Performance tyres receive sales boost from Sharjah car modification ban

The law, which marks its first anniversary this month, was enacted to cut down on excessive noise from de-restricted engines that was said to be making life a misery for many a Sharjah resident.

But it has now been reported that far from discouraging the alteration of a car's factory-standard features, owners are personalising their vehicles in more subtle ways, with an increase in the purchase of performance tyres being one such response.

"We have noticed a spike in the sales of our performance car tyres since April last year - up by 25% on the previous year - and we are attributing a lot of that to the Sharjah ban on engine modifications," said Asad Badami, Managing director for A-MAP, a leading distributor of automotive spare parts and accessories.

"This is something that appears to have had an effect across all seven emirates, as car modification fans across the UAE have been worried that there may be similar laws enacted elsewhere in the country. They know that modified cars in Sharjah are being confiscated and not returned - buying performance tyres is a much safer bet if you want to customise your pride and joy," he added.

It was in April last year that Sharjah police started enforcing a government directive banning the modification of exhaust systems which, while improving performance, were often louder than the factory-fitted pipes. Under the new rule, vehicles found to have modified exhausts were permanently confiscated and any automobile workshops and other facilities found to be responsible for making such changes were closed down.

The Ruler of Sharjah, H.H. Sheikh Sultan bin Muhamed Al Qassimi, made the decree in March while appearing on his talk show, Al Khat Al Mubashir, on Sharjah Radio, prompted by the number of complaints being made to him during the phone-in from Sharjah residents.

As for Badami, his belief is that the Sharjah ban has encouraged a more mature approach towards car customisation in the UAE, with petrol-heads now exercising greater responsibility with the changes they make to their vehicles.

"There's no doubt in my mind that buying a set of performance tyres is a much more community-friendly way to customise your car. You will improve its road-holding, enhance its profile and you won't be upsetting the neighbours by doing so," he said.