With the Christmas season coming up, it’s time to get something to spruce up your ride. Here’s eight accessories you can get for your car!
When you purchase a new car, you’ll tend to treat it like the most precious thing in the world, like how a mother would treat a new-born child; and that means you’re going to spoil it (in a good way).
Like how parents shower their kids with toys, you may want to get some trinkets for your car. Modifications might seem a bit of a stretch, but how about a couple of smaller items?
Let’s take a look at some car accessories you should get for your ride.
Exterior Accessories
Car Cover
Singapore has been experiencing a lot of rain recently thanks to the monsoon season. If your car is parked in an open-air parking lot, the rain might leave many spots on your car after it dries.
How can you prevent this? By purchasing a car cover!
The car cover is essentially just a really huge sheet that you can throw over your car to protect it from the rain, leaves, small animals and of course, bird droppings. Available in a variety of colours, you can get a cover that complements your car.
Sunshades
As the name suggests, these are considered “sunglasses” for the car. Basically, it’s a strip of material that you attach to the top of your windshield that blocks out sunlight. It’s super useful if you have to drive while facing the sun.
However, the Land Transport Authority (LTA) has some restrictions for sunshades. While you do not need their approval to add this accessory, the following requirements must be met:
- No part of the sunshades should be affixed:
- More than 150mm from the top edge of the front windscreen
- More than 100mm from the top edge of the rear windscreen and side windows
- Graphics and words should not be pornographic, obscene or vulgar. They also must not be seditious or offend any religious belief
The above information was taken from LTA’s modification guidelines.
Alternatively, you could just wear sunglasses or put down the sun visor if need be.
Cleaning Equipment
This may not be a conventional “accessory”, but you should always be prepared with the right equipment. After all, it might not always be convenient to bring your car to a car wash.
Let’s take a look at some supplies you should get.
Car Wash Mitt
Many drivers out there use sponges or old clothes to clean their cars, but did you know that these can actually leave scratch marks on your precious vehicle? They can even leave swirl marks on your car when it dries.
To prevent unnecessary scratching, buy a car wash mitt. Shaped to fit your hand, it won’t constantly slip out of your hands like a sponge or cloth would. Cleaning your car would be much easier with this tool, and it doesn’t scratch your paint job either!
Car Shampoo
Don’t be thrown off by the word “shampoo”, as it is just another term for soap. Car shampoo is a type of cleaning liquid made specifically to wash your car. Unlike the dish-washing liquid that some drivers use to clean their vehicles, car shampoo contains a different formula that can make your car look as good as new.
It’s tailored so that it doesn’t leave marks on your car either, and it’s much easier to rinse off. Some shampoos may contain extra additives or agents that cater better to your car, so scour the internet for the best car shampoo.
Car Polish and Wax
You might think this isn’t important, but polishing your car helps to get rid of stubborn stains and dirt that you missed while washing. It’s an extra step, but it really helps.
Both products work together to give you a super shiny and clean car, which can make your 5-year old vehicle look brand new.
Interior Accessories
Phone Mount
Did you know it’s an offence to use the phone when the car is moving? There are many older car models that don’t have a built-in GPS system, so how will drivers find their way?
The logical thing would be to use a mobile phone’s GPS, but how will the driver check the map if he can’t hold the phone? That’s where a phone mount comes into play.
A phone mount is similar to a phone stand, except that you can attach it to either the windscreen or the air vents in your car. Using either rubber grips or a magnet, the phone mount securely holds your mobile device for hands-free navigation.
Steering Wheel and Seat Covers
Many cars have a leather interior, meaning that the steering wheel, dashboard and seats are encased in leather, which can wear out over time. To prevent this, some drivers decide to purchase steering wheel covers, which help keep the steering wheel in good condition.
As for seats, there are seat covers that can be purchased. Aside from the upkeep of leather, seat covers are also useful when there are kids in the car. Kids tend to be messy, especially when they’re eating or stepping on the seats. A seat cover will aid the driver in easy clean up after the ride, and make sure that nothing gets in the nooks and crannies of the seats.
Car Mats
Reiterating the point of messy eaters, crumbs can roll off the seats onto the floor of the car. If these crumbs are overlooked, it could attract cockroaches and other unwanted pests. A good way to prevent this is to get car mats.
These mats are made to fit on the floor of your car and come in many different textures and colours. If crumbs were to get on the mat, all you’d have to do is dust it outside. The mat is also generally soft to the touch, so passengers can feel more comfortable in the car.
Multi-USB Port Adapters
These days, chances are that your car will have some USB ports for you to plug in your mobile devices while on-the-go. But sometimes, you have more devices than ports. That’s where a multi-port will come in handy.
Depending on the adapter you buy, you can turn your single car USB port into a charger for two to three devices. It’s a device that will come in handy, especially since we do basically everything on our phones nowadays.
Car Cameras
Also known as dashcams, these small cameras can be linked up to the front and/or rear of your car to record your journey. Its main purpose is to help you when you get into an accident – having footage of the accident can determine who really is at fault, and can help you with your insurance claims.
They’re getting increasingly popular in Singapore, with more and more vehicles fitting their rides with these dashcams. After all, it’s best to prepare ahead.
Overall, accessories are optional, but if you can afford them, they will be a great investment. They enhance the experience of driving a car, and help make trips more enjoyable for both you and your passengers.
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