Investing in your vehicle can enhance its functionality and aesthetics, but not all accessories offer good value for money. Some are overhyped, overpriced, or simply unnecessary. Here are ten vehicle accessories that are totally not worth your hard-earned cash.
1. Chrome Trim Kits
Chrome trim kits promise to add a touch of luxury to your vehicle, but they often fall short. These kits can be expensive, difficult to install, and prone to peeling or fading over time. Additionally, they don’t add any functional value to your car and can even look tacky if not applied perfectly.
2. High-End Car Alarms
While basic car alarms are essential for security, high-end systems with extensive features can be overkill. These expensive alarms often come with complicated installations and features that most people never use. Investing in a standard, reliable car alarm is sufficient to keep your vehicle safe without breaking the bank.
3. Overpriced Seat Covers
Custom seat covers can be tempting, but they often come with a hefty price tag. Many cheaper alternatives offer the same level of protection and comfort. Spending a lot on seat covers doesn’t necessarily mean better quality or durability, making them a questionable investment.
4. Underbody Neon Lights
Underbody neon lights might look cool at night, but they serve no practical purpose and can attract unwanted attention from law enforcement. They are also expensive to install and maintain. Instead of enhancing your vehicle, they can make it look gimmicky and unprofessional.
5. Spoilers on Non-Sports Cars
While spoilers can improve the aerodynamics of sports cars, they are mostly decorative on regular vehicles. Adding a spoiler to a non-sports car is a costly modification that offers no real performance benefits. It can also decrease your car’s resale value if not professionally installed.
6. DVD Players for the Front Seat
Built-in DVD players for the front seat might seem like a good idea for long trips, but they can be distracting and are often unnecessary. With the prevalence of smartphones, tablets, and other portable entertainment devices, spending extra money on a built-in DVD system is usually not worth it.
7. Performance Chips
Performance chips claim to boost your car’s power and efficiency, but the gains are often minimal and not worth the cost. Additionally, these chips can void your vehicle’s warranty and potentially cause engine damage. Investing in regular maintenance and quality fuel is a safer bet for your car’s performance.
8. Car Bras
Car bras are designed to protect the front end of your vehicle from debris, but they can cause more harm than good. Dirt and moisture can get trapped underneath, leading to scratches and paint damage. They also detract from the overall appearance of your car. Opt for a high-quality paint protection film instead.
9. Fancy Shift Knobs
Custom shift knobs might add a touch of personality to your vehicle’s interior, but they are often overpriced and unnecessary. Many stock shift knobs are ergonomically designed for comfort and durability. Spending extra on a fancy shift knob is unlikely to enhance your driving experience.
10. Sunroof Wind Deflectors
Sunroof wind deflectors are marketed as a way to reduce wind noise and turbulence when the sunroof is open. However, they often fail to deliver significant improvements and can be expensive to install. Modern vehicles are already designed to minimize wind noise, making these deflectors redundant.
Vehicle Accessories
While customizing your vehicle can be fun and rewarding, it’s important to prioritize accessories that offer real value and functionality. By avoiding these ten overrated and overpriced accessories, you can save your hard-earned cash for upgrades that truly enhance your driving experience. Always consider the long-term benefits and practicality of any accessory before making a purchase.
Drew Blankenship is a former Porsche technician who writes and develops content full-time. He lives in North Carolina, where he enjoys spending time with his wife and two children. While Drew no longer gets his hands dirty modifying Porsches, he still loves motorsport and avidly watches Formula 1.