Accessories

A “universal” backup camera may fit many cars on paper, yet compatibility, wiring, weather sealing, and night performance determine whether it is useful

Installing a subwoofer in a small car is a space, electrical, and heat-management problem as much as an audio upgrade. The enclosure competes with cargo

A car can feel fresh while carrying high levels of fine particles, exhaust aerosol, or carbon dioxide. A mild smell tells you little about PM2.

Hardwiring a dash cam to the fuse box gives you a cleaner installation than leaving a power cable across the dashboard, but the result depends on correct

A seemingly modest AC appliance can demand very high current from a 12 V battery. Startup surges from motors, voltage loss in long cables, and missing

Advice on car fire extinguishers often jumps between numbers: a 2.5-lb unit in one guide, a 5-lb unit in another, and a rating such as 1-A:10-B:C printed on the label.

Unlocking an older car without putting a key in the door can make daily use easier, especially when your hands are full. An aftermarket keyless entry kit

Wet shoes, melting snow, and road grit can turn a clean vehicle carpet into a damp, abrasive surface. Once moisture reaches the carpet, drying takes longer

Seeing your speed near the road can make a head-up display (HUD) appealing, especially if you would rather glance up than look down at the instrument cluster.

Oversized bottles expose the limits of many factory cup holders, while loose expanders and console organizers can introduce problems of their own.