10 Car Features That Cannot Be Installed As Aftermarket Accessories

Engineering has taught us that nothing is impossible. With a bit of effort, anything can be installed anywhere. This is the exact case with the vehicles here in India. And for that, the markets are flooded with aftermarket accessories and car features. (Tell me about it!)

This means, many people go for the base variant and get most of the accessories installed in their cars later. But some accessories cannot be installed in a vehicle and one *has* to opt for the higher variants to enjoy those (as stock). So, here are 10 such features that cannot be retrofitted.

1. Rear Defogger

One of the essential features that most of the car makers are still reluctant in omitting it from the base variant is the rear de-fogger. In winters, it is one of the frequently used and necessary features. A driver driving a vehicle deprived of the rear de-fogger can face visibility issues amidst the fog.

2. Digital Instrument Cluster

Current-gen cars are smarter than you think. They come equipped with a ton of sensors to detect and figure out failures. Also, the car rectifies some minor problems on their own. So, to interact with the vehicle a digital instrument cluster with high tech features is something an owner truly desires. But sadly, it is not possible to install the same with all integrated features.

3. Rear AC

Before explaining about Rear Ac, don’t get confused between rear AC and rear AC vents, as they both are different things. Moving further, cars with Rear AC have a separate AC unit for the rear passengers that can be turned on via a button in the centre console. Where rear AC vents can be a part of the aftermarket accessory, rear AC surely isn’t. It has to be connected with the engine just like the regular AC unit.

4. Electronic Hand Brake

Stepping into the future, cars are getting electrified. In this transaction, some vehicles are in their middle life of becoming all-electric. Many of them get a feature called an electronic hand brake. I’m sure this is something that may be good for boasting but a car guy or a petrolhead will surely prefer to take this matter into his/her hands.

5. Powered Tail Gate

Possibly, the most convenient feature in a high-end vehicle is the powered tailgate, especially for elderly people. In a vehicle pampered with a powered tailgate, one can open the boot lid with just a press of a button. Also, considering some cases, even a button is not required but a foot gesture. Result? Cannot be installed.

6. Tilt and Telescopic Steering

I’m sure everyone owning a vehicle may want to or have gone on long road trips. And in those long trips finding the right driving position could be tough. And many of the entry-level vehicles are deprived of steering adjustment. But sadly, this is something that cannot be retrofitted in a vehicle.

7. Adjustable Seat Height

Shorter drivers can have a tough time to have the perfect view of the road ahead. So, it is necessary to have a seat that possesses height adjustment. Nevertheless, to have this adjustment, the basic seat assy. needs to be changed, which is a tedious task and not all can do that.

8. Automatic Climate Control

Air Conditioner in a car, seems like an ordinary thing. What’s not, is the automatic climate control. As this helps the driver not to worry about the temperature, he/she can focus on the road and the car does everything for the occupants. The thing that is required is temperature input. Also, the reason it cannot be retrofitted is that it requires electronic actuators to open and close the vents depending upon the mode.

9. Electronic Aids (TC, ESP, Rollover Mitigation)

All the car buyers want one thing from their vehicle, it should be safe. So, the things that help to make the car safe are electronic aids. So, if you follow the automotive world in India, you may know that ABS and EBD are made mandatory for all the cars on the road. What’s not common is the traction control system, electronic stability programme and more. That said, one has to re-code the ECU to make all those things work in harmony.

10. Airbags

Next to the electronic driver aids are the airbags that drastically increase the vehicle’s safety. An actuator present in front bulkhead of the vehicle is what that triggers the airbags on the inside. Similar to that there are actuators in the door panels too that control the side curtain airbags. Well, again one has to tune the electricals precisely to install the airbags.

So, these were the 10 features that require some detailed knowledge to install one (engineers only!). Let us know in the comment section below what do you think of these features, are they necessary? Also, did we miss anything?

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FAQs

1. What are the illegal car modifications in India?

In India, the Motor Vehicles Act does not allow structural modifications of the chassis, lengthening or expanding the body, or even changing the engine without RTO permission. Other banned modifications are loud and non-compliant exhausts, dark-tinted windows with darker VLT colours than allowed by law, and other pressure or musical horns, which are above the noise limit.

2. What is the brand of cars that does not give an opportunity to make modifications?

There are no specific car brands that strictly prohibit customisation. Instead, the rules depend on the type of modification and whether it changes any specifications recorded on the vehicle’s registration. The RTO can reject or penalise your RC if you make alterations such as an engine swap, that do not match the details listed on your registration certificate.

3. Is it possible to add a rear defogger?

Yes, it is usually okay to add a rear defogger (heater grid), as it is an electrical device and it does not change the structure of the car. Alterations to the interiors and electrical work are generally permitted provided that they do not affect safety or emissions. But to make any significant change, you would always want to consult with your local RTO and revise your RC where necessary.

4. Are airbags available as aftermarket?

After-market installation of airbags is highly dangerous and not a common recommendation. Airbag systems are safety-critical systems that should not be installed or altered without the appropriate certification. In addition, any major safety changes that have not been conducted or approved by the RTO can result in a registration problem or a fine under the Motor Vehicles Act.

5. Is it legal to change the headlights?

It depends. Aftermarket lights such as bright HID/LED lights can be illegal in case they exceed some power, colour temperature or height restrictions. It says that adjustment of headlights above or below prescribed limits of power or luminous intensity (e.g. above 45 W or excessively bright) can result in a fine or even impoundment of the vehicle.