What to buy for a new car: a complete list of necessary things

Buying a new car is an event that requires not only the joy of ownership, but also a responsible approach to preparation. Even if the car has just rolled off the assembly line, it will require a number of mandatory accessories, without which operation will be inconvenient and sometimes unsafe. Many car owners are faced with a dilemma: what to buy first, and what can you save on?

In this article we will look at mandatory and recommended purchases for a new car, taking into account traffic requirements, the characteristics of Russian roads and climate, as well as current trends in the field of car accessories. From first aid kits and fire extinguisher up to DVR and car covers — you will receive a clear checklist with explanations of why each item is important.

We will pay special attention three critical mistakes of beginners: buying cheap uncertified accessories, ignoring seasonal features (for example, the lack of winter tires in October) and overpaying for unnecessary bells and whistles. These nuances will help you save up to 30% of your budget without compromising safety.

1. Mandatory things by law: what you can’t drive without

Russian legislation clearly regulates the list of items that must be in the car on any trip. The absence of at least one of them threatens with a fine of 500 to 3000 rubles (Article 12.5 of the Code of Administrative Offenses of the Russian Federation). This is what the traffic police inspector checks first:

• 🚑 Car first aid kit - must correspond Order of the Ministry of Health No. 697n (2021). It must include a tourniquet, bandages, gloves and other first aid equipment. Expiration date check when purchasing!
• 🔥 Fire extinguisher - only powder (OP) or carbon dioxide (CO) with a mass of at least 2 kg. Labeling must include NPB 155-2002 or GOST R 51057-2001. Check your blood pressure every six months.
• ⚠️ Warning triangle - must be visible from a distance of 30 meters in all weather conditions. The best option is a reflective one with a magnetic mount.
• 🔧 Spare wheel or tire repair kit — if there is no “dokatka” in the car (Temporary Spare Tire), be sure to buy repair kit or sealant (for example, Fix-a-Flat).

⚠️ Attention: If you buy a used first aid kit or fire extinguisher, check not only the expiration date, but also the integrity of the seals. The inspector has the right to fine for opened first aid kit, even if all the components are in place.

Additionally, new requirements for reflective vests. Now they are mandatory for the driver if he gets out of the car on the highway or in the dark. The vest must fit GOST R 12.4.281-2014 and have a certificate.

2. Road safety: DVR and parking sensors

Modern realities are such that without DVR the risk of being at fault in an accident (even if you are not at fault) increases significantly. When choosing, pay attention to:

• 📹 Camera resolution - minimum Full HD (1080p), better 2K or 4K to read numbers. Popular models: BlackVue DR900X, Garmin Dash Cam 67W.
• 🔄 Viewing angle — from 140° (for the anterior chamber). If you take it with a rear camera, the angle should be at least 120°.
• 📱 Availability of Wi-Fi/GPS — allows you to quickly download videos to your phone and record the coordinates of an accident.
• 🔋 Battery capacity — if the recorder operates from a cigarette lighter, take a model with supercapacitor (not afraid of frost).

Parking sensors or a rear view camera are the second most important gadget for beginners. Statistics show that 60% of minor accidents occur while parking. Optimal options:

Device type	Pros	Cons	Average price
Wireless parking sensors	Easy installation, no wires	May glitch due to interference	3 000 — 6 000 ₽
Wired parking sensors	Stable operation, accurate readings	Difficult installation (you need to pull wires)	4 000 — 10 000 ₽
Rear view camera	Visual control, coupling assistance	Requires a clean lens, does not work well in dirt	5 000 — 15 000 ₽
360° all-round viewing system	Maximum accuracy, help in tight yards	Expensive, difficult installation	20 000 — 50 000 ₽

⚠️ Attention: Cheap parking sensors for 1,000–2,000 rubles often give false alarms on wet asphalt or in the rain. If your budget is limited, it is better to take a high-quality rear view camera (for example, ParkMaster 4in1) instead of dubious ultrasonic sensors.

3. Protection of the body and interior: covers, mats and anti-corrosion

A new car requires protection from dirt, moisture and mechanical damage. Let's start with the interior:

• 🪑 Seat covers - better to choose fabric (for summer) or velor (for winter). Popular brands: Trever, Autofeel. Avoid cheap Alcantara - it wears out quickly.
• 🧹 Rubber mats — be sure to have sides (so that it doesn’t flow under your feet). For winter, take models with textured surface (for example, WeatherTech).
• ☂️ Protective door sills — will save you from chips when boarding/disembarking passengers. The optimal material is aluminum or durable plastic.

