Did you know the global car accessories market is worth $208.76 billion and could be valued at approximately $355.94 billion by 2033?
According to Towards Automotive, the car accessories segment includes products manufactured to enhance the functionality, aesthetics, comfort, and safety of cars, trucks, SUVs, minivans, crossovers, and other vehicles. It highlights options that include universal chargers, air purifiers, parking sensors, GPS indicators, and anti-theft devices.
Some Gadgets Are Better Than Others
While there are tons of popular car gadgets, that doesn’t mean all of them are worth your money. Some products are more sizzle than steak. Either they’re great in theory and ‘blah’ in reality, or they don’t make sense whatsoever and have no business in your vehicle.
Here are 15 popular car gadgets you should avoid because they’re not worth your hard-earned money.
Dashboard Hula Dancer
Okay, this one is silly, and it’s designed to be. But a dashboard hula dancer is purely decorative and serves no useful purpose. Besides looking tacky, it can be a big distraction. And, yes, it’s tacky…and serves no useful purpose. Dashboard hula dancers are also aesthetically challenged.
Clip-On Car Desk
While a desk that hooks onto your steering wheel might seem like a game-changer, it isn’t. It might work in a pinch—as a tray for your laptop or lunch—but you won’t feel comfortable using it. You’ll wish you were back at the office or dinner table.
Portable Car Vacuum Cleaners
Portable vehicle vacuum cleaners aren’t a bad idea—the problem is that most of them are severely underpowered. You’ll be sorely disappointed if you expect the same deep cleaning as the vacuum or central vacuum system in your residence. Most portable car vacuums have so little suction power that they might as well be paper weights or door stops.
Magnetic Phone Mounts
Another class of car gadgets that are often more sizzle than steak is the magnetic phone mounts category. While some are pretty good and will keep your smartphone in place, others have weak magnets. The last thing you need is for your smartphone to drop off the phone mount. It’ll be even worse if it occurs when you’re behind the wheel and need the GPS instructions.
Bluetooth FM Transmitters
While a Bluetooth FM transmitter can help if your car has a less-than-desirable head unit installed, some offer good quality, and others don’t. That’s one reason to focus more on quality than on price. Otherwise, you might end up with static interference and subpar sound quality.
USB-Powered Heated Seat Pads
If your car lacks heated seats, heated seat pads powered by the cigarette lighter might seem like a good idea. However, you probably won’t get enough heat to make a difference, and it’ll be one more useless piece of technology cluttering your vehicle.
Cigarette Lighter Cup Warmers
A cup warmer that plugs into the cigarette lighter seems like a good idea in principle. But they provide inconsistent temperature control, which means your favorite hot drink could be lukewarm when you want it. Besides, a cigarette lighter cup warmer will take up a cup holder. So, you’re better off without one.
Steering Wheel Locks
Dataintelo says the worldwide steering wheel lock market was worth about $1.2 billion last year. It’s on pace to climb to $2.1 billion by 2023, suggesting a compound annual growth rate of 6.1% during the forecast period. The problem with steering wheel locks is that many car thieves can bypass them easily, so they’re not much of a deterrent.
Overhead DVD Players
There was a time when overhead DVD players were a must-have for minivans and SUVs in higher trim levels. But that was then—this is now. With the rise of tablets, overhead DVD players have fallen from grace. They’re an unnecessary expense and a sign of an outdated vehicle.
Vibrating Massage Seats
Aftermarket vibrating massage seatings are often more hype than anything else. Available from the factory as an option, vibrating massage seats can be a game-changer by upping comfort levels. However, aftermarket models, especially cheaper ones, are often ineffective and uncomfortable.
Cheap Cold Air Intake Kits
If you’re thinking about adding a cheap cold air intake kit, give your head a shake. While it might improve performance when combined with other modifications like a low-restriction exhaust system, a standalone low-cost cold air intake system isn’t worth it.
Performance Chip Tuners
Aftermarket performance chip tuners are supposed to be an easy and cost-effective way to increase your engine’s horsepower and torque. If appropriately installed from a shop specializing in performance chips, you might see some improvements. But many cheap tuners will leave you disappointed. They could even damage your engine.
Car Engine Sound Enhancers
A car engine sound enhancer is a good idea that is rarely executed right. These electronic devices attempt to simulate the sound of a powerful motor. But they usually sound fake or corny—like something trying too hard to be cool but failing by all measures.
Exhaust Whistles
Thinking of getting an exhaust whistle? The very name sounds gaudy. These devices are designed to mimic turbo sounds. However, they offer zero performance benefits and annoy drivers and passengers.
Sound-Activated Interior Lights
Sound-activated interior lights are an interesting party trick. But what value do they add? The answer is very little. Yes, they can be cool and even impress your passengers. But the novelty will wear off quickly.
These Are Some Popular Car Gadgets You Can Give a Wide Berth
You can do whatever you want with your money—it’s a free country. But you’re likely wasting money if you get these 15 popular car gadgets. When spending your hard-earned money, getting things that bring tangible value is best.
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