No matter what make of pickup truck you own, chances are you want to change it from the way the factory supplied it. Whether you use your vehicle for work, off-road play or some of both, you can find performance parts, accessories and customization products to make your pickup truck unique. When you want your pickup truck to look and perform better, accessories will help you customize it.

While it’s possible to get some accessories from the Chevy, GMC, Dodge, Ford, Jeep, Mazda, Nissan or Toyota dealer where you bought your truck, you will find a much bigger selection of items online. You may also get better bargains shopping this way. Some popular makers of pickup truck accessories include Lund, Westin, Dee Zee, Outland, Auto Ventshade, Warn, Saddleman, Thule, PIAA, Vector, Wolo, Deflecta Shield, Pilot, Hoppy, Grizzly and Protecta.

Exterior accessories

There are many types of exterior pickup truck accessories to enhance the appearance of the outside of your truck. They include air dams, bras and masks, bug shields, bumpers, fender flares, graphics and emblems, grille guards, hood ornaments, hoods and scoops, mirrors, racks and cargo accessories, roll pans, running boards, splash guards, tool boxes, truck steps, tire covers, visors, wings and spoilers and wiper cowls. Select items that will complement your truck’s basic lines and that will work well together instead of looking cluttered.

Interior accessories

Installing interior accessories is all about improving the comfort level when riding in your truck. Some examples are 12 volt accessories, cargo trays and liners, consoles and racks, dash covers and trim, door accessories, floor mats, horns, instrument panel covers, pet accessories, seat covers, seats and steering wheel covers.

How about adding some electronics to enhance your ride? Choices include CBs and scanners, cruise controls, GMRS radio, GPS and navigation systems, power inverters, radar and laser detectors, remote starters, security systems and antennas. You might also want to upgrade the standard radio that came with your truck to a stereo CD or satellite radio system.

Accessories cushion the load and improve the ride

Trucks are all about hauling things, so why not do it in style? Pickup truck accessories for your truck bed include cargo control, bed mats, bed liners, bed protection, bed rails, tailgate accessories and tonneau covers. You might also want towing accessories like hitch balls, hitch mounts, hitch covers, hitch steps, hitch wiring, hitches, tow hooks and straps, towing mirrors, winch accessories, winches and winch mounting systems.

By improving your pickup’s suspension and brakes you make the ride both smoother and safer. To do this, you might need anti-sway bars, bars and arms, bushings and shackles, hubs, lift kits, lowering kits, shocks and struts, skit plates and trusses and springs. Adding more lighting not only improves the truck’s appearance, it also improves safety. Some typical lighting pickup truck accessories are accent lighting, auxiliary lighting, back-up lights, bulbs and lamps, driving and fog lights, headlights, interior lights, light bars, light covers, light guards, marker lights, neon lighting, spotlights, taillights, tow lighting and wiring, turn signal lights and warning lights.

Electrical and exhaust systems are essential

If your pickup won’t start, it doesn’t matter how good it looks. If you’ve got this problem or fear it might happen, try buying alternator accessories, battery accessories, battery chargers, chassis wiring or jump start systems. If the problem is on the exhaust end, you might need catalytic converters, exhaust systems, exhaust tips and extensions, headers or mufflers.

To do all this work yourself, you’ll need some tools and equipment. Useful items include tire pressure gauges, car care products, computer software, creepers and seats, diagnostic equipment, engine hoists and stands, garage and parking accessories, jacks, stands, ramps, paint, sanding materials and abrasives.

And once your truck is tricked out to your heart’s desire, get out your camera. You’re going to want to showoff your new, improved truck to all of your friends.

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For those of us living in the southern US states, the proliferation of the insect population is a recognizable part of southern living. Evidence of the huge bug population is manifest on vehicles across the southland in warmer months, particularly on the hood, in and against the grille, and right on the windshield. Fortunately, two products have been developed that can effectively combat the resultant bug splatter: car bras and bug deflectors. Are they good choices for your car? They can be! Please read on to learn more.

Car bras Also called hood protectors, car bras provide maximum protection for the front end of virtually any vehicle on the road. Custom sized for each vehicle, car bras slip over the front end, covering the grill and the front part of the hood. There are some car bras that extend further up the hood almost to the windshield too. Some car bras are two part sections that allow for motorists to gain access to the hood without removing the bra, while others are one piece units that must be removed before popping the hood. In all cases, bugs are deflected from the grille and from at least part of the hood with a car bra.

Bug deflectors Also called bug shields, bug deflectors work primarily to protect your hood and windshield from bug juice. In addition, some bug deflectors can deflect other small objects including stones kicked up from the road which can crack your windshield. A bug deflector is installed at the top section of your grille at the point where the grille meets the front part of your vehicles hood. Like car bras, bug deflectors are sized for the particular make/model you own, although there are some models that can be custom cut by consumers too. A strong double adhesive tape typically fastens the deflector in place, therefore no drilling is involved.