Now about the body. Anti-corrosion treatment of a new car is a controversial issue. On the one hand, the factory coating lasts 3–5 years. On the other hand, Russian roads with salt and reagents reduce this period by half. Recommendations:

• 🛡️ If the car is under warranty, do not do anticorrosive work yourself (they may cancel the warranty). Use contactless means (for example, Turtle Wax Ice Seal).
• 🔧 If there is no guarantee, treat the bottom and arches mastic (for example, Dinitrol 479) or liquid plastic (Rust Stop).
• 🚗 To protect against chips on the hood, use transparent film (for example, 3M Scotchgard) or ceramic coating (but it’s expensive - from 30,000 ₽).

⚠️ Attention: Do not use wax polishes to protect the body in winter - they are washed off after 2-3 washes. Suitable for the cold season synthetic sealants (for example, Sonax Nanopro).

Treat the bottom with mastic|Apply anti-gravel to the arches|Install mudguards|Cover the hood with a protective film|Buy seat covers-->

4. Winter preparation: what to buy in advance

If you purchased your car in the fall or winter, immediately prepare it for the cold weather. Here is the minimum set:

• ❄️ Winter tires - by law it must be installed with December 1, but in the northern regions it is better to change your shoes in October. Optimal brands: Nokian Hakkapeliitta, Michelin X-Ice, Continental IceContact.
• 🔋 Starter charger — will save you if the battery dies in the cold. Best models: Carku E-Power-3, Berkut JSL-12000.
• 🧤 Warm steering wheel cover - if there is no heating, take models with neoprene (for example, Autoprofi).
• 🚗 Auto blanket - Helps keep the engine warm during short stops. Choose from fireproof coating.

Pay special attention battery. Even a new one can discharge at −20°C if:

• You often make short trips (less than 15 minutes).
• The car has a lot of energy-consuming devices (DVR, alarm, heating).
• The battery has a capacity of less than 60 Ah.

Solution - recharge once a month or installation AGM battery (for example, Bosch S5 A05), which tolerates frost better.

How to properly “light” a car in winter?

1. Connect the red cable to the "+" of the donor, then to the "+" of your battery.

2. Connect the black cable to the “-” donor, and the other end to mass (not to the "-" battery!).

3. Start the donor for 5 minutes, then try to start your car.

4. After starting, do not turn off the engine for 15–20 minutes.

Important: Never light a cigarette while the donor engine is running - this can burn the generator!

5. Useful little things: what will make life easier for the car owner

These things are not necessary, but will greatly simplify the operation of the machine:

• 🔌 Cigarette lighter splitter — if you have several gadgets (recorder, navigator, phone charger). Choose from USB-Type C and Quick Charge 3.0.
• 📱 Magnetic phone holder - more convenient than standard mounts. Best models: iOttie Easy One Touch, Spigen Kuel H12.
• 🧴 Auto care chemicals:
  • Glass cleaner (for example, Sonax Xtreme) - leaves no streaks.
  • Interior cleaner (for example, Profoam 2000) - removes coffee and food stains.
  • Anti-rain (for example, AquaPel) - improves visibility in wet weather.
• 🔑 Trunk organizer - will save you from chaos. Popular options: MICTUNING, Drive Auto.

If you often travel with children, be sure to buy:

• 👶 Car seat - by law up to 12 years. Top Brands: Cybex, Maxi-Cosi.
• 🧸 Sun blinds - will save you from bright light.
• 🍎 Bottle/Snack Holder — so as not to dirty the interior.

⚠️ Attention: Don't buy cheap ones flavorings on AliExpress - they often contain harmful substances. It is better to choose certified ones (for example, Air Spencer or Black Ice).

6. Alarm and anti-theft protection

A new car is a tasty target for car thieves. Even if you have a standard alarm system, it is often not enough. What you can do:

• 🚨 Car alarm with auto start — allows you to warm up the car in winter. Popular models: StarLine A93, Pandora DXL 4700.
• 🔒 Mechanical lock - for example, on the steering wheel (Disklok) or on the pedal (Multilock). This will deter most thieves.
• 📡 GPS tracker - will help track the car in case of theft. Best options: StarLine M17, Navtelecom NT-904.
• 🔑 Chip in the key - many modern cars (for example, Toyota, Volkswagen) have transponders in the keys. Make a duplicate at an official dealership!

