| Not too many years ago, the hottest car accessories | | | | buck or two. But some vendors will try to cash in big |
| consisted of eight-track players and stick-on dash | | | | time, by overwhelming you with slick pitches and a |
| compasses. Those days are thankfully long gone, and | | | | huge repertoire of brand names. In the end, shoppers |
| even if you drive a vintage vehicle, you don't need to | | | | purchase items they really don't need. Be prepared |
| settle for vintage accessories. You can outfit any | | | | with the information you need before you visit the |
| vehicle to meet your particular wants and needs. But | | | | store, and don't fall for the retailer's pushy sales tactics. |
| heed the warnings below. | | | | Ask other car owners about accessories they've |
| The modern automobile is light years away from a | | | | purchased. Read industry magazines and research |
| simple means of getting from A to B. Today's cars | | | | online. Shop around to compare features, quality and |
| and trucks serve as mass transit systems for | | | | prices. Some smart comparative information today |
| carpooling entire departments, recreational centers for | | | | can save you a lot of money down the road. |
| road-weary children, and portable offices for mobile | | | | Avoid the Add-Ons |
| executives. These changing times have brought about | | | | Would you like fries with that? Supersize? Encouraging |
| the demand for more gadgets and gizmos to ensure a | | | | buyers to take additional accessories is one of the |
| comfortable and productive trip; from coffee cup | | | | oldest sales and marketing tricks in the book. You've |
| warmers and tiger seat covers to video game portals | | | | been pressured to buy a belt when you pick up a new |
| and DVD players. | | | | pair of pants, and the same tactic is often used in the |
| The Global Positioning System (GPS) is one of the | | | | car accessories market. A retailer may tell you that |
| most impressive examples of modern mobile gadgetry. | | | | you really need a neon green GPS cover, but of |
| A GPS system allows users to view local maps and | | | | course it's not true. Ask you friends and speak with a |
| receive accurate directions. They are priceless for | | | | trusted mechanic who is familiar with car accessories. |
| fast-moving professionals needing to navigate urban | | | | Use these reliable opinions to decide what you should, |
| city streets, and wanderlust-stricken travelers love | | | | and what you shouldn't, buy. |
| them, too. | | | | Satisfaction Should be Guaranteed |
| Cars and trucks have taken the leap from luxury to | | | | Regardless of what type of product you buy, you |
| necessity for many professionals and hobbyists, so | | | | should be aware of the basic warranty details before |
| manufacturers have worked hard to meet the | | | | making the purchase. Understand the retailer's return or |
| changing needs of drivers. A large selection of | | | | replacement policy, just in case the accessory |
| accessories is available to suit drivers of all types of | | | | malfunctions, fails to meet your expectations or simply |
| cars. The market has become flooded with | | | | doesn't work with your vehicle. |
| accessories and it's not always easy to know what's | | | | Look Before You Buy |
| best, or even what's necessary. | | | | Take advantage of any opportunity to inspect the |
| Here are some tips about what to look for, and which | | | | product before agreeing to buy it. This is not an option |
| duds to avoid: | | | | with Internet purchases, of course, so be sure that |
| Know Your Needs versus Your Wants | | | | you're dealing with a reputable online dealer. Some |
| Research is the key to making any successful | | | | retail stores will ask you to sign the receipt stating that |
| purchase. First, find out what you need, and then go | | | | the product is in good condition upon purchase, and |
| shopping for the best price. The Internet is a great | | | | doing so may result in the waiving of your right for |
| research tool, with instant access to countless online | | | | return if the product is indeed damaged. |
| articles, user forums, and product comparisons. You | | | | First Quality OEM |
| can also purchase virtually every type of car | | | | Opt for OEM or "Original Equipment Manufactured" car |
| accessory online. Bidding on Internet auctions is a great | | | | and truck accessories whenever possible. This usually |
| way to find quality products at low prices. You can | | | | ensures that the quality is first-rate and the warranty |
| often save money shopping online because Internet | | | | will provide purchase protection. |
| marketers have lower overhead. With no retail rental | | | | Car accessories make driving more convenient and |
| fees and fewer expenses, these sellers can offer | | | | can greatly impact your safety while on the road. Be |
| lower prices. | | | | prudent in your choice of what to buy and where to |
| Shop and Compare | | | | shop. It's not only smart, it can also be safer in the long |
| Once you know exactly what you want and need, it | | | | run, so don't base your entire decision on price alone. |
| does pay to shop around. The huge demand for | | | | Safety concerns should always come first, and quality |
| quality automotive accessories has created an | | | | should not be compromised for the sake of a good |
| ever-expanding market. Compare prices at several | | | | deal. |
| outlets, including smaller stores, and don't be afraid to | | | | Remember to have fun shopping. If your search for |
| haggle for the best deal. This won't always work, but is | | | | driving accessories is giving you a big headache, |
| worth a try. | | | | maybe it is not worth it. Don't give in to pressure that |
| Get a Second Opinion | | | | says you have to accessorize; just do it because it is |
| At the end of the day, every retailer is out to make a | | | | fun for you. |