Typically, motorists install one or the other product on their vehicles and not both as a bug deflector must adhere to the car itself and not to part of the bra. Still, some bras have a lip installed that sits across the hood of your vehicle, acting as a mini bug deflector of sorts.

So, next time you make a trip through Americas southland or if you are a road warrior wanting year round protection for your vehicles front end, a bug deflector of car bra can be something that does the trick. Oh, by the way: both products look really cool too!

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Here in the southern U.S., we residents are used to a bug population that can only make an anteater smack his lips. From about early April to the first frost, bugs outnumber people about 1000 to 1. Some would say 1 million to 1. Quite frankly, bugs are everywhere: in the yard, in the house, on your car, etc. Products containing DEET help, but they can do nothing to protect your car. Think I am exaggerating? Just drive down any southern back road at dusk and see how long it takes for your windshield and hood to be splattered with bug juice. It can get so bad that no amount of windshield washer fluid can keep up with it all. What to do? Well, if you are like many motorists you get some protection for your car. No, I am not saying to spray it with a can of OFF! or drive around with a car cover on it. Instead, there are two must have accessories that can and will make a difference. Youll have to read on to find out just what I am talking about.

Car bras Some call them hood protectors while others call them car bras. Regardless, this particular accessory provides the greatest protection for the front end of most any passenger vehicle. Customized for your vehicle, car bras slip over the front end, covering the grille and the adjoining section of the hood. Some car bras are designed to extend further up the hood almost to the windshield. Some consist of two part sections that permit motorists to access the hood without taking off the bra, while others are a one piece accessory that must be removed before opening the hood. Both styles are effective in deflecting bugs from the grille and can protect a portion of the hood.

Bug deflectors Also called bug shields, bug deflectors function chiefly to guard your hood and windshield from bug debris. Furthermore, some bug deflectors can repel other small objects including stones kicked up from the road which can then break your windshield. A bug deflector is installed at the top part of your grille at the point where the grille meets the front part of your vehicles hood. Like car bras, bug deflectors are sized for the particular brand and model you own, though there are some models that can be custom cut and sized by consumers too. Typically, a heavy-duty double adhesive tape fastens the deflector in place, as a result no drilling is required.

Usually, drivers put in one or the other accessory on their vehicles and not both as a bug deflector must adhere to the car itself; it cannot stay in place if fastened to part of the bra. However, some bras are designed with a lip installed that sits across the hood of your vehicle, acting as a mini bug deflector all of its own.

So, if you live in the South or you are planning a trip down here, protect your vehicle before you leave your home. A car bra or a bug shield will do a very good job in reducing bug splatter and keep you from going through gallons of windshield washer fluid while protecting your cars finish.

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There are many accessories you can purchase to protect your vehicle. Those mentioned here are just some of the most often chosen. Whether you are looking to protect the interior or exterior, measures taken to keep your vehicle looking its best and at the same time insuring retention of the vehicles top value will be highly beneficial when it comes time to trade it in or sell. Even if you are not looking at future values for sale, using accessories like new seat covers, floor mats or a car bra will make you proud to be seen in your vehicle as well as the protection these accessories will provide.

The front-end car bra is an accessory that will provide protection for your vehicles front end. Specially ordered for your vehicle, the car bra is made to fit snugly and perfectly for maximum protection. Its value is in its ability to act as a guard from road hazards such as bugs, chemicals such as tar and gravel on roadways and from pitting damage on your automobiles grill and paint surfaces. The bra, while having an important protective feature, also gives your vehicle a classier appearance. Usually constructed of heavy vinyl and a firm padding underneath, the car bra will stand the test of time. Most vehicle bras are easy to install and remove. The benefits in adding value, protection and a sleek look to your vehicle are well worth the small investment of a car front-end bra.

Bug shields are yet another valuable protective piece you can add to your vehicle. Modern bug shields are designed aerodynamically to not only compliment the look of your cars front end, but they also maximize fuel usage. By not allowing a pushing type of air force against the vehicle, aerodynamically made shields create an ease in air flow so that your car doesnt have to use extra fuel to compensate for the additional pressure or work. Bug shields are great for protecting your car from road debris, excessive bug collection and chipping from stones or other road hazards.

A car cover is an essential accessory if you must leave your vehicle outside in the harsh elements of the sun, rain or snow. It will protect your car from wear and tear and the hazards of extreme weather conditions when garaging or cover protection is not available. It should fit snugly around the normally exposed portions of the vehicle. Car covers are usually made of heavy duty protecting materials that will keep the damaging weather elements away from the automobiles painted surfaces and will protect from the above mentioned weather hazards. Car covers are especially valuable if you use them while shopping or when the vehicle is parked anywhere someone or something can bump into the vehicle and create paint or body damage.

