What customizing a virtual car means and where you can do it
Customizing a virtual car means changing how it looks and sometimes how it performs in a game or app — things like paint color, wheels, decals, body kits, and interior details. You do this inside the game itself, usually through a garage menu or customization screen. The exact options depend entirely on which game or app you're using, since each one has its own set of parts, colors, and features available.
Virtual car customization happens in racing games (like Forza Horizon or Gran Turismo), open-world games (like Grand Theft Auto), car collector apps, and mobile racing games. Some games let you change only cosmetics — the paint and wheels — while others let you modify engine performance, suspension, and handling. A few games tie customization to real money or in-game currency you earn by racing or completing tasks.
Key Takeaways
- Most games have a garage or customization menu you access from the main menu or by parking your car in a designated spot.
- Cosmetic changes like paint and wheels usually cost in-game currency that you earn by playing, not real money.
- Performance upgrades (engine, suspension, brakes) often affect how your car handles and may be locked until you reach a certain level or earn enough currency.
- Some games let you save multiple versions of the same car with different setups so you can switch between them for different races.
- Customization options are limited to what the game developer included — you cannot add parts that are not in the game's library.
Finding the customization menu in your game
The customization menu location varies by game. In most racing games, you enter it from the main menu before you start driving, or by driving to a garage or shop marked on the map. Some games let you customize mid-race or in free-roam mode by pulling into a designated garage spot. Check the game's tutorial or help section for the exact steps — the game usually tells you on screen the first time you own a car.
Once you open the customization screen, you will see tabs or categories for different types of changes: paint and color, wheels, body parts, performance upgrades, and sometimes interior or decals. Each category shows you what you own, what you can purchase, and how much it costs in the game's currency. Some games show a preview of the change in real time as you select it, so you can see how it looks before you confirm.
Cosmetic customization: paint, wheels, and appearance
Cosmetic changes alter how your car looks but do not affect performance. This includes paint color, metallic or matte finishes, wheel style and size, body kits (front bumpers, side skirts, spoilers), decals and stickers, and sometimes window tint or underglow lighting. These are usually the cheapest customizations and the easiest to change back if you want a different look.
Most games let you preview cosmetic changes on your car before you buy them, so you can see the exact color or wheel style in the game's lighting. Some games tie cosmetic options to rarity — rare paint colors or exclusive wheels might cost more or require you to reach a certain level first. You can usually change cosmetics as many times as you want without penalty, so experimenting is safe.
Performance upgrades: engine, suspension, and handling
Performance upgrades change how your car drives. Common upgrades include engine tuning (more horsepower), suspension (better handling or lower ride height), brakes (shorter stopping distance), transmission (faster acceleration), and weight reduction (lighter car, faster acceleration). These upgrades usually cost more in-game currency than cosmetic changes and may require you to reach a certain level or complete specific races first.
Performance upgrades often have trade-offs. A lighter car accelerates faster but may be harder to control at high speeds. A more powerful engine gives you top speed but uses more fuel in some games. Some games let you fine-tune individual settings like tire pressure or brake balance if you want to optimize for a specific race type. Check the upgrade description to see what stat it improves before you spend currency on it.
In-game currency versus real money
Most customization in modern games uses in-game currency that you earn by racing, completing challenges, or winning multiplayer matches. This currency is free — you get it by playing. Some games also offer cosmetic items or currency packs for real money, but these are optional. You can fully customize your car using only earned currency in nearly all racing games.
A few games use a battle pass or seasonal system where certain cosmetics are only available for a limited time or require a paid pass to unlock. Read the game's store or customization screen to see which items are free to earn and which cost real money. If you do not want to spend real money, you can still customize your car — it just takes longer to earn the currency through gameplay.
Saving and switching between custom setups
Many games let you save multiple versions of the same car with different customization setups. This is useful if you want one setup optimized for street racing and another for off-road driving, or if you just want to experiment without losing your current setup. The game usually lets you name each setup and switch between them from the garage menu.
If your game does not support multiple setups, you can still change your customization anytime — most games let you undo changes or revert to a previous look. Some games charge a small fee to change performance upgrades but let you change cosmetics for free. Check your game's customization menu to see if there is a cost to modifying your car after you have already customized it.
Limitations and what you cannot customize
You can only customize using parts and colors that the game includes. You cannot add custom decals by uploading images, add parts from real car manufacturers that are not in the game, or change the car's body shape beyond what the game offers. Some games lock certain customizations behind story progression — you might not be able to use a specific body kit until you complete a certain mission or reach a level threshold.
Different cars have different customization options. A sports car might have more performance upgrade slots than a truck, or a truck might have more body kit options. If a specific customization you want is not available for your car, it may be available for a different car in the game. Check the customization menu for each car you own to see what is possible.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to pay real money to customize my car?
No. In-game currency that you earn by playing is enough to customize your car fully in most games. Real money purchases are optional and usually only for cosmetics or speeding up currency earning. You can have a fully customized car without spending real money.
Can I change my customization back if I do not like it?
Yes, in almost all games. You can change cosmetics like paint and wheels as many times as you want. Performance upgrades can usually be removed or replaced, though some games charge a small fee. Check your game's customization menu for an undo or revert option.
Why does my car look different in races than in the garage?
Different lighting and camera angles in races versus the garage menu can make colors and details look different. This is normal. Some games also have weather or time-of-day effects that change how your car appears. The customization itself is the same — only how it looks on screen changes.
Do performance upgrades make a big difference in races?
Yes, but it depends on the game and the race type. A better engine helps on straightaways, while suspension upgrades help on turns. In competitive multiplayer, players with fully upgraded cars often have an advantage. In single-player races, you can usually win with a stock car if you drive well, but upgrades make it easier.
Can I customize a car I do not own yet?
No. You must own or unlock the car first. Most games let you buy cars with in-game currency earned through racing, or unlock them by completing story missions. Once you own the car, you can customize it when ready.