The auto accessories market is big business thanks to the ever-increasing number of new vehicle models being marketed. It has its ups and downs but it is still a tough industry that has a billion dollars in revenue every year, in the United States alone. Although the world economy has been disrupted by a global recession before, there is strong evidence that the future for the automobile industry will have a strong positive momentum.

For more than fifty years consumers have been the chief benefactors of this unrelenting growth and the selection of items is ever growing.

By definition, automobile accessories are those items [including parts] that do not come with your vehicle. In some cases you can purchase a fully accessorised vehicle.

Depending on the type of vehicle you drive, the accessories available for it will vary. Generally, automotive accessories can either be on electronic accessories such as mounting an MP3 or DVD players, televisions, audio speakers, cell phones, back sensors and other electronic gadgets, Hybrid-kits such as fluorescent and halogen lamps, mugs and chrome wheels, spoiler, fenders and step boards, chrome tail gate handles mirrors and signals.

However, the more popular the model, the more likely that someone, somewhere is making custom fitted accessories for it. America’s most popular model, Ford’s full size pick up trucks, have more than 500 different types of accessories made especially for these vehicles. These accessories come in a variety of shapes, sizes and colours and ultimately number in the many thousands of different items when calculated separately.

The following are just some of the many accessories available to owners of just one model the Ford F-150: air deflector, air scoop, bed extender, bed rail cap, bed rails, bed wing, body armor, body kit, brake light cover, bug shield, bumper, bumper cover, bumper guard, bumper mounting kit, bumper trim, cab spoilers, car wash supplies, cargo rack, door handle, door handle cover, door panel, door sill, fender flares, fender molding, front bed cap, front bed protector, front spoiler, fuel door, graphics, grille, grille guard, grille insert, grille shell, header panel, headlight covers, headlight trim, hood hinge, hood protector, hood scoop, mirror, mirror cover, mud flaps, nerf bar mounting kit, nerf bars, push bar, rear window protector, roll pan, roof rack, roof rails, running board mounting kit, running boards, running side box board, side molding, side skirts, side step, skid plate, spoiler, sport tubes, sun shield, tail light covers, tail light guard, tailgate, tailgate cable, tailgate cap, tailgate cover, tailgate handle, tailgate handle cover, tailgate handle relocator, tailgate net, tailgate protector, tailgate spoiler, truck bed rack, truck bed side rail, valance, vent visor, visor, wheel well trim, window covers, windshield wiper, wiper cowls.

The list is staggeringly long.

Shopping for automotive accessories can be quite daunting. Here are a few tips:

• Know what type of car accessories you need and will fit your car.

• Have a good background about cars, car detailing and car accessories.

• Know the accessories that you can only buy at any auto supply store. These include interior floor mats, steering wheel covers, seat covers and seat cushions, air fresheners, including the hand rest and a cup or bottle holders.

• Know the accessories that are difficult to find because of scarcity of supply or which can be customised to your car. These can include adjustable wheels, car stickers, carbon fibre hoods and other exterior accessories.

• You can buy some of them in several car accessory shops and garages here in Cayman. You can also check on the web for bargain car accessories.

• Always look for great deals in buying car accessories. Even here some of the stores offer big discounts, special offers and promos.

• Join any club car and become a member to receive some privileges and discounts in buying car accessories.

• Read a magazine about cars and accessories and search for ads in iNews Cayman for cheap car accessories for sale.

• Do not forget to compare prices of the car accessories you are thinking of purchasing.

So, how did this whole business get started? Well, for the most part we have California to thank, particularly southern California. The Beach Boys sang about cars, girls, and the youth lifestyle. Sand, surf, girls, and driving go together.