Buying a new car is always an exciting process, but an equally important moment comes when the dealership manager offers to sign up for “additional options.” These are the same extras can both significantly improve the comfort and safety of your car, and become a source of unnecessary expenses. In 2026, the range of additional equipment in showrooms has expanded to the limit: from classic alarm systems to auto-start systems controlled via a smartphone.
The main problem is that most buyers do not understand which options are truly necessary and which are sold solely for the dealer's profit. For example, anti-gravel film on the hood can save the paintwork from chipping, but its cost in the showroom is often 2-3 times higher than that of independent installers. A extended warranty for 50–80 thousand rubles does not always cover those breakdowns that actually happen.
In this article we will look at all types of extras that are offered in car dealerships today: from mandatory to completely useless. You will learn how to recognize hidden markups, which options are better to purchase later from third-party specialists, and why some “useful” functions in practice turn out to be a waste of money. And at the end there is a checklist that will help you not get confused when communicating with the manager.
1. Mandatory extras: what would happen without them?
Some additional options in car dealerships are actually an integral part of the basic package, but sold separately. This is a classic marketing ploy to artificially lower the starting price of a car in advertising. For example, many brands do not have in the basic version:
- 🔑 Spare wheel (instead - a repair kit, which is useless for serious punctures)
- 🎵 Audio system (there may not even be a radio - only speakers)
- 🔦 Fog lights (although they are provided by design)
- 🔋 High capacity battery (especially relevant for diesel engines and cars with a lot of electronics)
Without these elements, operating a car becomes extremely inconvenient. For example, the lack of a spare tire can result in hours of waiting for a tow truck on the highway. A weak battery simply won’t start the car in cold weather. According to 2026 statistics, 68% of buyers Kia Rio and Hyundai Solaris We are forced to buy a spare wheel immediately in the cabin, although in more expensive trim levels it comes as standard.
As a rule, such extras are cheaper if you order them immediately when purchasing a car (dealers give a discount on a “package of mandatory options”). But it is important to check whether the required element is included in a more expensive package of the same model - sometimes it is more profitable to pay extra for the “Comfort+” version than to assemble the car in parts.
Before signing the contract, ask the manager to show the full price list of additional components indicating the article numbers. Often the same options are sold under different names (for example, "safety package" and "cold climate package" may be duplicates of each other).
2. Popular supplements: what is really useful?
This category includes options that are not critical but significantly improve the car ownership experience. They can be divided into three groups:
- Security: alarms, 360° cameras, blind spot monitoring systems.
- Comfort: climate control, heated seats/steering wheel, keyless entry.
- Protection: anti-gravel film, tinting, crankcase protection.
Among the most popular in 2026:
- 🚨 Car alarm with auto start (especially relevant for regions with cold winters). The average price in a showroom is 35–60 thousand rubles, but from third-party installers you can find analogues for 20–25 thousand.
- 📱 Multimedia system with Apple CarPlay/Android Auto. Basic configurations often come with an outdated radio without a touch screen.
- 🛡️ Crankcase protection (required for crossovers and cars with low clearance). The cost in the showroom is 8–15 thousand rubles.
- ☀️ Window tinting (but remember that according to GOST, the light transmission of the front windows must be at least 70%).
It is important to understand that some options become irrelevant over time. For example, DVD player in the head unit today it is completely unnecessary (everyone watches video through a smartphone), but wireless charging for the phone, on the contrary, is becoming a thing. Also worth considering compatibility: Not all alarms work with the original central locking key fob, and some rear view cameras require additional wiring.
What is a "winter comfort package"?
This set usually includes heated front seats, steering wheel, windshield and mirrors. In showrooms they sell it for 40–70 thousand rubles, but on the secondary market similar kits cost 1.5–2 times cheaper. The main catch: often the package includes cheap Chinese heating elements that fail after 2-3 years.
3. Hidden markups: how do dealers make money on extra charges?
Car dealerships make the main profit not from the sale of the cars themselves, but from additional services and equipment. According to Autostat, the average markup for extras in the showrooms of official dealers is 120–300% from cost. For example:
| Option | Cost (market) | Showroom price | Extra charge |
|---|---|---|---|
| Anti-gravel film (hood) | 8 000 ₽ | 25 000 ₽ | 212% |
| Alarm StarLine A93 | 18 000 ₽ | 45 000 ₽ | 150% |
| Window tinting (full set) | 5 000 ₽ | 15 000 ₽ | 200% |
| Extended warranty (3 years) | 10 000 ₽ | 60 000 ₽ | 500% |
The most profitable options for dealers:
- 📄 Extended Warranty — its cost is minimal, and the price can reach up to 10% of the cost of the car.
