11 Car Accessories The Middle Class Should Buy

Cars can be expensive. According to Kelley Blue Book, the average person spent $48,644 on a new car last summer.

For this reason, you may not want to spend extra money on accessories. But if you can afford it, certain accessories are well worth the price – if only for the security they bring.

GOBankingRates spoke with Tim Rodifer, technical director of Mr. Transmission, Milex Complete Auto Care, about which car accessories middle-class people should consider. Here’s what he said.

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Portable battery jump starter pack

“Batteries can fail without notice – you can be at the store and planning to leave when you notice your car won’t start,” Rodifer said.

Common reasons for this can be age, rust or damage. Sometimes a car battery goes bad because other things drain too much power from it. In such cases, a portable battery jump starter pack could come in handy.

“These jump packs are convenient right now and can also be purchased with an accessory charger,” Rodifer said.

You can get a portable battery jump starter pack for about $100 on Amazon.

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Portable tire pressure air pump and gauge

“Tires can deflate with weather changes or very small leaks,” Rodifer said. “It is important that you do not drive with low tire pressure as this could damage the tire and is also unsafe. You should check your tire pressure regularly and inflate it according to vehicle/tire specifications.”

With this in mind, you may want to purchase a portable tire air pump and gauge for your car. They cost around $60 to $90 online and can tell you the PSI of your tires. You can also adjust how much air you want to fill your tires directly on the device.

Dashcam

A dashcam or dashcam is another essential accessory. For added security, you can attach one to the front or rear dashboard.

“These are great options for safety and security,” Rodifer said. “Some models offer impressive features such as 360-degree views that you can view before you get to your vehicle. You can also record accidents if your vehicle is hit while parked or someone tries to break in.”

A dash cam costs between $130 and $200 on Amazon. Unlike some dash cams, it has night vision capabilities. If you don’t need this feature, you can always find a cheaper option.

OBD-II scanner

Modern vehicles typically have an OBD-II connection. This is your vehicle’s on-board diagnostic system and is critical to understanding any issues that may arise. With an OBD-II scanner, you can check codes when a warning light comes on – before heading to the mechanic.

“You can get codes when a check engine light comes on and see which tire is still weak, or just get codes when the check engine light comes on,” Rodifer said. “This could be helpful if you need to call someone to find out if the vehicle is safe to drive or if immediate assistance is required.”

An OBD-II scanner costs between $80 and $120 online. Just make sure you choose one that fits your vehicle.

Emergency breakdown kit

Even the highest rated or newest vehicles can have problems. And if something happens while you’re driving, you want to be prepared.

“If something happens and you need to pull over to the side of the road, an emergency kit will give you reflectors that you can place behind your vehicle at a distance that makes it safer to park the car,” Rodifer said. “A quality kit is always useful should you need it.”

An emergency roadside kit costs $30 to $50 on Amazon. These include a tire pressure gauge, gloves, a snow scraper, cable ties, a raincoat, a high-visibility vest, a reflective triangle and many tools.

Infrared temperature light

Another car accessory to consider is an infrared temperature light. They cost about $20 online and come in handy in an emergency.

“This is a great tool for checking the temperature of various components of your car to identify problems – your air conditioning system, for example,” Rodifer said. “It can also help detect brake problems, overheating problems, or other problems in your home.”

Other accessories to consider

If you have some wiggle room in your budget, here are some other car accessories Rodifer recommends.

• Battery tester: “If you think your battery is showing signs of failure, you can easily connect a tester and check the condition of the battery,” he said.

• Bluetooth adapter: Get one of these if you drive an older vehicle without Bluetooth compatibility.

• Heated seat covers: These add a touch of comfort, especially when driving in the cold winter or when you don’t want to leave the heating on.

• Wet/dry shop vacuum: These are useful for cleaning your car without having to visit a professional. “Because this device can also vacuum up liquids, it is practical in both the garage and the house, depending on the size of the spill or leak,” Rodifer said.

• All-weather floor mats: “Brands like WeatherTech are extremely durable and practical (I have personally used them and liked them),” he said.

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This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com: I’m a Mechanic: 11 Car Accessories the Middle Class Should Buy