Latch fake seat belts, decorative items on the dashboard, hanging air fresheners on the rearview mirror in cars, sleeping cushions, etc. are accessories that many drivers use, but they can have unforeseen consequences.
After acquiring a car, owners often equip their “second wives” with decorations, adding convenience or comfort during use.
However, not all accessories should be installed. On the contrary, some products may pose dangers or affect the vehicle’s operation.
Fake Seat Belt Latches
If a car is fitted with these accessories, they need to be removed before it’s too late. Purchasing these accessories may cost you money and bring… danger to yourself and your loved ones. Car seat belts are designed to protect passengers, and according to regulations, passengers in a car must fasten them. Therefore, in most modern cars today, an alert will sound if the front passenger is not wearing a seat belt.
However, some people disregard safety and have bought fake latches to “trick” the car into thinking the belt is fastened, allowing them to avoid the reminder sound. Another form of “deception” involves looping the belt through the seat. The double consequence is that passengers are not protected by the seat belt, and in the event of an accident, they may suffer from the reverse effect of the airbag.
Essential Oils, Decorative Hangings on Rearview Mirrors
If a car is equipped with these accessories, they should be removed before it’s too late. Some people like to hang essential oils, perfumes, teddy bears, wind chimes, etc., behind the rearview mirror in the car. This can affect visibility, distracting the driver. In some collision scenarios, these accessories could unintentionally impact occupants in the car.
Regarding perfumes, especially essential oils, several cases have been reported where users accidentally dropped a few drops onto the dashboard, air conditioning controls, or entertainment screens, causing the plastic in those areas to peel off. Prolonged use of chemicals or fragrances may have negative health implications.
Stone Statues, Tissue Box Holders on Dashboards
If a car is equipped with these accessories, they should be removed before it’s too late. Not only do they reduce visibility, but placing unnecessary accessories on the dashboard can also have serious consequences. Examples include drivers affixing stone statues or tissue box holders. Normally, these are fixed with adhesive, but they can come loose entirely. If they fall lightly, they might scratch the interior, and in more severe cases, they could shatter glass, even posing a danger to health.
At one point, a trend emerged of affixing bobblehead faces on dashboards, but shortly after, many had to remove them hastily due to distraction and even visual discomfort. Additionally, removing the adhesive left behind by these accessories is not easy, leaving marks on the dashboard, which is often made of soft plastic and difficult to restore.
Gemstone Logos on Steering Wheels, Decorative Logos
If a car is fitted with these accessories, they should be removed before it’s too late. These decorative items might seem harmless but could inadvertently become “hazardous” to those in the car in the event of an accident. In the event of a collision where an airbag is deployed, these additional stones or logos could be propelled, potentially striking the driver and passengers. The accident might not be severe, but these added accessories can exacerbate the situation.
Dashboard Covers, Mats on Dashboards
If a car is fitted with these accessories, they should be removed before it’s too late. These accessories fall into the category of doing more harm than good, as some drivers believe they help reduce heat absorption and glare while driving continuously in the sun. However, the presence of a carpet on the dashboard can affect the speed and efficiency of airbag deployment, thereby reducing the manufacturer’s intended protection effectiveness in cars.
