Car Accessories and Options

Lasers have an illumination power that's about 1,000 times more powerful than LEDs. So, will laser-powered headlamps be too intense for other motorists? Are they a traffic incident waiting to happen?

By Akweli Parker

Did you know that if your car didn't come from the factory with refrigerated seats, there are several manufacturers that would be happy to sell you air-conditioned seat cushions?

By Christopher Lampton

At one time, gadgets designed to keep us informed and entertained while on the move came from the automotive aftermarket. Now automakers are providing complex, digitally connected gizmos as factory equipment.

By Akweli Parker

In a world that seems hyperconnected already, are cars the next things to go wired with Internet access?

By Jeff Harder

These days, the majority of the music we listen to is streamed from the Internet and stored on our computers and smartphones. But is there a way we can access online music in our cars and trucks?

By Christopher Neiger

Filling up the tank still hurts, especially while on a road trip. So how can you do it without breaking the bank?

By John Perritano

If you've got the right gadgets, you can already use voice commands to control things like your GPS and phone from the driver's seat. How close are we to voice activation as an affordable car option -- and what we will we say when we have it?

By Christopher Lampton

You'd like change your car's windshield wiper blades, but you're not sure how. We will now give you instructions on how to change wiper blades.

By HowStuffWorks.com Contributors

If you know how to install lowering springs you can improve your car's handling as well as the comfort of the ride. In this article we will discuss how to install lowering springs.

By HowStuffWorks.com Contributors

You're sick and tired of your car getting stolen, so you've decided to learn how to install a car alarm in your car. Learn how to install a car alarm from this article.

By HowStuffWorks.com Contributors

Car accidents occur often at night, and part of the reason might be that your headlights just aren't good enough. Adaptive headlights alleviate the visibility problems you experience every time you take the car out after dark.

By Ed Grabianowski

Ford's Sync system pioneered many of the mobile connectivity features that are now commonplace in new cars. However, you don't necessarily need to be a social media fanatic to enjoy all the benefits Sync has to offer.

By Ed Piotrowski & Jamie Page Deaton

If you have a lead foot you may have invested in a radar detector. Find out how these devices pick up police radar and lidar and learn what a jamming signal does.

By Tom Harris

Its critics call the popular telematics service "Big Brother" and claim that it can lead to an invasion of privacy. Explore the technology behind OnStar and learn about the controversy.

By Shanna Freeman

They beep wail and some yell at you (yes yell!). Auto alarms are complex these days with sensors that set off the siren before a potential thief even touches the car. Learn all about car alarms.

By Tom Harris & Sascha Bos

To most drivers turn signals seem pretty simple: There's a lever that makes your signal lights flash. But there's actually some cool technology at work. Find out how this under-used device operates.

By Karim Nice

Warmer weather means convertible season -- ever wonder what's behind that thrilling ride? How is it that a car can go from everyday coupe to sporty convertible at the push of a button? Find out.

By Karim Nice

What began as a hand-cranked system is now automatic and only getting more so: Some windshield wipers can actually sense rain. Learn the mechanincs behind this essential automotive tool.

By Karim Nice

Ever wonder what's behind the auto-up feature that can detect obstacles? Power windows are one of those hidden miracles in cars -- they're actually pretty amazing once you learn about them. Find out how power windows operate!

By Karim Nice

Cruise control is already an amazing system, and it's evolving into something a lot more powerful. Learn how cruise control works and check out some of the adaptive systems in development.

By Karim Nice

Power door locks used to adorn only luxury cars. Today, these handy amenities are standard on more than half of the cars sold in America. Learn what happens after you push the button!

By Karim Nice

I notice that there are certain cars whose headlights seem to have a blue-ish or green-ish tint. A lot of times these headlights are on expensive cars. Are these headlights different from normal headlights?

Glare-resistant rearview mirrors can be useful when the vehicle behind you has extra bright headlights. Find out how simply flipping the rearview mirror can block out the bright light.