10 Car Upgrades That Are A Total Waste Of Money

Owning a car means making a lot of choices, especially about which upgrades are worth spending your money on. Unfortunately, some upgrades just don’t live up to the hype. These are 10 popular car upgrades that often leave people with a lot of regret and less cash in their pockets:

Extended Warranties

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Average Cost: $1,000 to $3,000

Sure, they promise peace of mind, but extended warranties usually cover less than expected. This means they’re just an expensive and unnecessary bet for most new car buyers.

Seat and Fabric Protection

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Average Cost: $150-250

Seat protection can be tempting if you have kids, pets, or a messy spouse. However, the reality is that seat and fabric protection is usually overpriced and unnecessary. Instead, you can buy some seat covers at your local Walmart that are way more affordable.

Dent Protection

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Average Cost: $200

Dent protection probably sounds tempting, but it has a lot of limitations that can actually render it ineffective when you need it most. This is an upgrade that a lot of people regret.

Nitrogen Tire Inflation

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Average Cost: $100

Filling your tires with nitrogen for about $100 is sold with promises of “better tire pressure retention” and “improved fuel efficiency”. However, considering that standard air is already 78% nitrogen, the benefits for most drivers are barely even noticeable.

Vehicle Identification Number Etching

Average Cost: $200

VIN etching is sold as a theft deterrent service, but the price tag is high. Especially when compared to DIY kits you can buy for under $30. Regardless of its potential security benefits, the cost doesn’t stack up, especially when more effective anti-theft options are out there.

Key Replacement Plans

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Average Cost: $200-$600

While the convenience of a replacement key plan is undeniable, especially if you lose your keys as often as I do, the cost can quickly become excessive. With plans ranging up to $600, it’s an upgrade many find too pricey for the peace of mind it offers.

Vehicle Undercoating

Average Cost: $500-$1,000

Dealerships may insist on undercoating to protect against rust and corrosion, but most modern vehicles already have pretty good protection. This is just another add-on that puts more money in dealers’ pockets.

Gap Insurance

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Average Cost: $500-$700

Gap insurance is a smart decision for some people, but the dealership markup makes it worthwhile to look elsewhere. Make sure to really look over what’s included with your vehicle purchase and opt for additional services with discernment.

Paint Protection Films

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Average Cost: $400-$1,000

Paint protection films are marketed as a defense against scratches and chips, but they might not offer value unless you’re driving in harsh conditions or are particularly focused on maintaining a car’s appearance for resale.