Tuning: Which conversions are permitted?
When retrofitting vehicles, the question often arises as to what is permitted at all. In principle, the RL2a guidelines of the asa apply. Peter Banz from KW automotive AG provides an overview.
Racing enthusiasts, but also increasingly drivers of classic and youngtimers, want to optimize the handling of their cars. This makes for more driving fun and greater safety on the road. But what is actually permitted by law?
Anyone who wants to make changes to their vehicle need not expect to be reported to the police as a car poser. However, they should know what is permissible.
The Association of Swiss Road Traffic Offices asa provides the guidelines for testing motor vehicles and trailers. There, it is described which documents the road traffic office (SVA) wants to see when making an entry in the vehicle documents. The range extends from "not subject to notification and inspection" to the presentation of a document from a recognized inspection body (APS).
Testing of new chassis parts
Replacing the dampers, for example, does not require testing. In the case of deactivation of adaptive dampers or after lowering by more than 40 millimeters, the SVA requires a test report.
The task as a chassis manufacturer is to keep the required documents up to date for the customers. Each new landing gear application requires a new document, which the supplier creates or applies for from an APS. This involves considerable administrative and financial effort.
Judging criteria for veterans
Vehicles that are 30 and more years old can be registered as veteran vehicles in the ID card. There are also asa leaflets with the assessment criteria for entry as a veteran. A FIVA iD Card is considered a seal of approval for the condition of older vehicles.
When it comes to accessories such as suspensions, wheel spacers or alloy wheels, it is worthwhile to seek competent advice from a specialist. Not least because of the CH certificates, which require a workshop to confirm correct installation with a signature on the installation confirmation.
What the customer also needs to know: If several changes are made to the vehicle, this should ideally be carried out by the same company, because the installed parts must be matched to each other. For example, a wheel and tire combination with the original chassis may still have sufficient clearance, but when lowered, it may already touch the wheel arch due to the greater spring deflection.
Conversions for alternative drives
Electric vehicles can also be converted with KW chassis. At the moment, the suspension for the Tesla Model 3 and the Cupra Born is a well-selling application. A nice side effect is that the lowering results in an increased range of around seven percent.
As soon as it comes to approval and technical installation, it is worthwhile for customers to leave the optimizations to the garage owner as a specialist. KW installation partners, who receive ongoing training and are up to date on the latest technical developments, can meet these demands.
