Pimp My Ride: The Most Popular Car Customizations in the UK

For many drivers, their car is an expression of personal style and identity. Customizing your ride allows you to transform it from ordinary to extraordinary with the latest mods and bespoke styling.

Let’s look at some of the most popular ways UK motorists customize their cars, from mild to wildtransformations.

Wraps and Vinyls (Popularity: 8/10)

Full vehicle wraps let you reskin your car in a custom print or color for £2000-5000. More affordable partial wraps and vinyls start around £300-500. From racing stripes to abstract designs, options are limitless.

Wraps protect the original paint while completely changing the car’s look. Matte finishes are on-trend now. Wraps lasts 5-10 years if cared for. They can boost street cred or give your car anonymity.

Wheel and Tire Upgrades (9/10)

New wheels and performance tires alter your car’s stance and handling. Wheels like gold BBS or gloss black Rotiforms start around £800-1000 installed. Sticky performance rubber ranges £150-300+ per tire.

Wheels come in endless styles – deep dish, multi-spoke, chrome, etc. Wide low-profile tires and spaced-out wheels fill the arches for an aggressive track-ready look. Essential street cred upgrade.

Lowering (8/10)

Lowering kits and coilovers drop your car closer to the asphalt for a ground-hugging profile. Lowering costs around £300-1200 depending on type and complexity.

Lowering improves handling and gives a sleek, nose-down appearance. But it also reduces ground clearance. Lowered cars must avoid bumps and steep driveways. Slammed static drop for maximum cred.

Exhaust Upgrades (7/10)

Aftermarket exhausts range from axle-back systems around £300 up to full turbo-back systems for £2000 or more. They generate louder, deeper exhaust notes while reducing weight.

Exhaust mods don’t directly add power, but free-flowing systems boost power delivery. They also look great with stainless steel or carbon fiber tips. But loud exhausts draw unwanted police attention.

Sound Systems (6/10)

In-car entertainment upgrades range from installing better speakers at around £200 up to full custom audiovisual systems costing £5000+. Options include amplifiers, subwoofers, multimedia displays.

A thumping sound system enhances cruising. But weight, space usage and electrical upgrades need consideration during installation. Head-rattling bass brings street cred at the cost of hearing loss.

Wide-Body Kits (5/10)

Fiberglass wide-body kits increase fender width and aggression. Basic kits start around £2000 but custom fabrication runs upwards of £5000-10,000.

For maximum street presence, nothing beats a completely resculpted wide-body silhouette. But poorly fitted kits look terrible, so quality workmanship is a must. Impractical for daily driving.

Engine Swaps (4/10)

Engine upgrades like a Honda K-Series swap cost £5000-15,000 including custom fabrication and tuning. Adds major horsepower along with credibility.

Swaps require cutting, welding and custom parts. A more powerful engine stresses other drivetrain components. Only recommended for dedicated track cars due to iffy street legality.

Hydraulics and Air Suspension (3/10)

Hydraulic suspension kits cost upwards of £2000 and allow raising or lowering the car for shows. Air suspension kits start around £800.

“Bags” provide adjustable ride height. But air suspension stresses suspension components when slammed. Hydraulics enable radical dances and tricks. Mostly suited to show vehicles rather than street use.

Go Big or Go Home

The UK’s car personalization options let you tailor your ride to match your style, from mild enhancements to seismic transformations. With the right mix of aftermarket parts and custom fabrication, you can build a head-turning street cruiser or an outright showstopper.

Just be wary of poor quality knock-off parts that only imitate the look while compromising performance. Work with reputable brands and experienced installers, then get ready to tear up the streets in your exclusive customized whip!