For those interested in car modifications, knowing the options available to you locally can help you gain an understanding of what kind of modification is accessible to you.
In this blog, we will present car mods available near you in Manchester.
The UK automotive aftermarket industry is thriving, ranking fourth in Europe and ninth in the world in terms of size, and turning over an annual £21.1 billion.
The sector supports 345,600 jobs and contributes £12.2 billion each year to the economy. And it is growing: the sector’s value is set to rise and continue rising with advancements in technology.
That’s why we at Car Specialist Customs are here to provide you with all the information you require to get the best car customisation possible, whilst being as informed as possible.
Contents
ToggleDo car mod installers have to be legally certified?
While there isn’t a single, overarching “car modification installer” certification in the UK, certain modifications require specific qualifications or adherence to standards.
Unlike some trades, there’s no legal requirement for a general certification to install most car modifications. This means anyone can theoretically set up a business offering these services. However, specific areas have requirements:
Electrical work
Installations involving vehicle wiring (alarms, stereos, lighting) ideally should be carried out by someone with relevant electrical qualifications (e.g., City & Guilds). This ensures safety and prevents damage to the car’s electrical system.
Air conditioning (A/C)
Handling refrigerant gas requires specific certification (F-Gas certification) due to environmental regulations.
Type approval
For significant modifications that affect safety or emissions, the installer might need to demonstrate compliance with type approval regulations. This is more relevant for manufacturers or those making substantial changes.
Industry best practices and memberships
While not legally mandatory, reputable installers often hold memberships with professional bodies like the Institute of the Motor Industry (IMI). This demonstrates a commitment to quality and professionalism.
Some manufacturers or suppliers of specific modifications may offer training or accreditation programs for installers.
Why this matters
Qualified or experienced installers are more likely to perform work to a high standard, ensuring safety and reliability. Some modifications might affect the car’s warranty. Using a reputable installer can help avoid disputes with the manufacturer.
Most importantly, knowledge of relevant regulations (e.g., window tinting limits, lighting requirements) is crucial to ensure modifications are legal.
Car mods near me in Manchester

There are wide range of car modifications available in Manchester, but for superior external, internal, security, and wheel refurbishments, Car Specialist Customs is the best option for vehicle owners in Manchester.
Here are the wide range of services we offer, and what to expect with them:
Tints:
- Window Tints: Applying a film to the inside of car windows to reduce light transmission and heat. Different shades are available, with legal limits varying by area of application. Benefits include privacy, UV protection, and reduced glare.
- Light Tints: This form of tint is applied to the rear/front headlights, this provides a subtle look and can help to reduce the glare of particularly powerful LED lights.
- Chameleon Tints: These tints shift colour depending on the viewing angle and light conditions.
Wrapping and PPF:
- Paint Protection Film (PPF): A clear, thin film applied to the car’s paint to protect it from scratches, stone chips, and other minor aesthetic damage. Offers excellent protection and preserves the original paintwork.
- Exo Shield Window Tint: This is a specific brand of window tint that also offers additional protection against impacts, similar to a thinner version of PPF for windows.
- Black Packs: Replacing or wrapping chrome exterior trim pieces (grilles, window surrounds, badges) with black finishes for a more aggressive or modern look.
- Dechroming: Similar to black packs, but the chrome is removed or covered with a different finish, not necessarily black. This can be done with vinyl wrap, paint, or by replacing the parts.
- Custom Decals: Applying a custom vinyl graphic or stickers to the car’s exterior for personalisation or branding.
- Commercial Wrapping: Uses large vinyl wraps to display advertising or branding on commercial vehicles.
- Vehicle Wrapping: The application of a large vinyl sheet to the entire car or sections of it, changing its colour or finish. Offers a temporary and reversible alternative to painting.
Interior Customisation/Technology:
- Starlights: Starlights are a collection small LED lights installed in the car’s headliner to create a starry night effect.
- Apple CarPlay/Android Auto: This integrates smartphone functionality with the car’s infotainment system, allowing access to navigation, music, calls, and messages.
- Android Screen Upgrades: Replaces the car’s factory infotainment screen with a larger or more advanced Android-based system, offering enhanced features and customisation.
- Parking Sensors: Installs sensors on the bumpers to detect obstacles when parking, providing audible or visual alerts.
- Reverse Cameras: Installs a camera at the rear of the car to provide a view of what’s behind when reversing, improving safety and visibility.
- Rear Seat Entertainment: The installation of screens or entertainment systems for rear passengers, often with DVD players, gaming consoles, or streaming capabilities.
Wheel Refurbishment:
- Diamond Cut: A process of machining the surface of alloy wheels to create a bright, shiny finish with distinctive lines.
- Caliper Refurbishment: Cleaning, repainting, and sometimes rebuilding brake calipers to improve their appearance and functionality.
- Powder Coating: Applying a dry powder to wheels (or other metal parts) and then baking it to create a durable, even finish in various colours.
Protection/Security:
- Vehicle Trackers: GPS tracking devices that allow the car’s location to be monitored remotely, aiding in recovery in case of theft.
- Ghost Immobiliser: A unique immobiliser system that requires a specific sequence of button presses within the car to start the engine, preventing theft even if the keys are stolen.
- Pandora Alarms: Advanced car alarm systems with features like remote start, keyless entry, and smartphone integration, offering enhanced security and convenience.
- Dashcams: Installing cameras on the dashboard to record video footage of the road ahead, providing evidence in case of accidents or incidents.
Where are the best car mods in Manchester?

Our team members at Car Specialist Customs are extremely passionate and proud of the multiple services and products we provide for the people of Greater Manchester and beyond.
As a fully insured and approved installer, catering to the needs of vehicle owners of Greater Manchester and beyond, we are proud to let you know that we offer services for the following:
Tints:
Wrapping and PPF:
- Paint Protection Film — PPF
- Exo Shield Window Tint
- Black Packs
- Dechroming
- Custom Decals
- Commercial Wrapping
- Vehicle Wrapping
Interior customisation/ technology:
- Starlights
- Apple Play/ Android Autos
- Android Screen Upgrades
- Parking Sensors
- Reverse Cameras
- Rear Seat Entertainment
Wheel refurbishment:
Protection/Security:
Featuring the brands, Pandora, ScorpionTrak, Meta Trak & SmarTrack, we’ve included affordable, and premium products to suit the needs of our customers. With finance options available, and the option of installation, head to our website to get your quote!
We will always go above expectations to make your car feel special to you. With even more services and options becoming available in the future, Car Specialist Customs is the home of making any car unique, secure and special.
See what we can do for you today, we hope the details we shared have helped you decide to take a step forward in personalising your vehicle with our unique service.
In this blog, we aimed to have provided insight into car mods near you in Manchester. Whilst also providing supplementary information that can help you make an informed choice when it comes to investing in customisation options for your vehicle.
Want to get in touch? You can find us right here:
WORKSHOP:
Unit 30
Caldershaw Centre
Ings Ln
Rochdale
OL12 7LQ
OPENING TIMES:
Monday to Wednesday – 10 AM—7 PM
Thursday – Closed
Friday to Sunday – 11 AM—7 PM
TELEPHONE:
07523 971347 (Mon – Fri: 8:30 am – 6:00 pm)
EMAIL:
info@carspecialistcustoms.co.uk
