5 accessories every car should should have, according to Consumer Reports |
5 accessories every car should should have, according to Consumer Reports
These tools will keep you safer on the road — and don't cost much to purchase
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No car is perfect. And even the newest and flashiest ones might be missing some key features that could make your ride smoother or safer.
That's why Consumer Reports compiled a list of car accessories it recommends to improve driving. Continue reading to see which made the list and why.
Headlight restoration kit
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If your headlights are getting foggy or too yellowed, there are easy ways to fix that. CR recommends buying a headlight restoration kit, which can cost as little as $23. The kits will bring back your lights' full shine. And if you'd rather, you can also have an auto body shop touch them up, which will usually cost between $50 and $150.
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Not every car has it, but CR pointed out that new adaptive cruise controls systems are making driving safer, with auto-stopping, lane drifting detection, and other features to prevent crashes. If your car has the tech and you're skeptical, it's worth trying the features out next time you're on the highway, particularly if the road isn't too busy.
Cars new and old have blind spots, and using a simple blind spot mirror cause be the difference between crashing your car and staying safe. Consumer Reports says they're a no-brainer to add to your rearview mirrors, and can often cost less than $10.
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If you're relying on your phone for directions, don't look down to see where you're going. There are plenty affordable options for phone mounts, which will allow you to look straight ahead while figuring out where to turn.
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You always buckle up — and your pet should, too. Find a pet harness that fits your furry friend and use it each time they ride in the car with you. This will not only keep them safe in a crash, but also ensure they aren't moving around and distracting you while you're driving.