5 Inexpensive Car Accessories That’ll Make Your Car Safer — and Save You Money
Written by
Laura Beck
Edited by
Jenna Klaverweiden
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Want to make your car safer and more functional without breaking the budget? Auto expert Chris Pyle of JustAnswer spends his days fixing expensive problems. But he said a few smart, affordable add-ons could save you major headaches (and money) down the road.
Here are five inexpensive car accessories that could make cars safer and save drivers money in the long run.
Backup Camera System
Having a backup camera installed in your car can help avoid collisions and costly repairs. “These are good things to invest in if you do a lot of parking in parking lots or trailer connecting,” Pyle noted. “It speeds up both processes.”
According to Edmunds, for vehicles that already have a screen, the price of a camera can range from $150 to $400. For the price of a few fancy dinners out, you can avoid those parking lot dings and make hitching up trailers a breeze.
Dash Camera
Here’s something most drivers don’t realize about car accidents: “Ever since ABS came out and skid marks are no longer left on the ground during a collision, it’s hard for police to prove who is at fault,” Pyle explained. Translation? Without video evidence, you could end up paying for someone else’s mistake.
That’s why you may want to consider purchasing a dash camera. These range in price quite a bit, so you should be able to find one that fits your needs and budget. For example, the best overall dash camera, as ranked by Car and Driver, costs about $260 on Amazon, but other cameras ranked on the list cost less.
Cellphone Mount
A cellphone mount isn’t just convenient — it’s safer. Pyle pointed out that a good mount “keeps your eyes closer to looking at the road.”
Prices can vary, but shoppers should be able to find a cellphone mount well within their budget. Tom’s Guide ranked a TopGo mount as the best overall phone mount, and it costs just $11.99 at Walmart.
Emergency Kit
This one’s a no-brainer, but how many of us actually have an emergency kit specifically for our car? Pyle recommended keeping an emergency bag in your trunk for those moments when you’re stuck on the highway far from home. Having one could help you do minor repairs yourself instead of calling in a mechanic or roadside assistance for a pricey repair.
The best car emergency kit ranked by Buyer’s Guide costs $64.95 on Amazon and comes equipped with a first aid kid, jumper cables, an air compressor and much more.
LED Headlights
“Headlights that shine brighter (as long as they’re aimed properly) like LED bulbs” can make a huge difference in nighttime visibility, Pyle noted. This can help drivers stay safe and avoid costly accidents, especially while driving at night. Just make sure they’re installed correctly.
According to AutoZone, new LED headlight assemblies start at about $600.
The bottom line? Sometimes the smartest car upgrades aren’t the flashiest. They’re the ones that keep you safe and save you money in the long run.
Editor’s note: Pricing and availability may vary depending on location.
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