# Replacing vanilla cars or adding new ones

> Replace vanilla cars or add add-on vehicles in FiveM: how each works, the effect on traffic, police and garages, download size and the mixed strategy.

Source: https://fam-tools.com/guides/fivem-replace-vs-addon-vehicles · FAM Tools · published 2026-09-11 · updated 2026-09-11 · about 8 min

**Short answer.** A replacement streams files with a vanilla model name (for example `police.yft`), so every instance of that car — including traffic and scripts that spawn it — becomes the new model. An add-on uses a new model name with its own meta files and exists only where you spawn it. Replace for world-wide changes (police fleets, traffic polish); add-on for player-owned and dealership cars.

## Key points

- Replace = same name as vanilla; affects traffic and every script.
- Add-on = new name; exists only where spawned.
- Replaced models inherit vanilla handling unless you stream a handling file.
- Add-ons need framework entries for shops and garages.
- Every streamed car adds download size.

You can put a new car into FiveM in two ways: overwrite an existing GTA vehicle, or add a new one alongside the originals. Each has consequences for traffic, police, garages and how much players download.

## Side by side

|  | Replace | Add-on |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Model name | Vanilla (`police`, `sultan`) | New (`mycar`) |
| Appears in traffic | Yes, automatically | No (unless scripted) |
| Meta files | Optional (to change handling/colours) | Required |
| Framework entries | Usually none | Needed for shops/garages |
| Both versions available | No | Yes |

## When replacing makes sense

- Emergency fleets: every AI and player police car uses your model.
- Traffic polish: realistic models for common cars.
- Scripts that spawn vanilla names (jobs, missions) automatically get your car.

## When add-ons make sense

- Player-owned cars sold in a dealership.
- Unique vehicles you do not want in traffic.
- Keeping the vanilla car available too.

Installation steps: [adding add-on cars](https://fam-tools.com/guides/fivem-add-addon-cars).

## Download size and performance

Replacing common traffic cars with heavy models costs frames everywhere, because they appear constantly. Keep replacements close to vanilla detail and texture sizes; see [texture optimisation](https://fam-tools.com/guides/fivem-texture-optimization) and [client FPS](https://fam-tools.com/guides/fivem-client-fps-optimization).

## Questions

### What is a replace vehicle in FiveM?

A model streamed with a vanilla name, so it replaces that vehicle everywhere, including traffic.

### Do add-on cars appear in traffic?

No, not unless a script spawns them or you edit population settings.

### Should police cars be replace or add-on?

Replacing vanilla police models changes AI police too; add-ons suit job-specific vehicles spawned by scripts.

### Do replacement cars need meta files?

Not to change the look. Stream meta files only if you also want different handling, colours or sirens.

## Related

- https://fam-tools.com/guides/fivem-add-addon-cars
- https://fam-tools.com/guides/fivem-vehicle-meta-files
- https://fam-tools.com/guides/fivem-vehicle-liveries
- https://fam-tools.com/guides/fivem-texture-optimization