairs”
Why It’s Trashy
Duct tape is a quick fix for small problems, but some people take it too far and use duct tape to cover up serious issues, like cracked bumpers, damaged seats, or even large holes in the car’s body. While duct tape might seem like a temporary solution, relying on it for major repairs is an indication of poor vehicle care.
Why It’s Not Effective
- Duct tape can damage the paint when removed.
- It’s a temporary fix that doesn’t address the underlying problem.
- It can be dangerous, especially when used in places that impact the safety or structural integrity of the car.
Example
From using duct tape to “seal” broken headlights to covering up entire panels or bumpers that have fallen off, duct tape repairs are among the most common signs of neglect.
6. Overloading the Vehicle (and Dragging Things on the Roof)
Why It’s Trashy
Overloading a car beyond its weight capacity can cause unnecessary wear and tear on the suspension, transmission, and brakes. In some extreme cases, people strap an entire set of furniture or piles of scrap metal onto the roof or hang it from the sides of the vehicle as if it’s a moving dumpster.
Why It’s Harmful
- Overloading can affect the vehicle’s balance, causing poor handling.
- It can lead to tire blowouts or suspension failure.
- Overloading may be illegal and could result in fines or a ticket.
Example
There are countless images and videos of cars with mattresses, old appliances, or even piles of furniture strapped onto the roof, with no consideration for safety or the vehicle’s structural integrity.
7. Dragging the Car Through Mud and Dirt Without a Wash
Why It’s Trashy
While some people take their cars off-road and don’t mind a little dirt, there are those who will leave their vehicles caked in mud, dirt, and grime for weeks—without even attempting to clean them off. This leads to corrosion, rust, and an overall dirty look.
Why It’s Damaging
- Dirt and salt can cause rust to form on the undercarriage and other parts of the car.
- Unwashed mud can damage the paint job over time.
- Failing to clean off debris can clog vital parts like the air intake and suspension components.
Example
You’ve probably seen those cars that look like they’ve never been washed. The exterior is covered in layers of dried mud, and the tires are barely visible underneath. In the worst cases, it can lead to rusting or severe wear on the paint.
8. Over-the-Top Stickers and Decals (that Don’t Make Sense)
Why It’s Trashy
Some car owners take personal expression to an extreme by plastering every inch of their car with stickers, including the windows, doors, and bumpers. These decals often don’t serve any purpose other than to be an eyesore, with some being poorly designed or offensive.
Why It’s Annoying
- Too many stickers can ruin the aesthetic of the car.
- Some decals can obscure visibility, especially on the windows.
- It’s challenging to remove the stickers without damaging the paint.
Example
Cars that are covered in stickers promoting every possible brand, social cause, or personal message, some of which are irrelevant or just downright ridiculous. You may also see bumper stickers with contradictory messages or slogans that don’t make sense.
9. Leaving Food and Drinks to Rot in the Car
Why It’s Trashy
Some people treat their cars like personal storage units for leftovers and fast food. When food is left to rot in the vehicle, it creates unpleasant odors, attracts pests, and damages the upholstery.
Why It’s Gross and Unhealthy
- Food and drinks left in the car can lead to mold growth, especially in hot weather.
- The smell can become embedded in the seats and carpets, making it nearly impossible to get rid of.
- It attracts bugs and other pests.
Example
Imagine opening a car door to be greeted by the stench of old McDonald’s wrappers, spilled soda, and half-eaten sandwiches that have been rotting in the heat for weeks.
10. Ignoring Routine Maintenance (Until It’s Too Late)
Why It’s Trashy
Neglecting regular maintenance is one of the trashiest things a car owner can do. Some people put off oil changes, tire rotations, brake inspections, and other critical services until something breaks down. This short-sightedness often leads to bigger, more expensive repairs and even total vehicle failure.
Why It’s Costly
- Ignoring maintenance causes unnecessary damage to other vehicle components.
- It reduces the lifespan of your car and lowers its resale value.
- Lack of maintenance can lead to unexpected breakdowns, which can be dangerous.
Example
The person who drives around with the “check engine” light on for months, ignores their tire pressure, and never changes their oil—until the car breaks down in the middle of the highway.
While everyone has their own unique way of using and maintaining their vehicles, these behaviors are undeniably trashy and can lead to serious long-term issues for both the car and the driver. Regular maintenance, thoughtful upgrades, and common sense can prevent you from making these mistakes and help keep your car in top condition for years to come.