Peter Palmer: Chariotz: The Car Modification Database

The loud growl of twin-turbo engine just emitted itself into your ears – a hot sports car with a brash exhaust system tempts you as it accelerates by.

“I like that and I want it,” you may say to yourself as you sip your morning espresso. But unless you are Raymond Babbitt from 1988’s Rain Man and remember every event you experience, then you might not know where to start looking for that brash exhaust.

And maybe you are a little jealous of it yourself?

No need to be jealous because Chariotz is the place for that.

Chariotz allows car enthusiasts across the globe to show off their car’s customization to one another. This includes exhaust systems, body graphics, vinyls, and other ideas, like performance management. Chariotz is the first website where car owners can add coded stickers to their windshield. Other car enthusiasts can then scan those to find out what specific modifications have been made to the car they’re looking at.

Automotive shops of all kinds use Chariotz as well to upload their best work.

For example, a paint shop wants to show a satisfied customer. Chariotz helps with that by attaching a QR code to the windows, so potential customers who like the paint job can get all of the information they need by scanning it with thier smart phone.

Big car events, like SEMA, can use it by activating a GPS signal to locate all the Chariotz QR codes within the show.

Chariotz has its own server that holds uploaded photos from the QR scans for up to 24 hours. These QR codes give the ability for a modification shop, paint shop, detailing business, and the like to get the word out about their best work. Users admiring that lavishly done paintwork or amazing graphics can now get in touch with those shops.

Saleen, VMR Wheels, Toyo Tires, and Hamann USA are some famous aftermarket names that use Chariotz.

“Chariotz provides a unique platform customized for our market. Their site will offer great value not only to car owners but also to businesses like ours. We look forward to a strong and mutually beneficial collaboration between our two companies,” Hamann USA stated about Chariotz.

I sometimes joke about attaching a turbo to my Honda Accord 4-cylinder. While many mechanics agree it is not a good idea to turbo a VTEC, I now know a site where I can find other ways of using exhaust, engine, and visual upgrades. I can even switch to a new paint job.

Think of it this way: you make it to work on time because you didn’t stop to Google search that Mustang’s wheels.

Better yet, even Rain Man has a site for his car needs, in case he decides to modify his Buick Roadmaster.

*Zach Flitz is a college student continuing his education by contributing to Automoblog.net. He is a car enthusiast and move buff.