Five types of car accessories that can cause unexpected harm; you should think twice before installing them on your vehicle.

Here are 5 car accessories that are of little use and may even be harmful to you, so think carefully before using or installing them on your car:

1. Steering wheel cover

Leather steering wheel covers are becoming increasingly popular among drivers, not only for aesthetic reasons but also to preserve the original steering wheel material. Additionally, the increased grip size provides some drivers with a more comfortable driving experience.

However, many automotive experts advise against using this accessory because it can impair steering control in emergency situations. Furthermore, if not regularly cleaned, the underside of the steering wheel cover can easily accumulate water and dirt, turning it into a breeding ground for bacteria and significantly affecting the safety of those inside the vehicle.

2. Rain deflectors

Rain deflectors are intended to prevent water from splashing inside when the windows are lowered, creating a gap in rainy conditions, or to improve air circulation when parked in sunny weather. This is a popular accessory that many people install, and many showrooms even offer it as a freebie to customers. However, this accessory is not without its drawbacks, and can even pose a safety hazard to drivers.

According to many car owners, rain deflectors can partially obstruct visibility, especially in the A-pillar area. This accessory also increases wind resistance, causing a "humming" sound inside the car. Furthermore, after a period of use, rain deflectors will deteriorate, the adhesive will no longer stick firmly, making the accessory flimsy and unsightly when removed, affecting the car's aesthetics.

3. Decorative items placed on the dashboard.

Many car owners enjoy displaying all sorts of things on their dashboards, from wooden and stone statues to toy models, decorative covers, perfumes, crystal balls, and more. These decorative items are sometimes quite large, not only creating visual clutter, obstructing visibility, and distracting the driver, but also posing a significant hazard in emergency situations.

When the vehicle accelerates rapidly or is involved in a collision, the force of inertia can cause these accessories to shatter the windshield or injure passengers. Even worse, if these accessories are placed on the surface covering the passenger-side airbag, the airbag could deploy with such force that it could severely injure the occupant of the passenger compartment.

4. Fake seatbelt buckle

Fake seatbelt buckles are widely available on the market at incredibly low prices. Unfortunately, many Vietnamese people are unaware of the importance of wearing seatbelts when driving, so these accessories sell very well. Car owners who are lazy about using seatbelts often use these accessories to avoid hearing the constant seatbelt warning sounds.

However, when a collision occurs, not wearing a seatbelt significantly increases the risk of injury. Airbag deployment can also cause neck fractures if seatbelts are not properly fastened. Therefore, discard this accessory immediately and develop the habit of wearing your seatbelt correctly every time you get in a car, even in the back seat.

5. Cover the seats with wooden beads.

Seat covers made of wooden or plastic beads are also a popular choice among car owners who want to keep their seats cool, especially in the summer. However, experts advise against using these beaded covers as they can compromise driving safety.

Due to their slippery and easily shifting nature, drivers may sometimes find themselves in an uncomfortable seating position while driving, especially when using the clutch and brakes. Furthermore, the wooden bead set makes the car's interior feel heavy, cramped, difficult to clean, and gives it a less luxurious feel.