Ever wonder if those pricey car extras pay off? Some sound great but barely deliver. Let’s cut through the hype and see what’s worth skipping so you can save your money for the auto parts that truly matter.
Nitrogen-Filled Tires
Dealers push nitrogen for tires like it’s a real game-changer—promising less air loss, better fuel economy, and longer lifespan. But the truth? Tests from Consumer Reports and the NHTSA found only a slight difference: nitrogen-filled tires held just 1.3 PSI more than regular air after a year. That’s barely noticeable. Some places charge over $100 for a nitrogen-filled tire. Regular air is already mostly nitrogen—78%, to be exact. A few checks on your tire pressure can do the trick without the additional cost. So, why spend more when you don’t have to?
All-Weather Floor Mats
All-weather mats might cost you $200, but are they worth it? Many drivers think they just don’t look right with the car’s original style. Unless you’re always driving through mud or snow, the factory mats usually handle the job just fine. They’re easy to clean and blend with the interior. For most of us, the extra cost doesn’t pay off.
Wheel Spacers
Wheel spacers might seem like an easy way to give your car a wider, more aggressive stance, but they come with significant risks. They can put additional strain on wheel bearings, accelerate the wear on wheel studs, and disrupt steering stability. Many spacers don’t fit perfectly, leading to vibrations and poor handling, particularly during braking. In fact, they’re illegal in several states, such as California. Even if legal, improper installation of wheel spacers could void your insurance. Instead of risking safety for aesthetics, it’s smarter to opt for upgrades that enhance both performance and safety.
Exhaust Tips
Exhaust tips are a popular add-on, but they’re primarily for looks. They won’t make your car faster or more efficient—just slightly change the sound. While a deeper tone might catch your ear, that’s all they offer. If you’re after actual performance, an exhaust upgrade does the job better. Think twice before spending on something that doesn’t add value beyond appearances.
Custom Seat Covers
Are you planning on shelling out $100 to $500 for custom seat covers? Think again. Many drivers find the original seats more comfortable—factory fabric tends to breathe better than stiff, faux leather covers that don’t sit right. They often end up loose and messy. If you keep your seats clean, they’ll stay looking good without the extra layer.
Sunroofs
Sunroofs may seem like a luxury, but they often aren’t worth the $1,200 price tag. Most people rarely use them, and they can cause more problems than benefits—adding extra weight, reducing fuel efficiency, and disrupting the car’s balance. They’re also fragile, with repairs sometimes costing over $1,000. From a safety perspective, sunroofs can be risky, with accidents involving passengers being ejected through them. Then there’s the added noise, potential leaks, and debris that can get in. For many, skipping the sunroof and saving that money for something more practical is a smarter choice.
Spoilers
Spoilers get hyped as performance boosters, but they’re just a pricey decoration for most drivers. Despite claims of added downforce, they do little to help with aerodynamics at average speeds. Most spoilers you see—especially on everyday cars—are just for looks and can run anywhere from $200 to $1,000, depending on what they’re made of and the installation. They might also make your fuel economy worse by adding drag and can block your view out the back. Also, if they break, repairs aren’t cheap. Unless you’re tearing up the track, a spoiler is more of a money drain than a driving gain.
Wheel Locks
Wheel locks might seem like a smart investment, but they offer little protection against determined thieves. Priced between $30 and $100, anyone with the right tools can remove them in seconds. Even worse, attempts to remove them can sometimes damage your car, leading to costly repairs. For owners, wheel locks can be a hassle too—losing the key or needing a special tool just to remove them. Investing in comprehensive insurance might be a better way to protect against theft and vandalism, saving you from the frustration of wheel locks altogether.
Paint Protection Film
Paint Protection Film (PPF) can protect your car from scratches, but it’s not always worth it. The installation can set you back anywhere from $800 to $5,000. And if you pick a cheaper film, it might yellow or fade in a year or two, killing that fresh gloss you’re after. The process isn’t foolproof either—messing it up, leaving you with visible seams, bubbles, or peeling edges. Moreover, taking off damaged PPF isn’t cheap or quick. For most, regular care and a solid ceramic coating give you more bang for your buck and peace of mind.
Bullbars
Bullbars are popular, especially among off-roaders. They cost between $500 and $2,500, but tests show they can cause more harm in a crash by dangerously pushing into the car’s footwell and shifting pedals. They also add weight, making rollovers more likely. Most of the time, the car’s original safety features are the safer choice.
Body Kits
Comprehensive body kits, often priced at $10,000 or more, may give your car a striking appearance, but they don’t enhance performance. While they might turn heads at car shows, they don’t improve handling or speed and can even disrupt aerodynamics, increasing drag and reducing fuel efficiency. Unless you’re focused on aesthetics for a show or track day, body kits are mostly an expensive way to stand out. For real performance gains, smarter investments like suspension upgrades will offer far more value.
Car Bras
Car bras, ranging from $100 to $300, seem like they’d protect your car, but they often do the opposite. Dirt and moisture get trapped underneath, causing scratches and even rust. They can also flap loose, damaging paint more than they protect it. Moreover, they often look weird and may cause paint to fade unevenly.
Rain-sensing Wipers
Rain-sensing wipers sound like a great addition, but they often fall short. Drivers complain they act up—too fast in drizzle, too slow in downpours, or not at all. And if you change your windshield, they may need recalibration—a tricky, often costly process. In the end, sticking to manual wipers might save you the headache.
Invest Wisely
Not all car upgrades are worth the cost. Some pricey add-ons look good but offer little real benefit, often draining your wallet. Before getting swept up in the hype, rethink. Spend on what truly matters and skip the rest.
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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.
