8 Car Accessories to Make Your Drives Safer
Even the most careful drivers can get into accidents. As such, it’s wise to invest in car accessories that can make your drives safer. From exterior protective gear to electronic safety features, there are plenty of products that can make your drives much safer and more convenient.
Of course, it also matters where you purchase such products. It’s important to buy only from a reliable car parts supplier so you can be sure of the quality. Remember: you’re investing in safety, convenience, and comfort. If you buy cheap substandard items, then you won’t achieve your goals at all.
That being said, here’s a list of car accessories that can boost the safety of your drives:
A Grille Guard
Most engines are located in the front of the vehicle because there’s less distance between the source of power and the rotational components. This places more weight over the front tires which improves traction, especially for vehicles with front-wheel drive. This also helps maximise cabin space.
The downside of this is that the engine is more exposed to debris and other road hazards. This can result in premature wear and tear, not to mention irreparable damage in case of accidents.
To protect the engine and your car’s front-end in general, get a durable grille guard. Depending on the design you choose, this accessory provides good coverage for day-to-day protection. In case of low-speed collisions, a grille guard will protect you from injury and your car from too much damage.
Window Safety Film
A window safety film or security film provides more than just UV protection and privacy. With the right product, a window safety film can prevent your car’s windows from shattering upon impact. This means that if ever you get into an accident, shards of glass won’t fly everywhere and cause injuries.
Most car windows are made from tempered glass. This is a tough material that’s designed to shatter into small pieces that don’t immediately break apart. But with a powerful enough impact, the glass will shatter. Installing a window safety film can further minimise the possibility of this happening.
A Front-and-Rear Dash Camera
In recent years, dash camerashave become valuable tools for taking videos and preventing legal issues in case of accidents. Thanks to the video recordings, car owners can prove who truly is at fault when there are road incidents that cause injuries or property damage.
Of course, dashcams are more than just security tools. They can also improve your driving safety by providing driving assistance, such as parking guides, as well as high-definition images of the road and its occupants like other cars and pedestrians.
An Anti-Collision System
Most new cars at the mid-range to top-of-the-line models have a variety of built-in safety features like anti-collision systems. In case your car is an older one or new but doesn’t come with such a function, you can have them installed by a reliable distributor.
Anti-collision systems detect cars, pedestrians, and other objects that are in your blind spots. These systems will quite literally save thousands of dollars worth of damage and even lives in some cases.
If you have the budget for it, consider adding lane departure detection and parking sensors to your car. All of these can help you maintain control of your car and minimise the risk of accidents.
A TPMS
A TPMS or tyre pressure monitoring system alerts you whenever your tyres aren’t within the range of the recommended PSI. This is extremely helpful in preventing tyre-related accidents, such as blowouts, tread separation, and losing control of your vehicle.
With a TPMS, you’ll know exactly when to inflate or deflate your tyres. As a result, you can avoid consequences related to improper tyre pressure like premature wear and tear, overheating, suboptimal road traction, and more.
An Emergency Escape Tool
You’ll never know when an accident will happen or how severe it will be. It’s best to prepare for a worst-case scenario such as having to escape your car in seconds.
If a situation like this ever occurs, you’ll want to have an emergency escape tool with you. This gadget comes with a car window hammer so you can exit through the windows if the doors are stuck, as well as a seatbelt cutter that can cut you free when you’re trapped in a compromising situation. These products can be bought separately as well, but having a 2-in-1 item can make things simpler when you’re in a panic.
A Couple of Road Flares
In the event of an accident, it’s helpful to have road flares or any other signalling device that can alert fellow drivers. This way, you can alert them that you’re stopped and they can safely pass by at a reduced speed. This can also let emergency service workers know that you need help.
Usually, safety triangles are enough for this purpose. However, if you need something that’s more compact and can be used in other situations, a couple of LED road flares would be ideal.
First Aid Kit
Last but certainly not least, having a first aid kit in your car is always a good idea. This way, you can deal with minor injuries and illnesses in case they happen while you’re on the road. Even better is that you can buy pre-made or pre-packed first aid kits with all the basics. You can also make your own with a quick trip to the pharmacy and home improvement store. This is particularly important if you or a loved one has unique health needs (e.g., a severe allergy that needs an adrenaline shot).
Of course, the above-mentioned aren’t the only accessories or products you can purchase to improve the safety of your drives. That said, these can make a huge difference so it’s worth investing in them.