At Car Specialist Customs, we are proud to offer a wide variety of options when it comes to making your car a unique expression of who you are. We are excited to share with you the option of our Starlights.
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 to £28 billion by 2022.
Starlights are the latest in a long line of aftermarket customisation, and one of the most intricate and unique options you can choose.
In this blog, we will be exploring the question ‘What is Starlight made of?’
This is a question that we are frequently asked so we thought it would be best to provide an explanation for you. Read on to discover interesting facts about Starlights!
Which cars can have Starlights?
Not all cars can have Starlights, convertible top cars, whether soft or hard hood, are not able to have Starlights installed, due to the retracting and folding of the roof, potentially damaging the wiring and lights. The same applies to sun-roof windows
However, cars with sunroofs are able to have Starlights installed. Our expert technicians can install Starlights to your specification. As long as your roof is not convertible, it can be done.
What happens if my starlights stop working?
For complete peace of mind, there is a lifetime warranty with our installations. So if one or more of your lights burn out, we can replace them for you under warranty, or if anything else should happen.
Our car roof Starlight technicians know how to dismantle and remove the roof lining to install the lights, then reinstall it back in place perfectly. We are experienced in working on a wide range of different vehicles from different manufacturers.
What is Starlight made of?
The Starlight Headliners (also known as Starlights) are generally made with LED lights, this however differs from brand to brand.
The Starlight offered by Car Specialist Customs contain the unique factor of NOT being from LED lights, instead, they are made from fibre optic lights. These are lights that are refracted through fibre optic cables.
What colours do Starlights have available?
The true depth of customisation for our Starlights is massive, available in a wide range of colours with up to 500+ options! You can choose white, several base colours or different variations.
Additionally, you can even also control how the lights twinkle, or if they stay on. The car Starlight Headliner can be optimised to twinkle at its own rate.
To add an extra layer of personability to your Starlights, you can download an additional app to control the rate of twinkling to a level that you see fit. The Starlights are controlled wirelessly through Bluetooth.
Who can Install Starlights?
Starlights can be added to almost any vehicle. It is possible for you to install it manually, however, you run the risk of damaging the wiring and other internal components in your vehicle. It is best to leave this to professionals with years of experience like Car Specialist Customs, the process of installation is as follows.
- The process starts by disconnecting all dome, map lights and other trim pieces and removing the vehicle’s headliner.
- Hundreds of small holes then need to be drilled or pinned in the top of the headliner mould, to fit the fibre optic lights, which are individually carefully placed just above the headliner fabric.
- These lights are then attached by adhesive and then stranded together to be run to the location of the Light Source, typically in the trunk, rear seats, or under the vehicle’s dash, wherever you choose.
- The process can take many hours, depending on the number of lights you’re installing.
Will Starlights fail MOT?
Cars that have Starlight Headliners which have been installed correctly by professionals, will not fail their MOT.
Will Starlights affect my insurance?
There is not one specific answer in regard to this subject, as there are various insurers with their own stipulations, some of which are not affected by aftermarket customisation, whilst others are.
Are Starlights needed?
Starlights are an optional customisation option, they provide no hindrance to the driver, or the vehicle’s function. They are not necessary in the sense that they are a legal requirement, however, for anybody who loves their vehicle or for anybody who wants to personalise their vehicle, Starlights are an understated and sleek option.
Pros and cons of Starlights
We would argue that being completely comfortable in your vehicle is a key factor in determining how well you drive. Adding to your comfort (as long as it is not a distraction or compromises safety) can be nothing but good for the driver and their passengers.
Benefits of Starlights
Starlights are beneficial to the driver to create a comfortable driving experience that doesn’t hinder visibility or car control.
Additionally, we must highlight that there are various studies that suggest that the hue (colour) of lighting can have an effect on some people. Artificial lights have the ability to influence our circadian rhythm which can as a result make us more active or tired at times the body generally shouldn’t be.
This being said, there are little to no studies specifically researching the effect of Starlight Headliners that can confirm or deny that they have this (if any) effect on a driver.
What is the weakness of Starlights?
If installed correctly by a legal vendor such as Car Specialist Customs, there is no ‘weakness’ to a Starlight Headliner. However, if installed by an unrecognised or inexperienced vendor, you may find these issues.
- Your Starlights aren’t working how they are supposed to.
- There is a faint humming (due to loose wiring)
- The roof of your car is visibly damaged after installation.
- Your Starlights are too dim or overbearingly bright.
- The connectivity between the Starlight & its control isn’t responsive.
- Other electrical components in your vehicle aren’t working as they should
Order Starlight Headliners today
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:
Personalisation:
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 always will 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 our Starlight service has helped you decide to take a step forward in personalising your vehicle with our unique service.
We hope to have answered the question ‘Can you drive with Starlights on?’ whilst providing supplementary information that can help you make an informed choice when it comes to investing in the best security system for your vehicle.
Want to get in touch? You can find us here:
WORKSHOP:
Unit 30
Caldershaw Centre
Ings Ln
Rochdale
OL12 7LQ
OPENING TIMES:
Monday – Wednesday – 10 AM – 7 PM
Thursday – Closed
Friday – Sunday – 11 AM – 7 PM
TELEPHONE:
07523 971347 (Mon – Fri: 8:30 am – 6:00 pm)
EMAIL:
info@carspecialistcustoms.co.uk