When buying or upgrading a car, there’s an option to add accessories, technology, and other seemingly handy features to maximise your vehicle’s performance. However, not all of them are necessary and may end up being a waste of your hard-earned money. When taking out a car loan to finance your purchases, it’s best to know which ones to get and which to avoid. This way, you’ll be making the most of your funds.
There are many types of add-ons you can get for your car, and they generally fall into one of three categories: Factory-fitted, dealer-fitted, and aftermarket accessories. Here’s a quick overview of their differences:
- Factory-fitted accessories are add-ons that manufacturers design and produce for specific car models. Examples include navigation systems, sunroofs, safety technology, and heated seating.
- Dealer-fitted accessories, as their name suggests, are extras that dealerships outfit the cars they sell. They can install these in your vehicle for a price, and the warranties depend on the manufacturer. Scuff guards, towbars, alloy wheels, and spoilers are some examples of these add-ons.
- Aftermarket accessories come from third-party suppliers, and you can easily install them on your car. These parts may affect your car’s warranty, so it’s best to tread lightly with these add-ons. Some examples are floor mats, window tints, additional lighting, and performance parts.
What Car Add-Ons Should You Get?
Some add-ons are worth spending money on, especially if you want to provide your car with convenient features and additional protection. Some of the accessories worth getting include:
1 – Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS)
An anti-lock braking system (ABS) is a must-have safety feature standard in new cars but is also worth installing in older models. The ABS prevents the brakes from locking up, which can help you maintain control over your vehicle during a skid.
If you’re in an area with a significant amount of rainfall per year, this is a critical accessory to have. However, even those in more arid regions can benefit from ABS in an emergency.
2 – Bluetooth Features
Another standard feature in new cars is Bluetooth integration, which is not quite a necessity but can be incredibly convenient for drivers on the go. With this add-on, drivers can take calls from their phones while driving.
3 – Reversing or Rear-View Cameras
Rear-view cameras allow drivers to easily see what’s behind their cars when they reverse. These devices are helpful if you’re not confident in your parking or are concerned about backing up into unsuspecting kids or pets.
What Car Add-Ons Should You Avoid?
Many add-ons are unnecessary and expensive to install, which may not be ideal to get. Some accessories to avoid include:
1 – Headlight Protectors
While protecting all parts of your car can sound like a sound idea, the reality is that it’s highly unlikely that you’ll need headlight protectors. These accessories are typically only worth it if you’re planning to drive your car off-road regularly.
2 – Paint and Fabric Protection
It’s nice to have a car that looks new, from its paint job to its fabrics. However, paint and fabric protection is unnecessary, and you can substitute it with cleaning your vehicle regularly instead. You can also hire professionals to clean or repair minor scratches for a fraction of this add-ons price.
3 – Additional Window Tints
Most cars already come with tinted windows, and spending more on additional tints is unnecessary. It’s best to only go to a specialist to install these, and you can do so further down the road if you’re unhappy with the factory tints.
Conclusion
Getting add-ons for your car will always require careful consideration. There are many unnecessary accessories that can be quite expensive to install, so it’s best to learn which ones to get and which to avoid. Keep this guide in mind as you give your vehicle some much-deserved upgrades!
If you’re looking to get a car loan in Perth, FinanceCorp has you covered. Our finance managers will help you get the funds you need to acquire your much-needed assets. All of the Finance Managers at FinanceCorp are fully qualified, trained and experienced mortgage professionals who live and breathe finance. Contact us today!