Business Details
42 Years
experience
Vehicle Security & Automotive Solutions Birmingham
Established in 1984 and based in Sutton Coldfield near Birmingham, Retrofit Alarmacar has built a reputation as a trusted provider of specialist vehicle accessory installations and automotive services. With over 40 years of experience, we combine technical expertise with competitive pricing and exceptional customer service. Our ISO 9001:2015 certification and Vehicle Certification Agency (VCA) approval demonstrate our commitment to quality management systems across all operations, from design and development to installations and after-sales care. As approved installers for major manufacturers including Mercedes Benz LSH, Trust Ford, and Contract Supplies, we deliver type-approved products meeting VCA standards. Our team of highly qualified engineers provides solutions for vehicle security, diagnostics, air conditioning, and fleet management, serving private motorists, franchised dealerships, and commercial operators.Customer testimonials consistently highlight our professionalism, attention to detail, and 5-star service rating, with particular praise for our work on Ghost immobilisers, parking sensors, and vehicle diagnostics. We maintain partnerships with leading suppliers like ScorpionTrack for stolen vehicle recovery systems and IROAD for premium dash cameras, ensuring access to cutting-edge technology. Our workshop offers free winter health checks covering 10 critical vehicle components, reflecting our proactive approach to customer care.
Services
Vehicle diagnostics
Air conditioning
Van security
Dash cams
Fleet management
Ghost immobilisers
Vehicle tracking
LED lighting
Winter checks
Parking sensors
Details
- Year established: 1984
Highlights and features
- 40+ years of specialist automotive experience
- ISO 9001:2015 quality management certified
- VCA-approved type-approved installations
- 5-star customer service rating
- Manufacturer-approved installation partner
Associations and certifications
- ISO 9001:2015
- Vehicle Certification Agency (VCA)
What people say
Outstanding service
Professional installation
Exceptional customer care
5-star rating
Highly recommend
Services
Vehicle diagnostics
Our Birmingham workshop uses state-of-the-art diagnostic equipment to identify mechanical and electrical faults in cars, vans, and HGVs. We check engine management systems, ABS, airbag faults, and more. Our technicians receive regular manufacturer training to stay current with evolving automotive technology. This service helps prevent costly breakdowns through early fault detection.
Ghost immobilisers
We install Thatcham-approved Ghost immobilisers that prevent vehicle theft through unique PIN code activation. These self-arming systems automatically secure vehicles within 30 seconds of engine shutdown. The technology works with existing vehicle buttons and cannot be bypassed without the correct code. This solution protects against key cloning and hot-wiring.
Air conditioning
Our specialists service vehicle air conditioning systems with refrigerant level checks and leak detection. We perform complete system inspections including pressure checks, vent temperature testing, and bacterial cleaning. Regular maintenance ensures optimal performance and prevents costly repairs while maintaining driver comfort.
Parking sensors
We install front and rear parking sensors with audible alerts that help prevent collisions when reversing. Our systems feature discreet installation with sensors integrated into bumpers. The Parksafe system we use offers a 5-year warranty and works effectively in various vehicle types including motorhomes and commercial vans.
Fleet management
Our ScorpionTrack Fleet system provides real-time GPS tracking for commercial vehicle operations. Features include geofencing, driver identification, and detailed reporting. The system helps improve operational efficiency through route optimisation and driver performance monitoring while offering stolen vehicle recovery capabilities.
Questions
What vehicle types do you service?
We work on all makes and models including cars, panel vans, HGVs, motorhomes, and camper vans. Our services cover both private and commercial vehicles.
Are your engineers qualified?
Our technicians hold industry certifications and receive regular manufacturer training. We're ISO 9001:2015 and VCA-approved for quality installations.
Do you offer warranties?
All installations carry minimum 12-month guarantees. Parksafe parking sensors include a 5-year warranty with terms and conditions.
Can you service older vehicles?
Yes, our diagnostic equipment works with vehicles from 1984 onwards. We handle both modern and classic vehicle systems.
What security products do you install?
We fit Ghost immobilisers, Thatcham Category 2 systems, vehicle tracking, van deadlocks, and Locks4Vans security solutions.
Do you provide fleet services?
Yes, we offer ScorpionTrack Fleet management systems for businesses with multiple vehicles, including stolen vehicle recovery and operational tracking.
Reviews (6)
Charlie Black
Jun 28, 2022
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Alex was amazing, I called on Saturday to explain the issue, it was followed up on Monday morning and I was offered an appointment the same day! Radar was recently dislodged by a bird and needed recalibrating, it was sorted in under 20 mins, now works perfectly. Couldn't have asked for better, especially as the quote from VW was extortionate. 100% would recommend, Alex clearly knows his stuff!
Razvan Birsan
Jun 16, 2022
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Very professional guy, managed to fix the maps on my Satnav after trying a VW main dealer and another "VW Specialists" garage. Highly recommend Alex for any issues, upgrades or retrofits. He definitely knows what he's doing. Well done Alex!
M. K.
Jun 01, 2022
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Excellent work from Alex. Got the boot pop kit and voice activation. All done with care and was out of there in a few minutes. Definitely going back to upgrade infotainment at some point. As for comms, Alex is a no nonsense type of guy. Don't expect long emails and smiley emojis! He does a great job that's all you want for your car. I have no hesitation recommending him (even if he does hate manual gearboxes!).
Lee
May 27, 2022
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I've been taking my cars to Alex for a number of years now, from Ghost immobilisers to virtual cockpits, apple CarPlay to rear view cameras. This man is a genius, he's very helpful, polite and full of knowledge. I would definitely highly recommend VW Retrofit and Alex, no doubt I'll be back again soon. Thank you again for another wonderful experience.
Adam Andrzejewski
May 24, 2022
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Reverse camera with dynamic guidelines fitted in Skoda Superb. Works like a charm. I can recommend Alex services to everyone. I will add some photos later today.
Jonathan Briscoe
May 08, 2022
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A pleasure to do business with. Booked an appointment with Alex, he booked me in quickly. I misjudged the time and arrived really early but Alex, being the professional he is, started work on the car. I went in for a cruise control fitting and wing mirror code change. Alex completed the tasks within an hour. From start to finish this was a great experience. No nonsense and straight into the job. The result was a superbly fit cruise control, no mess, excellent quality and it works really well. Thank you Alex, it was a pleasure doing business with you.
