Wednesday, April 29, 2020

Infant car mirror customer guide

What is a Baby Car Mirror?

Any parent will tell you that it's essential to look behind them while driving to check on their baby, both for the child's well-being and to ease anxiety. However, this puts the parent at risk when driving.

But did you know you can purchase a mirror to look back and see your baby while driving?

A baby car mirror is a small mirror that you mount on the rear seat of your car facing towards your baby, slightly angled so that you can look in the review mirror and see the baby's reflection in the smaller mirror. It's a very useful accessory for any parent to have.

Due to safety restrictions for babies, their car seats need to face the back of the car. For this reason, parents can't just use their rearview mirror as normal to check on their baby. It's also obviously not safe for parents to constantly be looking behind them while driving, so a baby car mirror is essential for the health and well-being of everyone in the vehicle.

If this sounds like the perfect device for your vehicle, check out the qualities that the best baby car seat mirrors have by clicking on the item below.

Important Features to Look for in Baby Car Seat Mirrors

While purchasing a baby car mirror might seem straightforward, there are several features that you should consider.

Size

First, the size of the attachment is important. You'll need to consider the type of car that you drive; if you're seated farther away from your baby in a larger car, you'll need something larger to make it easier to see your baby.

You'll also need to make sure that you're able to see your baby clearly. As babies can't speak, you'll need to be able to see their facial expressions since this is one of the only ways they can convey they are uncomfortable. If you purchase one that is too small, it might end up not being used, and you'll never get the view you need.

Type

Even though it might seem like a simple purchase, there are different types of product options to consider. One mirror isn't suitable for all vehicles, so you must consider the features of your car before you buy anything.

For example, most mirrors attach to the headrest directly behind the car seat. However, many cars don't have headrests at all, making this design incompatible with the baby mirror.

There are mirrors available that you can mount inside the car without a headrest, but these are usually harder to come by.

Strap Durability

If you do end up being able to purchase a mirror that straps on to a headrest, you also need to consider the durability of the strap that is holding it in place. Roads aren't always smooth, after all, so you need to be able to depend on the mirror to stay in place through bumpy roads or sudden turns.

Not only is it important for being able to check in on your baby, but an unstable strap also means that it could potentially fall and cause injury to your baby.

If there is an option to purchase a mirror with double straps, this will most likely be your best option. This way, if one strap becomes loose or breaks, there will be another to hold the weight of the mirror until you can stop driving and fix it or purchase a new one.

General Durability

The durability of the device itself is also important. Not only do the straps need to be sturdy, but the mirror should be as well. If the mirror were to fall, you'd want to avoid any glass shattering and potentially causing harm. Choosing to buy a shatterproof mirror is always the best option.

Aside from worrying about the glass breaking, there's also the lesser problem of general upkeep. If the mirror scratches easily, it will be difficult to see your baby's reflection after a certain amount of time passes, and you'll have to worry about replacing it often. Not only would it be inconvenient, but it would be a waste of money in the long run.

Convenience

If your vehicle doesn't have a headrest to attach the mirror to, you also need to weigh your options when it comes to the ease of attaching and detaching the car seat mirror. This will be useful if you need to purchase a new car.

It's also likely that your car won't be the only one that your baby will be in, so you may need to transfer the mirror in between cars depending on who is responsible for the baby on that day. This is especially true if each parent has their own vehicle, or if family or family friends often babysit.

Other Important Factors to Consider

Headrests

Remember to consider the headrests that you have in your vehicle, if any. Some mirrors are designed for cars without headrests, but they are usually harder to find and might require you to purchase it online.

Installing Shatterproof Glass

The glass on the mirror you choose should be extremely durable. Accidents happen no matter what, but it's important to take the necessary precautions still to be as safe as possible.

For this reason, it's important to purchase a shatterproof mirror. Some have hard plastic support or a plastic frame, either of which would be a good choice.

Attachment Straps

Make sure that the attachment straps are durable and able to hold the mirror in place, even at high speeds or sudden turns. Strong polyester straps are the best option for this.

You might also want to consider the types of clips that each strap has. Even if the strap itself is very strong, this could end up being useless if the clips are weak and easy to undo.

Getting the Best View

The best baby car mirror allows you to look at your baby from all angles. This only happens when it can rotate 360 degrees, which also allows you to adjust the mirror to the specific angle that you need.

