Many modern cars come equipped with cutting-edge features and sleek designs that make them ready to hit the road right off the showroom floor. However, car owners are increasingly interested in personalizing their vehicles by adding accessories that can enhance both the aesthetics and safety of their ride, or add new functionality to their car.

Some accessories are essential to improving the car's performance, while others can add a personal touch and make the driving experience more enjoyable. In this article, we will discuss some of the most popular and useful car accessories.

What are Car Accessories?

Car accessories are additional items that can be added to a vehicle to enhance its appearance or functionality. These items serve different purposes.

Importance of Car Accessories

A car is a vehicle that enables you to travel swiftly and comfortably from one place to another, while also providing you with a private space. However, cars have now evolved to become much more than just a means of transportation. They have become an essential part of our lives and can reflect the personality of their owner. There are different types of accessories that people use to:

• Handle emergencies
• Boost the aesthetics of the car.
• Ensure a clean and hygienic drive.
• Increase the comfort features of the car.
• Personalise the car to their style.
• Enhance the practical usage of the car.
• Add entertainment options

Essential Car Accessories for a New Car

If you're looking to enhance your car's comfort, hygiene, and style, then you might want to consider investing in some essential car accessories. To make your selection easier, we've curated a list of car accessories and categorized them by their use. 

Accessories for the Car's Interior

The car's interior is where you spend most of your time while driving. Hence, it's essential to keep it comfortable and organized. Here are some accessories that can help:

Dashboard Decorations - The dashboard is the face of your car. It's where you look most of the time when driving. Hence, many car owners like to decorate it with items like religious idols, figurines, decorative air fresheners, etc. These accessories are a great way to customize your car to your liking.

Seat Covers - Manufacturers provide standard seat covers based on the car's model. However, aftermarket seat covers are available that can enhance your car's seats' comfort and style.

Detachable Sun Shades - In most parts of Kuwait, the weather is hot, and the sun's heat can make the car's interior uncomfortably warm. Hence, many car owners use detachable sunshades that can be attached during the day and removed once the sun goes down. These shades are available in both utilitarian and stylish options.

Floor Mats - Floor mats are an essential accessory that helps keep your car's interior clean. They protect the car's floor from dirt, dust, and other debris. Based on your utility or aesthetic requirements, you can choose from a variety of floor mats to enhance your car's appearance.

Ambient Lights - Ambient lights can change the way your car looks, especially at night. They are installed around the dashboard, under the seats, and even along the inside of the doors to create a unique energy inside the car.

Seat Organizer - If you're someone who travels with backseat passengers, then you might want to consider investing in a seat organizer. These organizers are attached to the back of the car's seat and allow passengers to keep water bottles, chocolate wrappers, and other knick-knacks without creating a mess in the car.

Accessories for the Exterior of the Car

Accessories for your car’s exteriors would primarily be focused on either accentuating its looks or protecting important parts of the vehicle. Here are some examples:

Body Cover - Depending on where you park your car, having a body cover can be one of the most important car accessories. A body cover is essential as it protects the paint and other external components of your car from dust, sunlight, bird droppings, etc.

Accessories for Long Drives

Long drives and road trips have become increasingly popular in Kuwait in recent years. If you plan to travel long distances by car, it is important to choose the right accessories to make your journey comfortable. Here are a few recommendations:

Seat Cushions: Driving for long hours can put a strain on your back and legs. Choose seat cushions that are designed for comfort and durability. It's also essential to adjust your seat's height and distance from the steering wheel carefully.

Posture Support: To prevent neck and back strain during a long drive, invest in posture support cushions and other accessories that can help you maintain a good posture.

GPS Navigator: While most people rely on their phone's navigation system these days, it's always a good idea to have a backup plan. Invest in a reliable GPS navigator to avoid getting lost, especially in areas with patchy network coverage.

Universal Car Charger: We rely on gadgets more than ever, and they need to be charged. Invest in a universal car charger that can help you charge all your devices while on the go.

Other Car Accessories

Consider purchasing these essential car accessories to keep your car clean and fresh: 

Car freshener - A car's cabin can accumulate odors and allergens, making it smell unpleasant. A car freshener can help keep it smelling great every time you enter it.

Car vacuum cleaner - Even if you keep your car windows closed and the air conditioner running, dust can still accumulate over time, making the interior look dirty and unhygienic. A handy car vacuum cleaner can help keep your car clean and hygienic.

Garbage disposal - To avoid littering outside the car, consider purchasing a mini dustbin or garbage disposal bags to keep the trash contained.

Some Recommended Accessories for First-Time Car Owners

If you are a first-time car owner, there are several essential accessories that you should consider purchasing. These include:

A car body cover: Choose a material based on where you park your car. If the parking area is frequently humid, you may want a cover that can absorb excess moisture or allow the car to breathe while also protecting it.

A car tool kit: Even if you are not an expert in car repairs, it's essential to keep a basic toolkit in your car. This should include tools like a wrench, screwdriver, tire pressure gauge, jumper cables, flashlight, Swiss knife, foldable reflective triangles to divert traffic in case of a breakdown, a good pair of gloves, and a first-aid kit.

Summing Up

When it comes to car accessories, there are thousands to choose from, which can make the decision overwhelming. Additionally, many car owners are unsure of what accessories they need and end up buying everything that catches their eye. This can be a costly way to customize your car and may also affect your 4-wheeler insurance premium.

To avoid making unnecessary purchases, it's important to follow the tips mentioned above and only buy essential accessories. Keep in mind that standard car insurance plans do not typically cover accessories. However, with Carisma, you can opt for a car accessories add-on cover to ensure financial protection for select listed accessories. Moreover, purchasing or renewing car insurance with Carisma can be done online without any hassles.