Things For Your Car That Might Be A Waste Of Money

Cars can get quite expensive, from insurance and maintenance costs to gas and monthly payments. Many drivers like to make the vehicle reflect their personality, whether it's adding custom options or personalizing the car to one's satisfaction. While the auto industry thrives off what customers are looking for, there are some people running scams and offering options that drivers just don't need. Check out things for your car that are useless or mediocre, and may end up costing you more than you intended.

Window Tint

While dark window tints are cool and enhance the look of a vehicle, you could most likely end up spending up more than you need to for it. Some trucks, cars, and SUVs come stock with window tint if you're lucky. Apart from being ripped off for tint from a shop, laws vary from state to state on how dark the tint can be. Typically, the front windows and part windshield need to be clear, and the back windows can have certain levels of tint. Unless you're a high profile individual, don't get stuck paying legal fees for an option that isn't all that necessary.

The next option has been all the rage over the last decade.

Exterior Wrap

Exterior vinyl wrap when done right, can make a car look especially unique. Car wrapping has taken off over the last decade and can cost less than a coat of paint. The downside to vinyl wraps is that the paint underneath can be destroyed if a driver ever decides to go back to the stock exterior. Combined heat and sunlight break down the glue, and the adhesive ends up ruining the paint. You'll eventually end up having to get a fresh coat of paint if you're thinking of getting your car wrapped, it may be a sound decision to weigh out the pros and cons and if it's worth cutting costs for a fresh look.

Ever see orange and white K&N stickers on a vehicle? Find out more on the next slide.

Cone Air Filters

K&N stickers on cars are an indication of the air filter, intake, and oil filter that is in the vehicle. K&N manufactures said products and is known to build some of the best available on the market. The filters are to be washed every 50,000 miles and can list about a million miles. Some people assume that by bolting on "extra horsepower," they'll turn into Paul Walker when in actuality it will make your car only a little more powerful. Air intake alone isn't going to get drivers serious gains, but K&N products have been a popular choice on the market.

The next option can play an integral role in some cars, others not so much.

Spoilers

The spoiler is an import part of specific cars, it doesn't make sense just to stick it on any vehicle. The spoiler acts as an aerodynamic solution for high-performance cars like the Dodge Viper to handle speed more efficiently. Over the years, having a spoiler has become sort of a car trend. Numerous people buy aftermarket spoilers for looks, without having any real use or effect. It could very well end up being a waste of money, especially if the spoiler isn't installed correctly and ends up getting broken off in a car wash, or even stolen.

The next slide features an option that is a cheap favorite.

Aluminum Tire Caps

A cheap and quick way drivers change up the look of their car adding tire caps. The aluminum tire caps are available in a variety of styles and colors, and some even with car brand logos. While this does sound like an easy way to dress up your tires, costing only about five to ten dollars, the caps could end up costing you more in repairs in the long run. The plastic caps go over valve stems, which are made of brass. When they are exposed to humidity, the brass and aluminum tend to oxidize, and the caps get fused onto the tires. This is a common issue thatdriversencounter when they go to put air in their tires.

The next options come in a variety of different types.

Light Bars

Powerful light bars on specific vehicles have grown in popularity, particularly with off-road trucks Ford Raptors and Jeep Wranglers. Lightbars come in a wide selection, and for a couple of hundred dollars, you can get bars that can be seen from many miles away. There's been an emergence of LED lightbars being utilized in emergency services due to energy efficiency. Before dropping some coin, it's important to think about safety precautions that come along with lightbars. They can pose a threat to oncoming traffic and are also illegal in some states. Do your research before having to face some legal fees.

The next "free" option is designed to end up costing you money.

"Free" Inspections

Local car chains tend to offer customers inspections labeled as free or a part of some promotion. It could be anywhere from brake inspections to alignment inspections, but in actuality, it's just an opportunity to charge you for repairs, like new pads, rotors, shocks, brakes, or suspension, even a set of tires you probably don't need. While the program is designed in a way to sound appealing and isn't exactly "free," sometimes you will need work done. If that is the case, it's better to take advantage of offers that you're positive will be beneficial.

These are just some of the items that are available to "enhance" vehicle performance or add some extra detail to your ride. It's yet to be determined whether the products are actually worth the money, but it is all personal preference.