Usability

Baby car mirrors usually come already assembled and ready to install. The only adjustment you should need to make is fixing the straps securely to the mirror and the car.

Conclusion

If you're looking for safety, convenience, and peace of mind when driving in the car with your baby, then a baby car mirror is a must-have. It's never good to be overly anxious while driving, and this car mirror will keep you calm and focused on the road.

While the process of finding the best car seat mirror can seem complicated, it does get easier when you familiarize yourself with the best options available. Features like durable attachment straps, shatterproof glass, and the ability to rotate 360 degrees are the most important to consider while weighing purchase options. Also, the best mirrors available are easy to attach and don't require any assembly at purchase.

So, which is the best baby car mirror available for purchase? See our top choice here.

Tuesday, April 28, 2020

Baby Car Mirror Customer Guide

What is a Baby Car Mirror?

Any parent will tell you that it's essential to look behind them while driving to check on their baby, both for the child's well-being and to ease anxiety. However, this puts the parent at risk when driving.

But did you know you can purchase a mirror to look back and see your baby while driving?

A baby car mirror is a small mirror that you mount on the rear seat of your car facing towards your baby, slightly angled so that you can look in the review mirror and see the baby's reflection in the smaller mirror. It's a very useful accessory for any parent to have.

Due to safety restrictions for babies, their car seats need to face the back of the car. For this reason, parents can't just use their rearview mirror as normal to check on their baby. It's also obviously not safe for parents to constantly be looking behind them while driving, so a baby car mirror is essential for the health and well-being of everyone in the vehicle.

If this sounds like the perfect device for your vehicle, check out the qualities that the best baby car seat mirrors have by clicking on the item below.

Important Features to Look for in Baby Car Seat Mirrors

While purchasing a baby car mirror might seem straightforward, there are several features that you should consider.

Size

First, the size of the attachment is important. You'll need to consider the type of car that you drive; if you're seated farther away from your baby in a larger car, you'll need something larger to make it easier to see your baby.

You'll also need to make sure that you're able to see your baby clearly. As babies can't speak, you'll need to be able to see their facial expressions since this is one of the only ways they can convey they are uncomfortable. If you purchase one that is too small, it might end up not being used, and you'll never get the view you need.

Type

Even though it might seem like a simple purchase, there are different types of product options to consider. One mirror isn't suitable for all vehicles, so you must consider the features of your car before you buy anything.

For example, most mirrors attach to the headrest directly behind the car seat. However, many cars don't have headrests at all, making this design incompatible with the baby mirror.

There are mirrors available that you can mount inside the car without a headrest, but these are usually harder to come by.

Strap Durability

If you do end up being able to purchase a mirror that straps on to a headrest, you also need to consider the durability of the strap that is holding it in place. Roads aren't always smooth, after all, so you need to be able to depend on the mirror to stay in place through bumpy roads or sudden turns.

Not only is it important for being able to check in on your baby, but an unstable strap also means that it could potentially fall and cause injury to your baby.

If there is an option to purchase a mirror with double straps, this will most likely be your best option. This way, if one strap becomes loose or breaks, there will be another to hold the weight of the mirror until you can stop driving and fix it or purchase a new one.

General Durability

The durability of the device itself is also important. Not only do the straps need to be sturdy, but the mirror should be as well. If the mirror were to fall, you'd want to avoid any glass shattering and potentially causing harm. Choosing to buy a shatterproof mirror is always the best option.

Aside from worrying about the glass breaking, there's also the lesser problem of general upkeep. If the mirror scratches easily, it will be difficult to see your baby's reflection after a certain amount of time passes, and you'll have to worry about replacing it often. Not only would it be inconvenient, but it would be a waste of money in the long run.

Convenience

If your vehicle doesn't have a headrest to attach the mirror to, you also need to weigh your options when it comes to the ease of attaching and detaching the car seat mirror. This will be useful if you need to purchase a new car.

It's also likely that your car won't be the only one that your baby will be in, so you may need to transfer the mirror in between cars depending on who is responsible for the baby on that day. This is especially true if each parent has their own vehicle, or if family or family friends often babysit.

Other Important Factors to Consider

Headrests

Remember to consider the headrests that you have in your vehicle, if any. Some mirrors are designed for cars without headrests, but they are usually harder to find and might require you to purchase it online.