Cost of comprehensive protection:

Protection level	What does it include	Cost
Basic	Alarm + steering lock	15 000 — 25 000 ₽
Medium	Alarm with auto start + GPS tracker	30 000 — 50 000 ₽
Maximum	Alarm + tracker + immobilizer + glass armor	70 000 — 150 000 ₽

⚠️ Attention: If you have a car with keyless entry (for example, Tesla, BMW latest models), hijackers can use relay attacks. In this case, be sure to install signal blocker (for example, Key Shield).

7. Savings without loss of quality: what you can save on

Not all accessories are worth buying “premium”. Here's where you can cut costs without sacrificing safety:

• 💰 Seat covers — instead of branded ones (5,000–10,000 ₽), take high-quality ones Chinese (1,500–3,000 RUR) on AliExpress (for example, YITAMOTOR). The main thing is to check the reviews.
• 🧴 Auto chemical goods - instead of Sonax or Liqui Moly you can take it K2, Grass - they are 30-40% cheaper, but not inferior in quality.
• 🔧 Tools - instead of sets Hazet or Stahlwille take Jonnesway or Force - they are 2-3 times cheaper with a comparable resource.
• 📹 DVR - instead of BlackVue (20,000–40,000 RUR) can be considered 70mai or Vantrue (5 000–10 000 ₽).

Where to save it's impossible:

• ❌ Tires - cheap tires (Rosava, Kama) brakes worse and wears out faster.
• ❌ Brake pads/discs - saving 2,000 ₽ can turn into an accident.
• ❌ Battery - cheap Chinese Batteries last 1–2 years instead of 5–7.

💡 Lifehack: Many accessories (mats, covers, organizers) can be purchased at Avito or Yule in “like new” condition with a 40–60% discount. The main thing is to check before buying!

8. First trip: what to check before leaving

Before you hit the road in your new car, complete this checklist:

Check the tire pressure (the rate is indicated on the driver's door sticker)|Make sure that the first aid kit and fire extinguisher are in place|Adjust the mirrors and seat to suit you|Check the operation of the lights (headlights, brake lights, turn signals)|Fill the tank full (to understand the real fuel consumption)|Set up the DVR and radio-->

Also pay attention to:

• 📄 Documents - check what you have:
  • STS (registration certificate);
  • PTS (if the car is new, the dealer may have it);
  • MTPL policy (electronic is suitable, but it’s better to print it out).
• 🔑 Keys - you must have at least two sets (one spare at home).
• 📱 Spare phone - in case the main one runs out.

⚠️ Attention: If you bought a car with dealer tinting, check its legality. In 2026, only tinted front windows with light transmission will be allowed. at least 70% (by GOST 32565-2013). For violation - a fine of 500 ₽.

- Sudden starts and braking;

- Long driving at high speeds (more than 3,000 rpm);

- Towing trailers or other vehicles.

This will extend the life of the engine and gearbox.-->

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about shopping for a new car

🔹 Do you need to immediately change the oil in a new car?

No, if the car was purchased from an official dealer. The first oil change is carried out according to the regulations (usually after 10,000–15,000 km). However, if you bought a car “at zero” from a reseller, it is better to change the oil and filters right away - it is not known what fluids are in there.

🔹 What documents should be in the car besides STS and OSAGO?

According to the law, the STS and the MTPL policy (or a printout of the e-MTPL) are sufficient. It is not necessary to carry the PTS with you, but the owner must have it (for example, at home). Also useful purchase and sale agreement, if the car was purchased less than 10 days ago (in case of a traffic police stop).

🔹 Is it worth installing an alarm on a new car from the factory?

Depends on the model. If you have Volkswagen, Skoda or Toyota In recent years, standard alarm systems are usually reliable. If the car is budget (Lada, Renault Logan, Kia Rio), it is better to install an additional one - standard ones are often hacked in 10–15 seconds.

🔹 Is it possible to drive without the “Spikes” sign?

From March 1, 2022, the sign "Sh" (Spikes) is optional. However, if you have winter tires with studs, it is recommended to stick a sign - this will warn other drivers about the reduced braking distance of your car.

🔹 What to do if a creaking or knocking noise appears in your new car?

If the car is under warranty, contact the dealer immediately. By law (Art. 18 ZPP) you have the right to free repairs within warranty period. Don't delay - some defects (for example, knocking in the suspension) may get worse.