Get In Gear With Hot Driving Accessories
It wasn't so long ago that a car owner's "must-have" list of hot car accessories included eight-track players and stick-on dash compasses. Those automotive dinosaurs have long since passed, but even if you love to drive your vintage vehicle, you don't have to settle for outdated accessories. It's easy to update any vehicle with modern driving accessories to satisfy your unique needs and desires.
The automobile has evolved from a simple means of transportation. Today, cars and trucks serve as mass transit systems for carpooling entire departments, recreational centers for road-weary children, and portable offices for mobile executives. With these changing times has come the demand for more gadgets and gizmos to ensure comfortable and productive travel: from coffee cup warmers and shiatsu seat covers, to DVD players and video game portals.
The Global Positioning System (GPS) is one of the most impressive examples of modern mobile gadgetry. A GPS system allows users to view local maps and receive accurate directions. They are priceless for fast-moving professionals needing to navigate urban city streets, and wanderlust-stricken travelers love them, too.
For many hobbyists and professionals, cars and trucks have taken a U-turn from luxury to necessity, and manufacturers have been quick to meet the changing needs of drivers. A wide selection of standard equipment and aftermarket accessories is available to suit drivers of all types of cars. The market is so heavy with accessories that it's not always easy to know what's best, or even what's necessary.
Here are some tips about what to look for, and which gizmos to avoid:
Know What You Need
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 Around
Once you've decided on the right car accessories to meet your needs, it really pays to shop around. There is an ever-expanded market of automotive accessories to meet the huge demand. Check the selection and prices at several outlets, including specialty shops and smaller stores. 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.
Buy Only What You Need
Trying to force buyers to take additional accessories is one of the oldest sales and marketing tricks in the book. It's like being pressured to buy a belt when you pick up a new pair of pants. The same holds true in the car accessories market. Just because a retailer tells you that you really need a neon green GPS cover, it's not necessarily true. Ask a friend or trusted mechanic who is familiar with car accessories and get a reliable opinion on what you should -- and shouldn't -- buy.
Satisfaction Guaranteed
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.
Inspect Before You Buy
When you buy from a conventional retailer, take your time inspecting the product before you seal the deal. This isn't an option when you buy online, so be certain that you're dealing with a reputable Internet vendor. Some retail stores will ask you to sign a receipt stating that the product is in good condition upon purchase. In doing so, you may waive your right to return the item if it is damaged.
Brand Names
Whenever possible, opt for OEM Original Equipment Manufactured car and truck accessories. You can usually be certain that the quality is first-rate and the warranty will protect your purchase.
Car accessories not only make driving more convenient, they can also impact your safety while on the road. Being prudent in your choice of what to buy and where to shop can ultimately save your life, so don't make price your first priority. Safety concerns should always come first, so don't compromise quality just to get a good deal.
Finally, remember to have fun. If shopping for driving accessories is causing a big headache, maybe it is not worth it. You don't have to accessorize your vehicle; do it because it's fun. After all, that's what driving is all about.
The automobile has evolved from a simple means of transportation. Today, cars and trucks serve as mass transit systems for carpooling entire departments, recreational centers for road-weary children, and portable offices for mobile executives. With these changing times has come the demand for more gadgets and gizmos to ensure comfortable and productive travel: from coffee cup warmers and shiatsu seat covers, to DVD players and video game portals.
The Global Positioning System (GPS) is one of the most impressive examples of modern mobile gadgetry. A GPS system allows users to view local maps and receive accurate directions. They are priceless for fast-moving professionals needing to navigate urban city streets, and wanderlust-stricken travelers love them, too.
For many hobbyists and professionals, cars and trucks have taken a U-turn from luxury to necessity, and manufacturers have been quick to meet the changing needs of drivers. A wide selection of standard equipment and aftermarket accessories is available to suit drivers of all types of cars. The market is so heavy with accessories that it's not always easy to know what's best, or even what's necessary.
Here are some tips about what to look for, and which gizmos to avoid:
Know What You Need
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 Around
Once you've decided on the right car accessories to meet your needs, it really pays to shop around. There is an ever-expanded market of automotive accessories to meet the huge demand. Check the selection and prices at several outlets, including specialty shops and smaller stores. 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.
Buy Only What You Need
Trying to force buyers to take additional accessories is one of the oldest sales and marketing tricks in the book. It's like being pressured to buy a belt when you pick up a new pair of pants. The same holds true in the car accessories market. Just because a retailer tells you that you really need a neon green GPS cover, it's not necessarily true. Ask a friend or trusted mechanic who is familiar with car accessories and get a reliable opinion on what you should -- and shouldn't -- buy.
Satisfaction Guaranteed
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.
Inspect Before You Buy
When you buy from a conventional retailer, take your time inspecting the product before you seal the deal. This isn't an option when you buy online, so be certain that you're dealing with a reputable Internet vendor. Some retail stores will ask you to sign a receipt stating that the product is in good condition upon purchase. In doing so, you may waive your right to return the item if it is damaged.
Brand Names
Whenever possible, opt for OEM Original Equipment Manufactured car and truck accessories. You can usually be certain that the quality is first-rate and the warranty will protect your purchase.
Car accessories not only make driving more convenient, they can also impact your safety while on the road. Being prudent in your choice of what to buy and where to shop can ultimately save your life, so don't make price your first priority. Safety concerns should always come first, so don't compromise quality just to get a good deal.
Finally, remember to have fun. If shopping for driving accessories is causing a big headache, maybe it is not worth it. You don't have to accessorize your vehicle; do it because it's fun. After all, that's what driving is all about.
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