- 🔧 Pre-sale preparation (washing, polishing, checking) - often included in the price of extras automatically.
- 💳 CASCO insurance through a dealer — the salon commission can reach 30% of the premium.
To avoid overpaying, always compare prices in the showroom with offers from independent installers. For example, anti-gravel film can be pasted in a specialized center for a third of the salon price, and alarm — buy and install yourself (many modern models, like Pandora DXL 5000, support easy installation without soldering iron).
Never agree to extras “on credit” - the interest on a car loan is often higher than on the car itself. It is better to pay in cash or with a separate card.
4. Extras that are better not to take in the salon
Some options in car dealerships are sold on the principle of “what if it comes in handy,” but in practice they turn out to be useless or even harmful. Here's what you shouldn't buy:
- 🔄 Full body polishing - in salons it is done in 10-15 minutes with cheap pastes that are washed off after the first wash.
- 🔋 Extra battery — if the standard one is in good working order, the second battery is needed only for serious tuning.
- 📦 Storage kits (organizers, cases) - you can buy them 5 times cheaper in online stores.
- 🛠️ A set of tools “just in case” - usually this is a low-quality Chinese tool that breaks the first time you try to use it.
It’s worth mentioning separately extended warranty. On paper it looks tempting: coverage for 5–7 years, free repairs, replacement of spare parts. But in practice:
- Dealers often refuse warranty repairs, citing “misuse.”
- The list of covered breakdowns is very limited (for example, it does not include electronics or suspension).
- The cost of the warranty may exceed the cost of potential repairs.
An alternative is to set aside the money you would have spent on the warranty in a separate account. This way, you can have your car repaired wherever you want, and not just at an official dealer.
Check to see if this option is included in the more expensive version of this model|
Compare prices from showrooms and independent installers|
Check reviews for a specific hardware model (such as an alarm)|
Make sure that the option is compatible with your car (some alarms do not work with the CAN bus of new cars)|
Ask who will install the equipment (salons often employ interns with no experience) -->
5. How to bargain and save on extras?
Prices for additional equipment in car dealerships are not fixed - they can almost always be reduced. Here are some strategies that work:
- Package offer. Dealers are more willing to give a discount if you take several extras at once. For example, an alarm + tinting + crankcase protection can cost 15-20% less than separately.
- Deferred payment. Sometimes salons agree to install options for free if you pay for them in 1-2 months (this is how they increase sales statistics).
- Exchange for loyalty. If you agree to leave a positive review or bring friends, the manager may give you a discount.
Example of a successful trade:
⚠️ Attention! If a manager says that “discounts on supplements are prohibited by the manufacturer,” this is a deception. Dealers have every right to set their own prices for additional equipment. Persistently demand a counteroffer.
Another way to save money is buy options after purchasing a car. Many salons offer “post-warranty” service with the installation of additional equipment at a 10–30% discount. For example, anti-gravel film You can stick it a month after buying the car, when its price drops.
Also note seasonal promotions:
- In winter, alarms with auto start and heating become cheaper.
- In summer - tinting and air conditioning.
- In the fall, there are often sales of anti-gravel films and body protection.
6. Additional supplements for electric vehicles and hybrids: what are the features?
Owners electric cars and hybrids They are faced with unique offers of additional options that are not relevant for traditional cars. Here's what they offer in showrooms for such cars:
- ⚡ Type 2 charging port with extended cable (useful if you can’t set up a stand at home).
- 🔋 Portable charging station (for example, Noodoe Go or EcoFlow Power Stream).
- 📊 Battery monitoring system (shows actual battery wear, not BC data).
- 🛡️ Protection of high voltage cables (from rodents and mechanical damage).
Particularly relevant for electric vehicles protection against vanish fraud (when attackers turn off charging at public stations in order to steal the cable). Some salons offer special locks for the connector CCS Combo or CHAdeMO.
However, there are also unnecessary extras:
- Fast charging (if your machine natively supports 150+ kW, an additional block will not give an increase).
- Solar panels on the roof (their effectiveness in central Russia is minimal).
