Car Accessories That Could Be Harmful: Guide

Car accessories are popular across the UAE. Drivers love adding small upgrades that make their vehicles more stylish, comfortable, or tech-friendly. From dashboard ornaments to aftermarket lights, the market is full of options.
But not every accessory is safe, and some can even create real hazards on UAE roads, especially with the country’s strict traffic rules, harsh weather, and high-speed highways.

In this blog, Drive UAE will break down the most common car accessories that can put you, your passengers, and other road users at risk. 

Why Hazardous Accessories Are a Bigger Issue in the UAE

Before jumping into the list, it’s important to understand why risky accessories are a serious concern in the UAE:

• High temperatures can cause adhesives, plastics, and electronics to melt or fail.
  
• Strict RTA and police regulations mean many accessories can lead to fines if installed incorrectly.
  
• High-speed highways like Sheikh Zayed Road leave no room for distractions.
  
• Frequent fog, sandstorms, and glare make visibility crucial.
  
• Fast-growing aftermarket trends often bring low-quality or non-approved products into the market.
  

This makes it essential for every UAE driver to know which accessories may do more harm than good.

1. Dashboard Ornaments and Hanging Accessories

Dashboard toys, crystals, giant prayer beads, or even long tassels hanging from the mirror may seem harmless, but they create two major issues:

Reduced Visibility

Anything placed directly on the dashboard reflects sunlight and obstructs your view.
In a country with bright sunlight almost all year, even a small ornament can create glare or block part of the windscreen.

Risk During Sudden Braking

Heavy objects turn into dangerous projectiles during a hard stop or collision.
A small ornament can strike a passenger at high force.

Regulatory Problem

Hanging accessories that block your forward view can lead to RTA violations and police fines.

2. Aftermarket Headlights and LED Light Bars

Many drivers install extra-bright headlights or multi-colour LED strips for style.
But these accessories create serious risks:

Blinding Other Drivers

Overly bright aftermarket lights can reduce visibility for oncoming vehicles, increasing the chances of head-on collisions.

Incorrect Beam Alignment

Cheap lights are often misaligned and scatter light in all directions.

Police Violations

Unapproved colours such as blue, green, and red lights can result in immediate fines or vehicle confiscation.

Overheating Risk

High-wattage bulbs can overheat the headlamp housing, especially in UAE summers.

3. Oversized Phone Holders and Dash Cams

Phone holders and dash cams are helpful, but problems arise when they’re:

• Too large
  
• Installed incorrectly
  
• Mounted in the driver’s line of sight
  

Visibility Blockage

A big mount near the centre of the windshield can block pedestrians, cyclists, or road signs.

Distracted Driving

Constant movement or shaking of the device distracts your attention from the road.

Heat Damage

Cheap suction holders fall off easily in high temperatures, distracting the driver during movement.

4. Fake or Weak Airbags (Non-Original Safety Parts)

Some aftermarket shops offer “affordable airbag replacements,” which are extremely dangerous.

Risk of Failure

Fake airbags often do not deploy, or they explode with excessive force.

Warranty and Insurance Void

Using non-original airbags can void your vehicle’s warranty and insurance coverage.

Legal Trouble

Police inspections or accident investigations can lead to fines and legal consequences.

Always choose manufacturer-approved safety components.

5. Seatbelt Clips and Fake Buckles

These clips are used to stop the seatbelt alarm.
They seem convenient, but they remove the most important safety feature in a car.

Zero Safety During Impact

With no real seatbelt protection, injuries become severe even at low speeds.

Illegal in the UAE

Using fake buckles is a traffic violation and can lead to fines.

Insurance Issues

If an accident happens while using a fake buckle, your insurance claim may be questioned.

6. Steering Wheel Knobs (Suicide Knobs)

These rotating knobs make steering with one hand possible. While some commercial vehicles use them legally, they’re not ideal for private cars.

Loss of Control: At high speeds, the knob can cause oversteering.

Interference With Airbags: If placed on the wrong side, they can hit the driver during airbag deployment.

Poor Grip During Emergencies: The knob can slip or jam during sudden turns.

7. Underbody Neon Kits and Flashing External Lights

Neon kits and flashing lights may look stylish, but they create:

Distraction on High-Speed Roads

Bright flashing lights can confuse other drivers.

Regulatory Restrictions

External lights with non-standard colours are not allowed.

Fire Risk

Cheap wiring can melt due to ground heat and high outdoor temperatures.

8. Excessive Interior Lighting

LED strips inside the cabin look modern, but:

• Too much lighting reduces night visibility
  
• Reflection on windows makes it hard to see outside
  
• Bright colours distract the driver and other road users
  

A little ambient lighting is fine, overdoing it is not.

9. Magnetic Sunshades and Metal Window Accessories

Magnetic or metal shades can become dangerous projectiles in an accident.
They also interfere with airbags and sensors.

In addition:

• Some block too much visibility
  
• Others violate tinting rules
  
• Many melt or warp under UAE heat
  

Always choose RTA-compliant sunshades.

10. Poor-Quality Charging Cables and Adapters

Cheap charging cables are common in UAE markets, but they can:

• Overheat the car’s electrical system
  
• Damage the infotainment unit
  
• Cause interior fires
  
• Melt under dashboard heat
  

Always use high-quality, certified accessories.

11. Overloaded Roof Racks and Spoilers

Roof racks and spoilers are safe only when they are:

• Properly installed
  
• Approved for the vehicle
  
• Balanced and secured
  

Dangerous situations occur when accessories are:

• Too heavy
  
• Poorly attached
  
• Causing wind resistance
  
• Creating drag at high speeds
  

Loose roof items have caused serious accidents on UAE roads.

12. Perfume Bottles on AC Vents

This is one of the most common and risky accessories in UAE cars.

Why?

• The bottle can fly like a bullet in an accident
  
• Chemicals may drip into vents
  
• Heat can cause leakage or even small fires
  
• Strong scents can trigger allergies while driving
  

It’s better to use small, lightweight air fresheners designed for vehicles.

How to Choose Safe Car Accessories in the UAE

Here are practical guidelines to stay safe:

Choose RTA-approved accessories: Anything affecting visibility, lighting, or vehicle structure must meet UAE standards.

Pick heat-resistant materials: Avoid cheap plastics that melt during summer.

Avoid blocking the windshield: A clear view is essential on all UAE highways.

Choose high-quality electronics: Cheap devices fail quickly and can cause electrical faults.

Keep safety features original: Airbags, seatbelts, sensors, and cameras should never be replaced with non-genuine parts.

Final Thoughts

Car accessories can improve your comfort and style, but not all of them are safe, especially on UAE roads where temperatures are extreme and regulations are strict. Before adding any accessory, ask yourself:

“Will this affect my visibility, my safety, or my car’s performance?”

If the answer is yes, skip it.

Choosing smart, approved, and safe accessories not only protects your car, it protects lives.