Installing Shatterproof Glass

The glass on the mirror you choose should be extremely durable. Accidents happen no matter what, but it's important to take the necessary precautions still to be as safe as possible.

For this reason, it's important to purchase a shatterproof mirror. Some have hard plastic support or a plastic frame, either of which would be a good choice.

Attachment Straps

Make sure that the attachment straps are durable and able to hold the mirror in place, even at high speeds or sudden turns. Strong polyester straps are the best option for this.

You might also want to consider the types of clips that each strap has. Even if the strap itself is very strong, this could end up being useless if the clips are weak and easy to undo.

Getting the Best View

The best baby car mirror allows you to look at your baby from all angles. This only happens when it can rotate 360 degrees, which also allows you to adjust the mirror to the specific angle that you need.

Usability

Baby car mirrors usually come already assembled and ready to install. The only adjustment you should need to make is fixing the straps securely to the mirror and the car.

Conclusion

If you're looking for safety, convenience, and peace of mind when driving in the car with your baby, then a baby car mirror is a must-have. It's never good to be overly anxious while driving, and this car mirror will keep you calm and focused on the road.

While the process of finding the best car seat mirror can seem complicated, it does get easier when you familiarize yourself with the best options available. Features like durable attachment straps, shatterproof glass, and the ability to rotate 360 degrees are the most important to consider while weighing purchase options. Also, the best mirrors available are easy to attach and don't require any assembly at purchase.

So, which is the best baby car mirror available for purchase? See our top choice here.

Baby Car Mirror Buying Guide

What is a Baby Car Mirror?

Any parent will tell you that it's essential to look behind them while driving to check on their baby, both for the child's well-being and to ease anxiety. However, this puts the parent at risk when driving.

But did you know you can purchase a mirror to look back and see your baby while driving?

A baby car mirror is a small mirror that you mount on the rear seat of your car facing towards your baby, slightly angled so that you can look in the review mirror and see the baby's reflection in the smaller mirror. It's a very useful accessory for any parent to have.

Due to safety restrictions for babies, their car seats need to face the back of the car. For this reason, parents can't just use their rearview mirror as normal to check on their baby. It's also obviously not safe for parents to constantly be looking behind them while driving, so a baby car mirror is essential for the health and well-being of everyone in the vehicle.

If this sounds like the perfect device for your vehicle, check out the qualities that the best baby car seat mirrors have by clicking on the item below.

Important Features to Look for in Baby Car Seat Mirrors

While purchasing a baby car mirror might seem straightforward, there are several features that you should consider.

Size

First, the size of the attachment is important. You'll need to consider the type of car that you drive; if you're seated farther away from your baby in a larger car, you'll need something larger to make it easier to see your baby.

You'll also need to make sure that you're able to see your baby clearly. As babies can't speak, you'll need to be able to see their facial expressions since this is one of the only ways they can convey they are uncomfortable. If you purchase one that is too small, it might end up not being used, and you'll never get the view you need.

Type

Even though it might seem like a simple purchase, there are different types of product options to consider. One mirror isn't suitable for all vehicles, so you must consider the features of your car before you buy anything.

For example, most mirrors attach to the headrest directly behind the car seat. However, many cars don't have headrests at all, making this design incompatible with the baby mirror.

There are mirrors available that you can mount inside the car without a headrest, but these are usually harder to come by.

Strap Durability

If you do end up being able to purchase a mirror that straps on to a headrest, you also need to consider the durability of the strap that is holding it in place. Roads aren't always smooth, after all, so you need to be able to depend on the mirror to stay in place through bumpy roads or sudden turns.

Not only is it important for being able to check in on your baby, but an unstable strap also means that it could potentially fall and cause injury to your baby.

If there is an option to purchase a mirror with double straps, this will most likely be your best option. This way, if one strap becomes loose or breaks, there will be another to hold the weight of the mirror until you can stop driving and fix it or purchase a new one.

General Durability

The durability of the device itself is also important. Not only do the straps need to be sturdy, but the mirror should be as well. If the mirror were to fall, you'd want to avoid any glass shattering and potentially causing harm. Choosing to buy a shatterproof mirror is always the best option.

