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 must-haves that make a difference in day-to-day driving. Below is a list of the car accessories 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, a dashcam can be very useful to claim insurance. It records your entire drive from 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, which is useful in case you’re rear-ended, and an in-cabin camera that can provide evidence of driver behaviour. Most dashcams sold in the market come with features such as full HD video recording, night vision and app support, and they let you export footage via an SD card. A decent one can be purchased for as little as Rs 2,500, and the price increases depending on recording capability and added features.
2. Tyre inflator
A portable tyre inflator is a necessary accessory for maintaining your car’s tyre pressure. If tyres lose pressure after the car has been parked for a long time, an inflator can be used to restore the correct pressure, eliminating the need to drive with low tyre pressures to a specialist. It is also useful for those who love off-roading and need to reduce tyre pressure before going on trails and refill the tyres once back on the tarmac. While some tyre inflators require your car’s 12V socket to operate, others offer better portability by having rechargeable batteries. A decent one can be purchased from upwards of Rs 1,000.
3. Battery jump starter
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, allowing the car to restart. 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 essential accessory in Indian driving conditions, where summers can be quite harsh to deal with. They work by blocking sunlight whenever pulled up and reducing 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 fires are rare, but when they happen, a fire extinguisher is indispensable. Only CNG-powered cars get a fire extinguisher as standard to counter fires caused by gas leaks. But having one for your car, be it petrol, diesel or electric, is also a must-have. On the other hand, a flashlight comes in handy when stranded in darker areas, 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 edges of your car doors. 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. They 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 such as exterior, interior, mirrors and screens. For a few hundred rupees or less, 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 outside rearview mirrors (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.
Uday Singh
Viraaj Bhatnagar
Dipan Sur
Rivan RS 
