Car improvements and add-ons: exterior
When you’re buying a car it can be tough to decide on what options to add to the base model. Do you really need that accent wing? Can’t live without those hubcaps? Certain accessories are very useful for some drivers while others just make your car look very cool. Here’s a brief guide to help you choose.
Have any add-on suggestion? Tell us in the comments!
Hey good looking
Wheel rims are by far the most popular car accessory. They transform the look of a car in a single stroke. There are several varieties of rims ranging from the affordable to the exorbitantly expensive. Be sure to consider your options carefully and have your tires adjusted if need be.
Rims replace the car’s original wheels. Available in chrome, black, or colour, they can be made of steel or aluminium. They make it possible to change the size of the wheels to accommodate low-profile tires. Deal with a professional who will know the maximum allowable width and diameter for your car model.
Hubcaps are a less expensive accessory. Often made of plastic, they cover the original wheels. They let you change the look of the car without investing in expensive wheel rims.
Accessories for adventurous spirits
The portable shower is a system you mount on your car roof rack. It comes with a tank that can hold several litres of water. Solar energy heats the water which can be pressurized with a simple bicycle pump. It’s very practical for drivers who travel dusty roads and want to be able to rinse the car off quickly. It can also do double duty as a shower on camping trips!
To keep your car clean (or at least avoid scratches on the hood) the “car bra” is a practical accessory. Easy to install, you can use it only when you need it, for example when you know you’ll be driving on dirt or gravel roads. You can also buy plastic deflectors that redirect airflow so that fewer insects get smashed on your windshield. It’s a simpler but effective solution.
An easy fix for comfier road trips
It can be tricky to pack the whole family’s luggage in the car and still leave enough room for comfort! Being able to store some of your stuff in a bag on the roof comes in very handy on long weekends and summer vacations. Roof cargo bags can be attached with straps so you don’t even need a roof rack, which makes them a simpler less permanent solution than a roof box. But they are just as practical, capacious and waterproof!
Once you’ve reached your destination, it’s nice to be able to leave the confines of the car and explore the area on bike. It’s simple enough to install a bicycle rack either on the roof or the back of the car. You have several options, depending on your car model, and they are often customizable for maximum safety.
Horizontal bars on the roof are one practical and popular permanent accessory. You can attach just about anything to them, such as a box, a bike rack or a canoe rack, or a cargo carrier. Plus, you can often have them installed directly at the dealership when you buy a new car.
Sometimes you need to be able to pull something behind your car, such as a small trailer for moving or camping, for instance. In that case it’s advisable to install side view mirror extenders. They enhance safety by ensuring complete visibility along the full length of the towing vehicle.
One last thing to keep in mind concerning car accessories: regardless of whether you want an exterior accessory for function or style, it’s a good idea to deal with professionals to be sure everything is done by the book because safety should always be the top priority!
This article is part of our car information hub
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