5 Car Accessories That Will Cause More Damage to Your Vehicle

It is common to see a new vehicle sporting a thick, fluffy dashboard cover or a striking bull bar on the roads. Many car owners install these accessories with the best intentions of making their cars look fashionable or even to preserve the interior. 

However, what starts as a simple, affordable modification can turn into a costly long-term mistake.

The hidden reality is that some of the most popular, often cheap, add-ons cause accelerated wear and structural damage. If you are considering accessorizing your car, you must think twice about the following five common additions and the financial damage they can inflict.

1. Dashboard Covers

At first glance, dashboard covers, especially fluffy ones, look harmless. They’re meant to protect the dashboard from sun exposure and dust. However, poorly fitted covers often trap heat and moisture between the cloth and the dashboard surface.

Over time, this trapped heat accelerates the cracking of the dashboard. In addition, moisture buildup may create patches or discoloration that ruins the car’s interior appearance.

Replacing a damaged dashboard can set you back anywhere between Ksh5,000 and Ksh20,000, depending on the car model. For higher-end vehicles, the replacement cost can rise even further.

2. Cheap Leather Seat Covers

One of the most common upgrades Kenyans make is covering fabric seats with low-cost leather seat covers. They’re appealing because they make interiors look stylish and are easier to wipe down. 

Unfortunately, cheap leather seat covers often trap heat and moisture, especially during the hot weather seasons.

This leads to sweat buildup, causing foul odors and making the interior uncomfortable. Worse still, the trapped moisture can damage the car’s original seats. Once the original upholstery begins to wear out, repairing it can be expensive.

A single seat repair costs between Ksh5,000 and Ksh15,000, and if multiple seats are affected, the bill can quickly add up. Some auto shops charge even more, particularly for premium cars. 

3. Crash Guards (Bull Bars)

Crash guards, also called bull bars, are marketed as protective equipment. Many SUV and pickup owners install them, thinking they will minimize damage during accidents. Ironically, the opposite is often true.

These heavy metal bars tend to push the accident impact deeper into the vehicle, damaging critical parts such as the radiator, bumper, and sensors. In fact, some insurance companies discourage the use of bull bars because they complicate repairs after collisions.

The cost implication is significant. A single accident involving a bull bar could lead to repair bills ranging from Ksh50,000 to over Ksh100,000, depending on the extent of damage. 

4. Roof Racks

Roof racks are useful for transporting luggage, but many motorists install them permanently without realizing the downsides. A poorly fitted roof rack increases air resistance, reducing the car’s fuel efficiency.

Studies show that drag from roof racks can decrease fuel economy by up to 10%. With the rising cost of fuel in Kenya, this small percentage translates into thousands of shillings lost over time. For example, if your monthly fuel expenditure is Ksh15,000, a 10% increase means an additional Ksh1,500 every month.

Roof racks also put extra strain on the car’s roof. The weight and vibration may cause dents, scratches, or even leaks. Repairing such damage can cost anywhere between Ksh15,000 and Ksh40,000, depending on severity.

5. Cheap Car Alarms & Trackers

Security is a major concern for Kenyan motorists, so many rush to install alarms and trackers to safeguard their vehicles. However, opting for cheap, substandard systems can backfire.

Low-quality alarms often draw excessive current from the battery, leading to frequent drainage issues. In some cases, poor wiring causes electrical shorts that can ignite fires. Indeed, there have been cases of vehicles going up in flames because of faulty alarm installations.

Replacing a drained or damaged car battery costs up to Ksh30,000 for certain models. Worse still, if a fire destroys the entire vehicle, and you only have third-party insurance, you could lose your entire investment with no compensation.

From dashboards and seats to fuel costs and electrical systems, the damage can easily run into tens of thousands of shillings. And for those living paycheck to paycheck, such unplanned expenses can destabilize personal finances.