There was a time not long ago when the hottest car accessories consisted of eight-track players and stick-on compasses. Thankfully, those days are long gone. But just because you drive a used car or truck, does not mean it can be outfitted to meet your own particular needs and desires.
Today's automobiles are light years away than those bare-bones forms of transportation of yesteryear. Modern drivers count on their vehicles to carpool entire departments, entertain restless and road-weary kids, and serve as mobile offices. The times they are a-changing, and have brought about a growing demand for gadgets and gizmos to provide a comfortable and productive trip. We can choose from coffee cup warmers and shiatsu seat covers to soothe our souls and video game portals and DVD players to calm our broods.
GPS, or Global Positioning System units, are among the most impressive examples of modern mobile gadgetry. With a GPS system on board, you can view local maps and receive accurate directions from virtually any point on the road. These are considered essential equipment for fast-moving professionals needing to navigate urban city streets and travelers exploring the less-beaten paths.
Since cars and trucks have taken the leap from luxury to necessity for many occupations or hobbyists, manufacturers have worked hard to meet the growing demand by offering a selection of accessories suited to car owners of all budgets. The market has been flooded with accessories and it's hard to know what's best, or even what's necessary.
Here are some tips about what to look for, and which gizmos to avoid:
Research Your Needs
They key to making any successful purchase is in the research. Find out what you need first, and then shop around for the best price. The Internet is a great resource, with countless online articles, user forums and product comparisons available. You can also purchase everything your car needs online. Internet auctions are great spots to find quality products at low prices. Internet marketers are able to sell their products at a lower price because they have lower overhead. There are no retail rental fees or expenses so they can, in turn, offer lower prices.
Shop and Compare
Once you know exactly what you want and need, it does pay to shop around. The huge demand for quality automotive accessories has created an ever-expanding market. Compare prices at several outlets, including smaller stores, and don't be afraid to haggle for the best deal.
Ask Other Owners and Friends
Retailers sell goods to make a profit; that's the bottom line. Of course, some vendors will try to overwhelm you with slick pitches and a huge repertoire of brand names, just to make a few extra bucks, and you could end up buying items that you really don't need. Don't let yourself be persuaded by pushy sales tactics. Speak with other car owners, and ask about the accessories they use. Do some online research and check industry magazines. When you shop around, you can compare features, quality and price and, ultimately, be a smarter buyer. Compare today and you can save a lot of money down the road.
Beware Unneeded Add-Ons
Would you like fries with that? Encouraging buyers to take additional accessories is one of the oldest sales and marketing tricks in the book. You've been pressured to buy a belt when you pick up a new pair of pants, and the same tactic is often used in the car accessories market. A retailer may tell you that you really need a neon green GPS cover, but of course it's not true. Ask you friends and speak with a trusted mechanic who is familiar with car accessories. Use these reliable opinions to decide what you should, and what you shouldn't, buy.
Warranty and Policies
As with any product, you need to know at least the basic details of the warranty before making the purchase. Understand the retailer's return or replacement policy in the event that the item doesn't work in your car, fails to meet your expectations, or malfunctions.
Look Before You Buy
You should have the opportunity to inspect the product before agreeing to purchase it. Of course, this is not an option with Internet purchases, so make sure you're dealing with a reputable online dealer. Many retail stores ask that you sign a receipt stating that the product is in good condition upon receipt, and doing so may mean waiving your rights to return the product if it is indeed damaged.
First Quality
Opt for OEM or "Original Equipment Manufactured" car and truck accessories whenever possible. This usually ensures that the quality is first-rate and the warranty will provide purchase protection.
Car accessories make driving more convenient and can greatly impact your safety while on the road. Be prudent in your choice of what to buy and where to shop. It's not only smart, it can also be safer in the long run, so don't base your entire decision on price alone. Safety concerns should always come first, and quality should not be compromised for the sake of a good deal.