Aside from worrying about the glass breaking, there's also the lesser problem of general upkeep. If the mirror scratches easily, it will be difficult to see your baby's reflection after a certain amount of time passes, and you'll have to worry about replacing it often. Not only would it be inconvenient, but it would be a waste of money in the long run.

Convenience

If your vehicle doesn't have a headrest to attach the mirror to, you also need to weigh your options when it comes to the ease of attaching and detaching the car seat mirror. This will be useful if you need to purchase a new car.

It's also likely that your car won't be the only one that your baby will be in, so you may need to transfer the mirror in between cars depending on who is responsible for the baby on that day. This is especially true if each parent has their own vehicle, or if family or family friends often babysit.

Other Important Factors to Consider

Headrests

Remember to consider the headrests that you have in your vehicle, if any. Some mirrors are designed for cars without headrests, but they are usually harder to find and might require you to purchase it online.

Installing Shatterproof Glass

The glass on the mirror you choose should be extremely durable. Accidents happen no matter what, but it's important to take the necessary precautions still to be as safe as possible.

For this reason, it's important to purchase a shatterproof mirror. Some have hard plastic support or a plastic frame, either of which would be a good choice.

Attachment Straps

Make sure that the attachment straps are durable and able to hold the mirror in place, even at high speeds or sudden turns. Strong polyester straps are the best option for this.

You might also want to consider the types of clips that each strap has. Even if the strap itself is very strong, this could end up being useless if the clips are weak and easy to undo.

Getting the Best View

The best baby car mirror allows you to look at your baby from all angles. This only happens when it can rotate 360 degrees, which also allows you to adjust the mirror to the specific angle that you need.

Usability

Baby car mirrors usually come already assembled and ready to install. The only adjustment you should need to make is fixing the straps securely to the mirror and the car.

Conclusion

If you're looking for safety, convenience, and peace of mind when driving in the car with your baby, then a baby car mirror is a must-have. It's never good to be overly anxious while driving, and this car mirror will keep you calm and focused on the road.

While the process of finding the best car seat mirror can seem complicated, it does get easier when you familiarize yourself with the best options available. Features like durable attachment straps, shatterproof glass, and the ability to rotate 360 degrees are the most important to consider while weighing purchase options. Also, the best mirrors available are easy to attach and don't require any assembly at purchase.

So, which is the best baby car mirror available for purchase? See our top choice here.

Friday, April 24, 2020

Car waste container customer guide

Exercising good hygiene and environmental responsibility should not only happen in our homes. You should dispose of waste in the right manner, even when driving. Instead of tossing leftover drinks and foods out of your car window, you can buy a car trash can for later disposal.

Anyone who has attempted to buy a car trash can must be aware of how difficult it is to make the right choice. Many brands offer different colors, sizes, and designs of car garbage cans. 

We've compiled some crucial factors you need to consider when shopping for an automobile trash container:

Size and Capacity

The size of your car garbage holder is one of the most critical factors. While it's reasonable to buy a big litter basket that can hold a lot of trash, it shouldn't take much space or legroom. 

There's a delicate balance between finding a product that is big but sizable enough to leave enough legroom. Go for something in between, depending on how spacious your vehicle is.

Cover/Lid

A trash cover comes in handy when you want to prevent the garbage from falling on the car seats or floor. 

Once you dump your trash in the can, you should be able to zip or close the top of the trash holder. This helps prevent bad odor and the presence of insects. It also prevents garbage from getting blown when the car windows are rolled down.

Simplicity of Handling

Buying a handy garbage container makes it easier to transfer trash into the main dumping sites. Check whether the trash basket has sturdy and comfortable straps or handles for you to hold. The last thing you want is trash falling on the floor of your car when the straps get damaged. 

Strong handles also ensure your hands don't come into contact with the garbage when using your garbage can.

Ease of Installation and Use

A car waste container shouldn't take long to install or uninstall. A minute or so should be enough to get the job done. Look for a product that is easy to use for the young and elderly. 

Holding its Position

Whether your trash can is designed to be placed on the floor or hooked on the seat, it should hold its position firmly. This helps a lot, especially when you are driving on uneven roads. Buy a bag that has strong loops and hooks to avoid littering when the car is moving.

User Reviews and Ratings

The easiest way to know whether a product is good enough is to get the opinion of other users. Check what other people who have already tried the product are saying about it. Compare the negative and positive views to know whether it's worth purchasing.

