Over the years, car manufacturers and aftermarket companies have introduced countless gadgets and accessories designed to make driving more fun, convenient, or stylish. While some have become essentials, others didn’t quite stand the test of time. In this article, we’re taking a look back at 15 vehicle accessories that once seemed like the next big thing but quickly faded into obscurity. Let’s see which ones you remember.
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Car Window Rain Guards
These plastic or metal strips allowed drivers to open their windows slightly without rain getting in. While useful for ventilation, they fell out of favor as they often disrupted the sleek lines of modern cars and were no longer necessary with improved window seals.
Digital Dashboards
Popular in the ’80s and ’90s, digital dashboards were futuristic but often unreliable. Their blocky, LED displays were quickly outclassed by modern infotainment systems and heads-up displays that are more user-friendly and advanced.
Car Compass
Mounted on dashboards, car compasses were once essential for long-distance driving. However, they became redundant with the advent of GPS navigation and smartphones, which offer far more precise and user-friendly directional guidance.
Curb Feelers
Spring-like wires attached near the wheels, curb feelers were meant to prevent drivers from scraping their tires on the curb. They were rendered obsolete by modern parking sensors and backup cameras, which provide more accurate and sophisticated warnings.
Mobile CB Radios
In the ’70s and ’80s, CB radios allowed drivers, especially truckers, to communicate on the road. With the rise of cell phones and better communication tools, CB radios became less relevant, surviving mostly in niche circles.
Pop-Up Headlights
Pop-up headlights were an iconic feature of sports cars in the ’80s and ’90s, providing a sleek, aerodynamic look. However, their mechanical failure rates, combined with modern safety regulations, led to their phase-out in favor of fixed headlights.
CD Changers
Multi-disc CD changers, often installed in the trunk, allowed drivers to carry multiple albums at once. As music streaming and MP3 players gained popularity, the bulky changers became unnecessary, and modern cars rely on digital media instead.
Tissue Box Holders
Mounted on the back of seats or dashboards, tissue box holders were once a common accessory for convenience. However, they added clutter and have since been replaced by more compact and hidden storage solutions for tissues and other small items.
Retractable Antennas
Once a sign of luxury, retractable antennas extended and retracted automatically when the radio was turned on or off. They were prone to mechanical failure and replaced by shorter, fixed antennas or internal systems as technology advanced.
Velour Seat Covers
Soft, luxurious velour seat covers were trendy in the ’70s and ’80s, but they wore out quickly, collected dirt, and were difficult to clean. Modern seat materials, such as leather or durable cloth, offer better comfort and longevity.
Ashtrays and Lighters
Ashtrays and cigarette lighters were once standard in nearly every vehicle, but as smoking rates declined and health concerns increased, manufacturers began phasing them out in favor of USB ports and storage compartments.
Headlight Wipers
Designed to clean headlights in bad weather, headlight wipers were a feature in luxury cars, especially in the ’80s and ’90s. With the introduction of more durable and self-cleaning headlights, as well as improved car washing solutions, these wipers became unnecessary.
Fuzzy Dice
Hanging fuzzy dice were a fun trend in the ’50s and ’60s, often used to add personality to a car’s interior. However, as dashboard designs became more modern and minimalist, these decorative items fell out of style.
Cassette Tape Decks
Cassette tape decks were standard in cars throughout the ’80s and ’90s. As CDs and later MP3 players took over, cassette players became obsolete, and today’s vehicles no longer include them, favoring digital media solutions instead.
Manual Crank Windows
Before power windows became standard, manual crank windows were the only way to open and close car windows. Although simple and reliable, they’ve mostly been replaced by power-operated windows for added convenience.
This article originally appeared in MyCarMakesNoise.
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