Remember to have fun, too, because if purchasing accessories for your car is giving you a big headache, maybe it is not worth it. Don't succumb to pressure that says you have to accessorize -- do it because it is fun for you.
Today's automobiles are light years away than those bare-bones forms of transportation of yesteryear. Modern drivers count on their vehicles to carpool entire departments, entertain restless and road-weary kids, and serve as mobile offices. The times they are a-changing, and have brought about a growing demand for gadgets and gizmos to provide a comfortable and productive trip. We can choose from coffee cup warmers and shiatsu seat covers to soothe our souls and video game portals and DVD players to calm our broods.
GPS, or Global Positioning System units, are among the most impressive examples of modern mobile gadgetry. With a GPS system on board, you can view local maps and receive accurate directions from virtually any point on the road. These are considered essential equipment for fast-moving professionals needing to navigate urban city streets and travelers exploring the less-beaten paths.
Since cars and trucks have taken the leap from luxury to necessity for many occupations or hobbyists, manufacturers have worked hard to meet the growing demand by offering a selection of accessories suited to car owners of all budgets. The market has been flooded with accessories and it's hard to know what's best, or even what's necessary.
Here are some tips about what to look for, and which gizmos to avoid:
Research Your Needs
They key to making any successful purchase is in the research. Find out what you need first, and then shop around for the best price. The Internet is a great resource, with countless online articles, user forums and product comparisons available. You can also purchase everything your car needs online. Internet auctions are great spots to find quality products at low prices. Internet marketers are able to sell their products at a lower price because they have lower overhead. There are no retail rental fees or expenses so they can, in turn, offer lower prices.
Shop and Compare
Once you know exactly what you want and need, it does pay to shop around. The huge demand for quality automotive accessories has created an ever-expanding market. Compare prices at several outlets, including smaller stores, and don't be afraid to haggle for the best deal.
Ask Other Owners and Friends
Retailers sell goods to make a profit; that's the bottom line. Of course, some vendors will try to overwhelm you with slick pitches and a huge repertoire of brand names, just to make a few extra bucks, and you could end up buying items that you really don't need. Don't let yourself be persuaded by pushy sales tactics. Speak with other car owners, and ask about the accessories they use. Do some online research and check industry magazines. When you shop around, you can compare features, quality and price and, ultimately, be a smarter buyer. Compare today and you can save a lot of money down the road.
Beware Unneeded Add-Ons
Would you like fries with that? Encouraging buyers to take additional accessories is one of the oldest sales and marketing tricks in the book. You've been pressured to buy a belt when you pick up a new pair of pants, and the same tactic is often used in the car accessories market. A retailer may tell you that you really need a neon green GPS cover, but of course it's not true. Ask you friends and speak with a trusted mechanic who is familiar with car accessories. Use these reliable opinions to decide what you should, and what you shouldn't, buy.
Warranty and Policies
As with any product, you need to know at least the basic details of the warranty before making the purchase. Understand the retailer's return or replacement policy in the event that the item doesn't work in your car, fails to meet your expectations, or malfunctions.
Look Before You Buy
You should have the opportunity to inspect the product before agreeing to purchase it. Of course, this is not an option with Internet purchases, so make sure you're dealing with a reputable online dealer. Many retail stores ask that you sign a receipt stating that the product is in good condition upon receipt, and doing so may mean waiving your rights to return the product if it is indeed damaged.
First Quality
Opt for OEM or "Original Equipment Manufactured" car and truck accessories whenever possible. This usually ensures that the quality is first-rate and the warranty will provide purchase protection.
Car accessories make driving more convenient and can greatly impact your safety while on the road. Be prudent in your choice of what to buy and where to shop. It's not only smart, it can also be safer in the long run, so don't base your entire decision on price alone. Safety concerns should always come first, and quality should not be compromised for the sake of a good deal.
Remember to have fun, too, because if purchasing accessories for your car is giving you a big headache, maybe it is not worth it. Don't succumb to pressure that says you have to accessorize -- do it because it is fun for you.
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