Special Features

Most manufacturers have identified the challenges that people face when using car trash cans. For instance, the constant shaking and movement of a vehicle might lead to garbage falling out of the bag. Other problems involve liquid trash dripping on seats or car floors and the bad smell emanating from the container. 

This means you have to look for a product with unique features to avoid these inconveniences. Go for a can that is: 

  • Leak-proof
  • Waterproof 
  • Oil-proof

Price

The price depends on factors such as: 

  • The material
  • Capacity
  • The functionality of a garbage holder

However, different brands charge different prices for similar features. If there are no significant differences between the two products, go for the cheaper one. However, don't buy a car trash can just because it is cheaper; the aim here is to compare the price against the features and quality of the can before buying.

Ease of Cleaning

Since automotive trash containers are likely to get dirty, it's important to buy something easy to wash. Don't buy a color or material that is likely to form stubborn stains. You can place a disposable plastic bag inside the trash can to avoid staining.

How to Find the Best Product for Your Needs

People have different needs and preferences. While one product might be appealing to one person, it might not gain favor from another. Car trash cans also differ in size, functionality, and aesthetics. Check this buyer guide to make an informed decision.

The 3 Types of Car Trash Cans

There are three types of automotive garbage cans based on where or how they are placed inside a car. These include:

    1) Cup holder trash can

These are normally made of plastic material. They can be attached to the cup holder at the front or back seat. Although cup holder trash cans are not as common as other types, their biggest advantage is that the driver can easily reach them. They also save space and do not block any features in the car.

However, the biggest disadvantage is small capacity. They might also fail to fit in your cup holder if the size does not match.

    2) Hooked / Hanging trash can

These are among the most common trash cans in the market today. They are either hooked or strapped around the headrest. You can hang them at the back of the passenger or driver seat. 

Hanging trash cans usually have a bigger capacity compared to the ones attached to cup holders. They are also easy to reach and do not block the driver or passengers.

The only downside is that the straps might not be long enough to fit every car.

    3) Floor car trash can

These are easier to install because they are usually placed on the floor. Most of them come with some special straps to avoid rolling or overturning when the car is in motion. Floor garbage cans usually have a bigger capacity than other types.

The only advantage is that they can consume space or legroom, which can make passengers uncomfortable.

 

Points to Note

When buying a trash can for cars, you need to ensure the product you are buying has the following features.

Right size for your car

You need to consider the amount of trash you are planning to dispose of. For instance, if you have a big family, you need a bigger garbage holder to accommodate more waste. The size of your car also matters a lot. Your two-seater sports car won't fit the same size of garbage can as your 7-seater family car.

Aesthetics

Look for something that blends with the interior of your car. The material should also be stain-proof and perfectly stitched.

Durability and price

Buying a cost-friendly product is important, but you should also consider how durable it is. Buy a sturdy bag that can serve you for many years. Compare prices and go for a bag that is within your budget.

Interior lining

If you don't want liquids dripping in your car, then you definitely need to go for leak-proof and waterproof lining.

Convenience of use

Buy a trash can that is easy to install or handle whenever you want to transfer trash.

Final Thoughts

There's no doubt having an automotive trash container is essential. Before you buy one for your car, make sure it incorporates all the necessary features. 

Don't forget to compare prices to get the most affordable deal. See our Best one here

 

Sunday, February 23, 2020

Car Seat Protector Buying Guide


A car is far more than just a quick way of getting from point A to B. For many people, their vehicle is a big part of their life and something worth taking the best possible care of. It's also nice when it looks great!
Seat protectors are essential for keeping your vehicle's interior in top shape. However, buying the first cheap car seat protector you can find is never a good idea. This is a sure way of spending more money since you'll be shopping for another set of seat protectors a couple of months down the road. Quality is important, and your vehicle deserves the best.
Click on the the links below to read more about each:
Take time to shop around and figure out which seat protectors best suit your car and your personal needs. If you're weighing your options before you buy, check out our buyer's guide below.

Size

It seems obvious, but car seats aren't all the same size! Before anything else, you should measure the size of your car seats and adjust your search accordingly. Some seat protectors are made to fit a specific model of car, and this makes your search easier. All the same, it's best to be sure.
Remember to measure the back seats as well. If your back seat is a standard bench-type seat, it'll usually need two or more protectors, so get your tape and measure it up.

