Senior Crayden Goh unlatches the hood of his Civic LX Sedan and inspects the complex metal structure underneath to ensure everything works properly. Working through rainy and chilling weather, he endures the conditions to spend time with his car. As he inspects the vehicle, he remembers and admires the hours of work he put into improving his car.
“Building and upgrading a car gives you respect,” Goh said. “Just buying a truck or car and paying to add the extra shows that you don’t have that respect.”
Goh spends as much time as he can on building and tweaking his vehicle. It has a place as more than a hobby or transportation. It becomes a piece of art he creates, enabling him to use his own creativity when modifying his car. The customization he gives to his car create a unique and personal flair to an otherwise ordinary model. He spends most of his allowance on car parts and new ways to tweak his ride.
“My car is a big piece of my life. It gives me creative freedom to choose how I want it to look,” Goh said. “My car gives me the freedom to show my personality through sight and sound.”
Some of the modifications Goh adds only change the aesthetics while others improve the performance of the car. Constantly looking to make improvements, he knows the fundamentals of his tools and the framework of his car. He fixes anything broken or damaged himself and feels owners who fix their own cars have more authenticity.
“It’s more about the feel of your car rather than the stats [capabilities] of your car,” Goh said.
At a young age Goh started playing Mario Kart racing games, facilitating an interest in driving. He eventually outgrew driving games, but never left his passion for cars behind.
“I’m not sure what started [my passion for cars], but I haven’t ever stopped liking cars,” Goh said.
During his free time, he tests the capabilities of his vehicle and new parts he added. He embarks on long trips, enjoying the control over the wheel, the roar of his engine and the freedom to travel on his own.
“What I like most about my car is that it reflects who I am,” Goh said. “Everyone’s car is a piece of them, like a person. You grow accustom to it.”
