When buying a new vehicle, it is important to consider the accessories that your vehicle is equipped with, or that you can add on later after you purchase.

Accessories can not only make the vehicle more enjoyable and safe for you, but can also improve the resale value once you wish to sell it. Read on to find some great tips on what accessories you should consider in your vehicle and where you can find them for the best price.

Car Accessories

There is a large variety of different car accessories you can consider when buying a vehicle or to purchase for your vehicle at a later time. With a wide selection of accessories designed for the inside and outside of your car, it can be hard to decipher which are really essential for the enjoyment of your vehicle. The following are some of the most vital car accessories you can purchase, allowing you to get the most out of your car or truck.

1. Car Covers

Car covers can be an excellent edition to your vehicle, protecting it from outdoor elements and allowing it to remain dent and scratch-free.When purchasing a car cover, there are many different options that you can consider. The following are the different types of car covers on the market today:

  • Soft Cover- A soft car cover can be a simple and less expensive car cover option, sliding easily over your vehicle and simply resting on top of it. Soft covers can be perfect for car owners with minimal space in their garage and can be stored easily when not in use.
  • Car Enclosures- Designed like small tents, car enclosures contain a structured frame, with a protective tarp over top to keep the outdoor elements away from your vehicle. While it is a little more expensive compared to the soft covers, this is a great option for car owners who are unable to utilize their garage and need better protection from the elements. Plus, it provides another means of storage in your yard.
  • Custom-Made Covers- While this can be the priciest options for car covers, custom car covers utilize form fitting material, ensuring all areas of your car are protected from sun, rain, and sleet.

2. Emergency Kit

You never know when you may face a mechanical malfunction or an accident on the road. The last thing any driver needs to be is unprepared and stranded at the side of the road. Finding an emergency kit that contains all the items you need to get your car back on the road or stay safe until help arrives is an essential purchase for any vehicle. The following are some of the items you can find in an emergency kit, with kits ranging from $35.00 to up to $250.00.

  • Hazard vest
  • Flashlight
  • Work gloves
  • Pylons
  • Blanket
  • Water
  • First aid kit
  • Screwdriver
  • Batteries
  • Booster cables
  • Car jack
  • Tow rope

Emergency kits can be purchased at many major retailers, including Wal-mart. However, if you would like a larger variety of options, Amazon can be a great place to compare the many emergency kits available on the market today.

3. Car Mats

Car mats are a great option for preventing damage to the interior of your vehicle due to spills, mud and salt from the winter months. While most cars come with factory mats, getting mats that are custom made to your car and made from durable rubber may be a great way to keep your car clean and ready to resell.

WeatherTech, Michelin, and MotoMaster are some great brands to consider when purchasing a new set of floor mats for your car.

4. Sun Shields

There is nothing worse than coming into your car on a hot day and have the interior be twice as hot as it is outside. Prevent your car from heating up on sunny days with a reflective sun shield. Sun shields can be temporary, placed within the windshield while the car is in park to reflect away the sun’s powerful rays, keeping your car cool throughout the day. However, there are many other forms of sun shields on the market, which can be placed and left within the back seat windows, keeping small children and pets cool and protected while you drive around on sunny days.

5. Keyless Entry

While some vehicles can be purchased on the market today with keyless entry, keyless entry systems can also be installed into older vehicles to make your car safe from theft and allows you to lock and unlock your car with ease. There is a wide variety of anti-theft modules and lock systems that can be installed into your car to allow for effortless entry. Autozone and Amazon are great places to start looking for keyless entry systems and find one that fits your budget.

6. Automatic Starters

If your vehicle is not already equipped with an automatic starter, it is possible to purchase your own and have them installed within your vehicle. Automatic starters can be a great way to make getting into your car fast and convenient, perfect for when you’re in a rush or the weather is too cold to sit in your car and wait for it to warm up. Automatic and remote starters can be purchased from many different retailers, including Amazon, BestBuy and Viper, however, ask a professionals advice before attempting to install it yourself.