I think it’s safe to say that, for many people, their car is their second home. I mean, most of us would like to be as comfortable when driving as we’d be when we’re laying in bed watching TV. Many cars, especially newer ones, are quite comfortable in their stock form, but there are always ways you can improve them. Car accessories, whether those that offer convenience and comfort or 4×4 equipment meant to provide optimum protection for the off-road, come in a wide range of shapes and forms. Some of them are on the more expensive side, but there are also those that are quite affordable. I’ll focus on the affordable ones, as I firmly believe you shouldn’t have to break your bank to improve your driving experience.
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Phone Mount and Charger
It’s hard to imagine life without our trusty smart devices, but it’s highly inadvisable to use them while driving. That being said, it doesn’t mean that you can’t make use of your phone whatsoever while driving. There are a few accessories that you can get to make the use of your phone safe, and more convenient. A phone mount, for instance, allows you to safely mount your phone anywhere on the dashboard or windshield so you can use its navigation hands-free, or see who’s calling without having to take it out of your pocket and take your eyes off the road. A charger, on the other hand, allows you to plug up to two smart devices and charge them using your car’s battery. This is the perfect accessory for long trips, where having enough battery life can prove to be difficult. Some of these chargers are so advanced nowadays, that they come with a Bluetooth feature, allowing you to answer calls and blast your favourite tunes through your car’s speakers.
Weathershield
These accessories are extremely underrated, in my opinion. They allow you to enjoy the cool breeze when driving, without having to worry about rain, dust or debris getting inside your cabin. They improve your car’s aerodynamics and can reduce noise that’s a result of drag, as well as wind noise. Weathershields are installed at the front top side of the windows, and on the bonnet, redirecting upcoming air, bugs and dirt up and away from your windshield and windows. They come in a wide range of shapes, and all of them can be installed using two methods – stick-on and in-channel.
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A stick-on weathershield features heavy-duty two-sided tape, and installation is as easy as sticking it in the right spot. Make sure to clean the area, though, as you don’t want dirt or grime sticking to the adhesive, as it can lower its stickiness. On the other hand, in-channel weathershields come with a flange that fits in the door’s upper window channel, using tension to stay mounted. These weathershields are easy to remove, making them ideal for people who want the flexibility of installing and uninstalling the weathershields.
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Ask a Mechanic Live NowDash Cam
Dash cameras have become increasingly more popular in the past several years, simply because they’ve become more affordable. They’ve always provided great value for drivers, but they used to cost several hundred dollars. Nowadays, you can find a decent dash cam for less than a hundred bucks. Dash cams provide first-hand evidence in case you get into an accident, ensuring you aren’t considered at fault when someone bumps into you. This can save you a lot of time, stress and money in the long run. Furthermore, it can prevent insurance fraud. There are many cases where drivers run into someone else on purpose, shift the blame on them and try to extort money. This happens more often than you’d think to people driving high-end cars.
The aforementioned reasons are all doom and gloom. However, there are some positive things you may get out of using a dash cam. For example, a trip across the outback or woods can be breathtaking, and the dash cam can capture it all. You get to see those breathtaking sights over and over again whenever you get nostalgic.
Recovery Tracks
While they’re mainly considered off-road 4×4 equipment, recovery tracks can find use in a wide range of cases, especially if you frequently transverse rural or dirt roads. In the wrong weather and road conditions, getting bogged down in mud or snow can be frustrating, and recovery without recovery equipment can be tedious. Recovery tracks are affordable, and most models can double down as shovels. All you have to do is dig around your tyres, and place them underneath the tyres to help your vehicle gain traction and momentum. Before you know it, you’ll be out without breaking a sweat.
Car Mats
A quality car mat can make all the difference in the world. It can ensure your car stays clean, reducing the number of times you’d have to vacuum and clean its interior. Road dust and debris can gather faster than you think, damaging it if not dealt with timely. Basically, it can protect your valuable investment, and increase its value when you decide to sell it. However, there’s more to it. Car mats can improve the interior look of your vehicle. Car mats can be universal or vehicle-specific. Vehicle-specific car mats are designed to seamlessly fit the floor area of your car.
Seat Cover
Car seat covers are multi-functional accessories just like car floor mats. They protect your seats from everyday wear and tear that comes with sitting on them, UV rays, crumbs, and spills, they improve your vehicle’s look, as well as comfort. Seat covers can be made from a wide range of materials, and the colour and pattern design choices are virtually endless. They’re a great way to personalize your vehicle. Plus, if your seats are worn down, and don’t have the appropriate lumbar support, you can get seat covers with extra cushioning. Some advanced models even come with cooling and heating technologies, allowing you to stay comfortable no matter the weather.
Max Anthony
Max is a gizmo-savvy guy, who has a tendency to get pulled into the nitty gritty details of technology and cars. He attended UT Austin, where he studied Information Science. He’s married and has three kids, one dog and a GMC truck and a Porsche 911. With a large family, he still finds time to share tips and tricks on cars, trucks and more.
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