The car accessories market is booming worldwide, with the average buyer spending over $1000 on add-ons alone. However, many of these items can be found at considerably lower prices. You just need to think beyond “big retailers” and explore other avenues.
Phone Mounts
A phone mount is a cabin must-have. Picking up phone calls, surfing through music, or getting directions may invite safety risks, especially when you are supposed to have both hands on the wheel. To prevent that, spending 10 to 20 bucks on a bare plastic mount seems fair, but big names like AutoZone may ask for more. You don’t need to spare over 100 dollars for a phone mount when the cheapest one can perform the same, if not better.
Seat Covers
Seat covers are another accessory where you might spend more than necessary. They are often marketed as premium and labeled “leather-like,” claiming to be custom-fit to your ride and cost around $200. However, if you ignore notable places for a minute, the market is filled with stores happy to serve you with quality seat covers at a fraction of the cost.
GPS Units
Your smartphone does more than a fine job with navigation, but if you have a thing for GPS units, make sure you guide your wallet right. Garmin offers premium units that pack tons of features with displays ranging from 5 to 8 inches, but for $300, it doesn’t seem like a great deal. Amazon offers a decent range of GPS units from OHREX that can be yours for as little as 50 bucks. Feature-wise, they can get the job done, but looking at the price difference, you are navigating smarter by paying lower.
Dash & Reversing Cameras
Dash and reversing cameras are fantastic add-ons for any vehicle, providing peace of mind by capturing unexpected events in front of your car and helping you avoid collisions while reversing. Although Advance Auto Parts offers a combined dash and reversing camera device for over $800, researching online could help you find separate cameras for as low as $50 each. Despite the affordable price, these budget-friendly options often still offer HD recording and wide-angle lenses, proving that you don’t need to spend a fortune to enhance your car’s safety features. Sounds like a steal, doesn’t it?
Car Chargers
A car charger is another cabin treasure that keeps your phone full of juice on the go. However, paying 40 bucks or more for a basic branded one is not a bargain if stores such as Walmart can provide the same at a low cost. You’ll also get multi-port and fast-charging features.
Roof Racks
A roof rack is a wise investment if you are a frequent road trip enjoyer. The large boot space may seem insufficient when the passengers pack too much. That’s where the roof rack comes to the rescue. But before you drive to AutoZone and pay over $200 for a cargo carrier, order a universal steel rack for way less and save yourself some cash.
Sun Shades
With global climate change, the sun isn’t merciful. A parked car on a sunny day can quickly become an oven, while the intense sunlight getting inside can give you a proper tan in no time. Don’t let the heat get to your head and trick you into paying more in the name of trust and convenience at big retail stores. Buy the cheapest option from Amazon and call it a day.
Tire Pressure Monitors
Tire pressure monitors are a smart investment for older vehicles that don’t have built-in pressure displays on the dashboard. While modern cars often come equipped with this feature, drivers of older models can significantly benefit from an external monitor to enhance safety on the road. For a modest price—sometimes as low as $30—you can keep track of your tire pressure and avoid potential hazards, such as blowouts or poor fuel efficiency. When it comes to safety, a small investment can go a long way.
Floor Mats
Floor mats act as a shield and protect your ride’s floor from dirt, spills, and wear and tear. But paying over 100 bucks for them is just unnecessary. If you avoid big stores, Amazon can provide you with durable and all-weather floor mats for almost a quarter of the price.
Car Covers
Premium options at big places may cost over $100, but you can find a good one for way less if you search through Walmart. Since a car cover’s basic function is to stop dust and moisture, your budget-friendly cover will function more than just being okay.
Air Fresheners
Who doesn’t want a pleasant aroma inside their cabin? Those dirt-cheap air fresheners often have the same effect as the expensive ones you can get from famous retailers. Just order a budget-friendly pack online and keep your interior fresh without sacrificing too much of your bank account balance.
Car Batteries
A healthy battery under the hood may prevent you from being stranded on the roadside. But retailers like AutoZone can rip you off by selling a battery for over 200 bucks. This price is hilariously high; even the famous YouTuber and mechanic with 56 years of experience, Scotty Kilmer, has criticized it. You can get one at Walmart that is identical to what AutoZone offers in terms of quality by paying much less.
Jump Starter Kits
A jump starter kit is a lifesaver in case your car battery dies. Taking AutoZone as an example again, the NOCO Boost starter (1000 Amp) they offer costs almost $120 dollars. However, the same thing can cost less than $90 on Amazon.
Shop Smart, Save More
The modern economy isn’t as favorable, and saving as little as a dollar can make a big difference. So, don’t get fooled by big names or the illusion of convenience. By spending way less, you can still have quality products at the end of the day. You just have to shop smarter.
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Zainab Noor is a motoring journalist. Childhood rides in Nissan Almera fueled her love for cars. After graduating from AIOU in 2021, she steered her passion into freelance writing. You can find Zainab on LinkedIn.
