Car owners guide to: Car Accessories
Everything
from car speakers to a car alarm system can be categorised as a
car accessory, and the term "car accessory shop" is far
more familiar to people than "car audio specialist" or
"car alarm installer". But, generally speaking, referring
to a car accessory shop suggests a place where you can buy a big
variety of car related products, but not somewhere that specialises
in anything particular.
Many car accessory shops stock some kind of in-car entertainment,
alarm system, portable sat nav and even perhaps a seat-mounted video
player and screen. So what makes them different from the specialist
shops?
Choice for one thing. Specialist In-Car shops offer a much bigger
variety of products. Knowledge is another, and the experience and
ability to give specific information on adding products to your
particular vehicle. And of course a full service that extends way
beyond simply handing a box over the counter to you.
Expert installation is an attribute often devalued by those who
are not able to provide it. "We offer free fitting" and
"We fit it while u wait" make it seem as easy as topping
up the oil. And the way most of those guys do it, it's very similar!
Certain retailers want you to think that fitting electronics to
your car is easy, because they don't want you visiting an expert.
But as soon as they hit an issue with a vehicle, they don't want
to know or they will try some nasty workaround. They may even be
cheeky enough to send you around the corner to the local MMSA member!
Under this category of Car Accessories we've included a few items
not covered elsewhere within the web site - speed camera detectors
and parking sensors.
Speed
Camera Detectors
The Government continues to review detector technologies in the
UK and is moving towards a ban of certain types. For this reason
it is important to consult an MMSA member before purchasing one
of these devices.
Parking
Sensors
Sensors mounted at the front and rear of the vehicle gauge the proximity
of objects and give out an audible warning as you drive closer to
them. Now appearing as standard on some vehicles but also available
as an aftermarket fitment, it's one of those helpful things you'll
wish you'd always had.
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