ALT-1 Determining which Accessories are most useful for the Car
Oh joy of all joys. You have that new (or new to you) car! Or, you have the credit to finally by the car of your dreams. A car is so much more than just a car! It's an extension of our egos. My car makes a statement about me. And a car is not just a car. A car is... also its accessories!What kind of accessories to I want? Well...maybe I should ask what kind of accessories can I afford!To start we need to ask what kind of car we are getting, how will it be used and who will be using it? A teenage boy will want accessories that an adult male wouldn't consider! (Unless he's dating.) Males want different items from females. Truck accessories generally would not do for a car. Sports cars need different accessories from vans.Accessories come for outside the vehicle. Many of these are for looks. Hubcaps, tonneau covers, decorative stripes, neon lights for undercarriage, special headlamps, bug covers, etc. There are working accessories: trailer hitches, bicycle racks, luggage racks, special bumpers,large side mirrors.Internal accessories for looks can include special carpeting, floor mats, certain kinds of lighting, spiffy seat covers, leather wheel covers, etc. Cup holders, litter bags, ashtrays and the like are for convenience. Don't forget to consider CD players, radio, tv, vcr or dvd players: back seat only please.Safety accessories should always be considered regardless of the type of vehicle. Air bags, not only for driver, but passengers and sides. Keyless entry for those who work or drive at night in poorly lit areas. Disc brakes, theft protections, good rearview mirrors, including side mirrors, rear window wipers, GPS or navigation electronics, cell phone holder and speaker. Will there be children in the car? Special seats and belts, child-proof locks and windows should be considered.For the sake of brevity, I will end the list of accessories. By now you have gotten the idea that a person could easily spend as much or more on accessories as the cost of the car!To help make a decision, make a list of all the things you'd really like to have and put them in order of priority. See what is most helpful for the kind of car you have and how you will be using that car. Long trips? Short trips? Used in work? Office in the car? Old car? New car? Need comfort? As you work down your list, ask yourself if you really need this item. If not, move it down the list. Keep your list around and rearrange things as life or cars change. Keep buying when you can afford it. Maybe someday you'll have all the accessories you need and want. Hope your car doesn't break down from the weight!