Fit

If you're just looking to protect against basic wear and tear, a simple cover will do. These rest on top of the seat. However, for full protection (as well as a more comfortable fit), a fitted car seat protector will serve you best. These wrap around under car seats and don't crease or crumple like a laying sheet.

Material and Construction

Your choice of material is important for three reasons: how the seat feels, the protection offered, and how the material looks. Here is a general description on materials:
Cotton
Besides being very affordable, cotton has several advantages. These include being highly versatile, low-maintenance, and also very breathable - perfect for those hot days.
Velour
For those looking for a more luxurious choice, velour is incredibly soft to the touch. Fashioned with several layers, velour is thick and very durable, making it ideal for colder climates.
Oxford
Oxford seat protectors are kid-friendly and so are perfect for baby seats. The material is very strong as well as waterproof, making it great for spillages. It also cleans very easily, with a simple wipe-down.
Leather
Durable, beautiful, and the ultimate luxury material for car interiors. Many seat protectors offer leather panels, which not only make your car look gorgeous but provide excellent protection against damage from shoes and rough objects.

Overall Design

As we said earlier, a car is seldom 'just a car.' It's your car, and through your car's character, you can express your own. Your choice of car seat protector is a big part of this. If you're looking for something a little wilder than neutral colors, there's an incredible range of designs out there.
This is what makes shopping around for seat protectors so worthwhile. Your car can feel and look just as you want it to. If you've got a family, you can find cute seat protectors for baby seats. Many designs also feature additional storage space. Front seat protectors may have a pocket behind the seat, so the kids' travel entertainment is within reach and doesn't have to be stored under car seats.

Safety

Safety is of paramount importance in every aspect of road trouble, and seat protectors are no exception. Before you make a purchase, review your preferred choice alongside your car seats and check every angle. Make sure that nothing is going to compromise the existing safety features of your vehicle.

Security

Keeping your car seat protector secure on the seat is also essential. This is one reason why size is so important; a good fit will secure more easily. Many protectors offer security straps, including some which can be secured under car seats with an adjustable buckle.
For baby seats, you can get bespoke protectors. However, the baby seat still has to rest on the back seat, and so you need to be sure that it won't slide around on your back seat protectors. Similarly, ensure that all buckles can be used without any impairment.
A secure car seat protector is vital not just for your safety and that of your passengers, but also for comfort. Nobody wants to be slipping around on their seat as you drive. Fastening your protectors firmly under car seats will minimize the risk of this. Beyond this, a cover that keeps slipping halfway off doesn't make for a good look!

Frequently Asked Questions About Car Seat Protectors

Q: Will my seat protector slip when I sit on it?
A: A well-fitted sheet that is the right size for your car shouldn't slip around much. Getting the dimensions and fitting process correct are the best ways to avoid slipping, although they will move a bit if exposed to heavy pressure.
If the back seat of your car has a sheet fitted, it's important to remember for baby seats that they need to be appropriately buckled and strapped in. As long as you ensure everything is secured, slipping shouldn't be an issue.
Q: Are they hard to install?
A: Installation is usually fairly straightforward, and it's easy enough to find guides for attaching most seat protectors. You may find that you have to adjust the seat slightly to fit the protector properly, but usually, it's just a matter of fastening a few straps.
Sometimes a custom-made car seat protector will need fitting slightly differently, owing to the bespoke nature of the design.
Q: What's the most damage-resistant material?
A: For maximum protection, you can't beat waterproof materials such as Oxford or leather. Some of the heaviest soiling or damage a seat will take is from spillages, such as hot drinks. If this happens on the road, you often don't have the immediate time or cleaning resources to sort the problem, so waterproof protectors are a godsend.
As well as guarding against spillages, these materials tend to be resistant to damage from scratching or tearing.
Q: I have a dog. Do I need a seat protector?
Short answer: yes! Whatever size or shape your beloved pet comes in, a protector will help keep your seats free from scratching and other damage. There is also a wide range of covers specially designed for dogs.
Q: Will it affect my airbag?
With airbags that inflate from the front, seat protectors aren't an impediment at all. However, some cars have side airbags - a common feature in modern vehicles for maximum head protection. If your car deploys side airbags, investing in a custom seat protector will allow these airbags to perform without hindrance.
Q: Are seat protectors easy to clean?
It depends on the material, but covers are easy to look after. Shaking them out and vacuuming is always a good solution, and some materials - such as cotton - are machine washable. If you're unsure, always check the protector's instruction manual.
Q: Will it be uncomfortable to sit on?
No, not at all! Many covers are made from materials several layers thick, which makes the seat softer. Those protectors with padding may also relieve stress on the back.

