Post-SEMA Show Effect

The SEMA Effect

Thanks to SEMA, I am now a grown man with blue LED lights in the footwells of my vehicle.

I’ve coined a new term: the “SEMA effect.” What is the SEMA effect? It’s an uncontrollable urge, after attending the SEMA Show, to trick up your ride.

I fell victim to this effect recently – a full 10 months after the 2013 SEMA Show. I guess that goes to show how long this affliction can last. What did I do? I installed LED lights in the footwells of my ’09 Honda Civic. That’s right – bright, glowing lights of a variety of colors that can be set in a variety of different modes, including one that blinks in time with your music.

Oh, I’ve had to endure comments like, “What are you, 13?” and, “You men are all the same!” But you know what? I like them. They’re cool! And when I set them on blue, which matches the lights on my dashboard, they’re actually pretty tasteful and – dare I say it – classy. OK, maybe that’s a stretch, but at least I didn’t put them underneath the car or something.

The lights now are in addition to my modified tailpipe. And I shall do no more customizing of my car. Promise. OK, maybe a small, subtle spoiler at some point, NOT one of those garish batwings I’ve seen!

One of my co-workers brought up a good point when he said, “Hey, man, you might think about turning them off at night. Otherwise, you’ll be a cop magnet!” Gosh, I never thought of that. In fact, when I initially bought the Civic, I figured since it was gray and one of the most common vehicles on the road that I would become invisible to the fuzz. In fact, not long after I bought it, I was heading down the highway and nearly panicked when I saw a cop barreling up from behind me. When he drifted past me, I thought, “By God, it’s true! I really do have Harry Potter’s Cloak of Invisibility!”

And here I am attracting undue attention now. Tsk, tsk. When they pull me over, I’ll just say I fell victim to the SEMA effect.

You May Also Like

Collision Advice Workshop Headlines NORTHEAST 2024 Education

Mike Anderson and his team will bring their one-of-a-kind brand of seminars to the NORTHEAST Show March 15-17 in Secaucus, N.J.

This year's NORTHEAST Automotive Services Show marks the debut of the first-ever Collision Advice NORTHEAST workshop series featuring Mike Anderson and his team, who will bring their one-of-a-kind brand of seminars to the Alliance of Automotive Service Providers of New Jersey’s (AASP/NJ) flagship event March 15-17 at the Meadowlands Exposition Center (MEC) in Secaucus, N.J.

HD Repair Forum Announces Dates and Location for Technical Training

The HD Repair Forum will be hosting technical training April 26-27, 2024 at the Hyatt Regency in Frisco, Texas.

WIN Announces Speakers, Programs for 2024 Conference

The conference, which this year is themed “Dream Out Loud,” will celebrate women in the collision repair industry.

Auto Care Connect Announces First Keynote Speaker for 2024 Event

Trend Hunter Chief Content Officer Armida Ascano specializes in trend forecasting and will discuss internet culture and consumer behavior in the digital age.

HD Repair Forum Advisory Board Welcomes New Members in 2024

The board leads the focus and direction of the HD Repair Forum’s annual conference.

Other Posts

Exit Strategies: Personal Vision & Financial Planning

The most critical first step in an exit or transition plan is to develop a financial plan and personal vision of what your life will look like post-business.

Collision Repairers: Will You Take the Oath?

Today’s collision repairers are challenged with a new set of concerns, one being the need to follow OEM repair procedures.

Three Generations Keep Trains Running on Time at CARSTAR Jacobus

CARSTAR Jacobus Founder Jerry Jacobus and son Dave share a passion for collision repair and also model railroading.

AASP/NJ to Award $5K in NORTHEAST Dollars at Upcoming Show

Ten randomly selected show attendees will receive $500 toward the purchase of tools and equipment on the show floor.