Floor Mats are the perfect accessory to not only give your interior a new or more finished look, they are indispensable in the protection they provide against wear and tear on the floor carpet. You can purchase floor mats in most any variety of colors, styles, and designs. They are available in materials such as rubber and clear plastic to name a few. Floor mats can be made specific to your vehicle or purchased at auto parts stores. The benefits to having floor mats cannot be overstated. They can aid in comfort when driving on long road trips, they protect from shoe damage in the acceleration area of the floor and they keep everyday dirt and grime from attaching to your vehicles original carpet. A purchase of floor mats at nominal prices can give your vehicle protection from years of floor or carpet damage in the vehicle.

No matter what part of the world you live in, tinting your vehicles windows can offer protection in many ways. Window tinting has long been known to reduce the heat coming into your vehicle. Anyone that owns an automobile in the southwest will tell you that the suns heat (and damaging ultraviolet rays) is not only destructive, it is downright uncomfortable. So in these two ways, tinting can increase your comfort while driving and decrease fading or discoloration of the interiors vinyl or fabric work. If you choose a safety film, you will get even more protection.

A safety film on your vehicles windows has been known to reduce injuries to occupants from flying shattered glass in auto accidents. If you have a large object hit your windshield, safety film may deter the object from coming directly into your vehicle and hitting any passengers. If you live in tornado or earthquake zones, this type of film can prevent injury as well by acting as a buffer between you and the shattered glass.

Lastly, but certainly not less important, seat covers have numerous benefits. Seat covers protect the material that covers the original fabric of your cars seats. This is very important for owners that live in sun drenched areas of the world, work in conditions where your clothing is contaminated with dirt, grease, or other destructive materials and for those owners that participate in activities such as biking, hiking, or swimming (the chlorine alone is severely damaging if you are not fully dried off). Seat covers are not just about protecting, they can also provide a tailored and clean look to your vehicles interior.

Your vehicle will look well kept and well taken care of if you purchase seat covers before damage occurs. You can pull them off before selling or trading in your vehicle for that eye-appealing look that says you the owner took very good care of the car. Sometimes a nice and fresh looking interior will sell a vehicle even if the exterior is a bit worn.

While there are many other accessories out there for your vehicle, the ones mentioned here will go a long way in giving you peace of mind. You will know that you have done what you can to insure that your vehicle will look close to new even when it is ten years old. If you want to sell your vehicle someday, you have applied accessories that will most likely bring you maximum dollar at selling or trade-in time. You can never lose by adding protective accessories to you car.

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Buying a new car is an experience that few will ever forget: the smell, the pristine interior, and the flawless ride are some of the things enjoyed by new car owners. Yet, despite how well equipped even the most expensive cars can be, oftentimes they leave the showroom with several accessories missing. No, they werent stolen; instead, for some queer reason these must have accessories were not included with the sale. Lets take a look at six accessories every vehicle should have.

Floor mats You have got to be kiddingno floor mats?! Oddly, floor mats are the chief accessory typically not included with any sale. Instead, you get a throwaway paper sheet for the driver. Without floor mats in place you can bet that the interior will be soiled in short order. Worse, if you wait too long your carpeting could be damaged which is especially bad news for you if you lease your vehicle. Just wait til you see the price of replacing damaged automotive carpeting!

Cargo liners Like the interior, the cars trunk area is subject to dirt, debris, mud, the elements, and more. Some automakers have wised up over the years and included cargo liners as standard equipment while others make a cargo liner an expensive add-on, after-the-sale accessory for buyers.

Bug shields If you live in a humid climate, a bug shield is a must. No automaker offers one as standard equipment; if you want to protect your hood and windshield a bug shield is a must. Also marketed as bug deflectors.

Car bra Sure, they are stylish, but a car bra is much more than that. Offering protection to your grille and to the front part of your hood, a car bra can help deflect debris kicked up from the road. Who hasnt come across that sort of problem while traversing our interstates?

Brake dust shields No, there isnt a safety aspect with a dust shield, but there certainly are aesthetic reasons why they make sense. You spent a lot for your tires and wheels, so why go through the hassle of a weekly cleaning just to keep your car looking great? Dust shields limit the dust so that you can do what you really want to do: drive.

Car cover Whether you keep your car garaged or whether you leave it outside, a car cover is essential toward protecting your vehicles finish. Indoor air pollution and dust can damage a garaged vehicle; solar rays, moisture, bird poop, wind, and small impacts can damage exposed vehicles. For less than $200 you can buy a four layer, breathable car cover that will offer the protection your car so desperately needs.

So, there you have it. Six essential auto accessories for every vehicle. Youll pay a mint for each accessory if you let your dealer add them in after the sale, so why not shop online with Car Stuff to find everything you need for your car and for less?

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