- Additional batteries (increase weight and reduce dynamics, and the increase in power reserve rarely exceeds 10–15%).
For hybrids the following will be useful:
- Engine preheating system (allows you to turn on the internal combustion engine less often in winter).
- Monitoring the fuel level in the tank (relevant for plug-in hybrids, where gasoline can “stagnate”).
7. Legal nuances: what can be established and what cannot?
Not all supplements offered in salons are legal. For example, front window tinting with light transmission of less than 70% will lead to a fine under Part 3.1 of Article 12.5 of the Code of Administrative Offenses (500 rubles). And some types of alarms require certification:
- 🚔 Alarms with engine blocking function must comply with GOST R 41.97-99.
- 📢 Sound signals should not exceed 112 dB (otherwise - a fine for violating silence).
- 🔴 Light beacons (even decorative) are prohibited for civilian vehicles.
It is also worth remembering guarantee:
- Installation of uncertified equipment (for example, gas cylinders) may lead to refusal of warranty repairs.
- Some extras (for example, chip tuning) will automatically void the engine warranty.
⚠️ Attention! If you install HBO (gas equipment), it must be included in the PTS. Otherwise, in the event of an accident, the insurance company may refuse to pay.
Before purchasing any option, check:
1. Does she have certificate of conformity (for alarms, tinting, lighting equipment).
2. Doesn’t it contradict Traffic rules (for example, LED headlight bulbs must be approved for your model).
3. Doesn't she cancel? guarantee to the main components of the car.
8. Alternatives to salon supplements: where to buy cheaper?
Most of the options that are offered in car dealerships can be purchased and installed much cheaper from independent specialists or even yourself. Here's where to look for alternatives:
| Option | Where to buy cheaper? | Savings |
|---|---|---|
| Anti-gravel film | Specialized studios (for example, XPEL, Llavin) | 40–60% |
| Alarm | Online stores (Berutek, Autoalarm.ru) + installation in the service | 30–50% |
| Tinting | Local tinting centers | 50–70% |
| Multimedia | AliExpress, Avtozvuk.ru, DNS | 20–40% |
| Crankcase protection | Spare parts stores (Exist, Autodoc) | 25–35% |
When choosing alternative suppliers, pay attention to:
- Guarantee (for official installers it is usually longer).
- Quality of materials (for example, cheap tint can bubble after a year).
- Compatibility (some alarms do not work with the CAN bus of new cars).
Suitable for self-installation:
- Keyless alarms (for example, StarLine A96 or Pandora DXL 5000).
- DVRs with parking mode (connect to the cigarette lighter).
- LED lamps (if they are certified for your model).
⚠️ Attention! If you install the equipment yourself, keep all receipts and certificates. In case of an accident or warranty claim, this will help prove that the option did not affect the safety of the car.
The most profitable options for self-installation are DVRs, parking sensors and keyless alarms. Complex systems (for example, 360° cameras) are best left to professionals.
FAQ: Answers to frequently asked questions about additional equipment in car dealerships
Is it possible to refuse all additional options and buy a bare car?
Yes, the law does not oblige you to purchase additional equipment. However, some options (for example, a spare tire or fog lights) may be critical for comfortable operation. Carefully study the basic package before purchasing.
What happens if you don’t take anti-gravel film?
Without protection, the paintwork on the hood and bumper will be susceptible to chipping from stones and sand. In the long term, this will lead to corrosion and a decrease in the resale value of the car. However, the film can be glued later - the main thing is to do this before the first serious damage.
Is it worth getting an extended warranty?
It depends on the reliability of the model. For budget cars (for example, Lada or Renault Logan) an extended warranty may be worth the cost as there is a higher chance of breakdowns. For premium brands (Toyota, Mazda) it is usually not needed - their reliability is already high.
Is it possible to install add-ons after purchasing a car and maintain the warranty?
Yes, if the equipment is certified and installed by an official service. For example, an alarm or multimedia can be installed Later a month after purchase - the warranty on the car will remain. But chip tuning or installing LPG without agreement with the dealer will lead to its cancellation.
What extras are required for a new car?
Minimum required set:
- Spare wheel (if it is not included in the basic configuration).
- Anti-gravel film on the hood and bumper (or at least on the most vulnerable areas).
- Alarm with auto start (relevant for regions with cold climates).
- Carpets for the interior (protect from dirt and wear).
The rest can be purchased later as needed.