To Wrap Up...

Finding the best solution for your vehicle and personal needs will make your life easier for years to come. If you're searching for an elegant, comfortable way to look after your car's interior, see our top choice here. Take some time and choose wisely!

Originally posted on Lusso Gear.

Thursday, January 23, 2020

7 Steps To Increasing Accessories Sales

The accessories market is bigger than ever, but dealerships still aren't taking full advantage of it.

From fuzzy dice to satellite navigation, auto accessories are a $40 billion-a-year business — generating more revenue, by some accounts, than collision repair. Profit margins on accessories sales routinely approach 50 percent.

Half of the new-vehicle buyers say they plan to customize their purchases, industry surveys suggest. When they do — 6 million new vehicles are accessorized in the first two years of ownership — customers typically spend between $300 and $800. Truck buyers spend $1,500 on average.

Yet only about 5 percent of customers buy add-on accessories from the dealership where they purchased their vehicle, the dealer software provider Reynolds & Reynolds estimates.

As new-vehicle sales and profits stall after years of growth, franchised dealerships in the U.S. must look elsewhere to pick up the revenue slack. Dealerships and automakers have ample opportunities to increase their share of the accessories market, now dominated by aftermarket providers, and to build customer loyalty in the process.

"We've got to do a better job of selling" accessories, says Trevor Gile, managing partner of Motorcars Honda in Cleveland Heights, Ohio. "That'll be the next big movement to capture every penny."

Gile says dealerships must "get the nut cracked" of installing accessories more quickly and efficiently. He is revising his service department's processes to help accomplish that goal, Gile told Fixed Ops Journal.

Mark Seng, global aftermarket practice leader at the data analysis firm IHS Markit, says "dealerships are getting aggressive across the board" about selling accessories, "and OEMs are focusing on the aftermarket, too."

"The dealer is positioned better in the consumer's mind" than independent competitors to provide sophisticated accessories such as electronics, Seng said in an interview at last month's Specialty Equipment Market Association show in Las Vegas. But he adds that it now "takes a much greater level of expertise" to sell accessories successfully.

To capture a greater share of the aftermarket, dealerships need to offer accessories to customers as an integral part of the new-vehicle sales process, dealers, suppliers and industry consultants agree.

That means committing to adequate pay, training, equipment and support for dealership employees, including those in fixed operations, to sell accessories, industry experts say.



Among their recommendations:

Get service and parts employees involved in promoting accessories, both during the new-vehicle sales process and when owners come in for service.

Enabling vehicle buyers to talk to specialists who install accessories can provide a reassuring source of expertise.

Dealerships often "drop the ball in creating an introduction from sales to service" for new-vehicle buyers, says Gina Allen, fixed operations director of the Santa Margarita Auto Group, which operates Ford and Toyota dealerships in Rancho Santa Margarita, Calif. As a result, she says, "the conversation about accessories gets swept under the rug."

At her Toyota dealership, Allen says, the service manager is immediately notified of every new-vehicle sale, so that a service employee can discuss accessories with the buyer. The Ford store maintains a "parts boutique" that acquaints buyers with popular accessories, she adds.

Give dealership employees meaningful economic incentives to learn about and sell accessories.

A 2016 survey of 2,600 dealership general and sales managers by the industry consulting firm Carlisle & Co. found that 9 out of 10 new-vehicle dealerships sell accessories actively. Yet one-fifth of the respondents said they were not compensated for such sales, according to the report.

"If dealerships are not clever enough to incentivize their salespeople, shame on them," says Lawrence Constantin, director of Americas sales and marketing for Solar Gard, which makes window tinting and paint protection products.

Nor should incentives be limited to sales managers and employees, says Nancy Vanderbilt, president of Automotive Aftermarket Services LLC, a firm in Santa Fe, Texas, that works with dealerships to sell accessories.

"Everybody plays," Vanderbilt says. "Each department should share in accessory sales profit, because each department touches the process."