Five things to consider when accessory shopping

In the market for a side step, new nudge bar, sports bar, tonneau cover or cattle rail? Here is what to look out for

There’s so much information available it’s hard to know where to start when looking for a new accessory for your vehicle. Here are a handful of the most pertinent boxes to tick:

1. Functionality

Are you looking to improve or customise the aesthetics of your vehicle? Or are you looking for a product that will add specific functionality? For example, accessories such as tonneau covers (the cover for the back portion of a bakkie) or side steps need to be functional as well as good-looking.

For example, a tonneau cover can help to protect the bakkie load and to improve aerodynamics, while the side step makes it easier to get in and out of the vehicle. While these are both elements that can make your car look more stylish, it’s important to also ensure they do what you need them to do and that they are safe and durable. Make sure then that when you add an accessory to your vehicle, you you’re adding value to it, not compromising it.

2. Is the accessory approved by the vehicle manufacturer?

There are many seemingly cost-effective vehicle accessories available online and from fitment centres and retailers, but not all parts that look the same are the same. Accessories that have not been tested by the original equipment (OE) manufacturer generally haven’t been exposed to the same demanding evaluations or testing, so car manufacturers can’t guarantee their performance, safety or durability of parts or how they will affect the car. For example, with nudge bars, an important consideration is how the bar is attached to the chassis, and whether the vehicle’s airbags will still deploy at the same rate following an impact to the bar.

MAXE’s products are distributed and available directly through the following dealer networks: Toyota, Ford, Isuzu, Hyundai, Kia, Nissan, VW, Mazda, Renault, Volvo, Scania and UD.

3. Safety

Accessories can have an effect on a vehicle’s performance and safety. Lawrence says it’s important to check that the product you’re considering has been properly evaluated.  At MAXE, we have an in-house technical team whose job it is to extensively test every product we manufacture and supply. For example, unlike many other nudge bar and sports bar products on the market, all MAXE bars are subjected to road vibration testing to ensure safety and durability.”

4. Durability

When selecting an accessory, keep in mind that there are many differences in the thickness (and thus strength) of the Stainless Steel used to manufacture bars. At MAXE, we measure our bars’ raw material metal extensively, to ensure uniformity and that MAXE Bars is by far the strongest-for-purpose in the market.

5. Warranty

It’s important to know what recourse you have if you find any issues with the accessory you select. MAXE makes a range of unique accessories dedicated to fitment centres, which all carry an extended lifetime warranty. MAXE has been around since 1997 and celebrates its 25th birthday in 2022. The company has built a reputation for premium quality accessories and OEM-approved products, supplied nationally and throughout selected African countries.