Accessories are a cool way to bring improvements to your car without spending much. Different accessories serve different functions, and while most people go for cosmetic accessories to enhance the visual appeal of their car, some accessories are a must-have that make a difference in day-to-day driving. Below is a compiled list of the car accessories that you must definitely have, whether you've just bought a new car or already own one.
1. Dashcam
When it comes to driving on our roads, incidents are inevitable. In case you face a serious one, dashcams can be very useful to claim insurance. They record your entire drive the moment the engine turns on, providing crucial evidence. While most dashcams record what's in front of you, some even have a rear-view unit, useful in case you’re rear-ended, and an in-cabin camera for driver behaviour evidence. Most dashcams sold in the market come with features like full HD video recording, night vision, app support, and let you export footage via SD card. A decent one can be had from Rs 2,500 onward, and the price increases depending on recording capability and added features.
2. Tyre inflator
A portable tyre inflator is a necessary accessory to maintain your car's tyre pressure. If the car tyre has lost pressure due to being parked for a long time, an inflator can be used to restore it, thus eliminating the need to drive to a specialist with low tyre pressures. Also, it is purposeful for those who love off-roading by reducing tyre pressure before going on trails and refilling air once back on tarmac. While some tyre inflators require your car's 12V socket to operate, some offer better portability by having rechargeable batteries. A decent one can be had from upwards of Rs 1,000.
3. Battery jumpstarter
If your car isn't starting due to a weak battery, finding another car or a technician to help jumpstart it is difficult. In this case, having a battery jump starter is of great help. Simply connect the clamping wires to the corresponding terminals of your car's battery and crank the engine to recharge it. These are slightly on the expensive side, costing upwards of Rs 3,000, but are a must-have in case you’re stuck or haven’t used your car in a long time.
4. Retractable Sunblinds
Retractable sunblinds are an unavoidable accessory in Indian driving conditions, where summers can be quite harsh to deal with. They work by blocking sunlight whenever rolled up, and reduce heat absorption when the car is parked under the sun. Though some cars offer the feature in their top-spec versions, they're only available for the rear windows. While universal car sunshades are available for a couple of hundred Rupees, getting model-specific ones will cost upwards of Rs 1,000.
5. Fire extinguisher and flashlight
Car fire occurrences may be rare, but if it does happen, a fire extinguisher becomes an unavoidable tool for immediate relief. Only CNG-powered cars get a fire extinguisher as standard to counter fires caused by gas leaks. Thus, having one for your car, be it petrol, diesel, or electric, is also a must-have. On the other hand, a flashlight comes in useful when stranded in darker areas, and especially when changing a tyre or getting a closer look at the car's underbody and engine bay to check if anything is wrong.
6. Door edge protectors
Door edge protectors are a simple but effective way to protect the edge of your car door. In tight parking spaces where opening the doors is risky, these panels take the impact if the door accidentally hits a surface. Vulnerable door edges are protected from unnecessary scratches and paint chips due to this accessory, which is very affordable to own.
7. Microfibre cloth
Microfibre cloths are among the best and most effective for cleaning your car. These cloths do not leave streaks after wiping surfaces and are durable for long-term usage. A tip is to use multiple microfibre cloths for different surfaces of your car, for example, exterior, interior, mirrors, and screens. For a few hundred rupees or cheaper, you can get a decent set in multiple colours for multi-surface car cleaning.
8. Rain repellent window and mirror coating
Accumulation of water on the windscreens and ORVMs due to rain affects overall visibility, causing a safety risk. Hydrophobic sprays for car window surfaces repel water from the windscreen and mirrors, improving visibility in monsoon weather. Spray coatings on car windows and mirror surfaces typically last between one and three months.