Firm cautions motorists on vehicle accessory safety

Motorists have been warned against choosing vehicle accessories based solely on price or appearance, with industry players cautioning that poorly fitted products can interfere with vehicle safety systems and controls. Carfanzy Accessories, a Nigerian car accessories retailer, said motorists should consider vehicle compatibility when buying products such as seat covers, floor mats, phone holders and other interior accessories, particularly where improper fitting could affect the operation of safety features. The warning comes against the backdrop of Nigeria’s road safety challenges. The Federal Road Safety Corps recorded 9,570 road traffic crashes in 2024, with 5,421 people killed and 31,154 injured. The agency recorded 70,530 people involved in crashes during the year. The World Health Organisation estimates that road traffic crashes kill about 1.16 million people globally each year, with more than half of those killed being vulnerable road users such as pedestrians, cyclists and motorcyclists. It identifies vehicle safety features, alongside safer roads and responsible road use, as important components of road safety. Carfanzy said motorists should therefore treat compatibility as more than a matter of appearance when purchasing accessories. “Custom fit matters because seats are not identical across vehicles,” the company said, noting that seat contours, headrests, armrests and folding arrangements can differ between vehicles and even between versions of the same model. It said motorists should confirm their vehicle’s model year, trim and seating configuration before installing seat covers, adding that properly fitted products should remain secure while preserving access to seat belts, adjustment controls and other essential functions.See more Punch stories on Google.Add Punch on Google The company also cautioned motorists to pay particular attention to seats equipped with airbags or occupancy sensors. “Some manufacturers restrict accessory seat covers, so a custom-fit description should never replace confirmation that a product is suitable for the vehicle’s safety systems,” it said. Floor mats require similar attention, particularly on the driver’s side. Carfanzy said mats should fit the vehicle’s footwell correctly, remain secured through the appropriate retention points, and leave the pedals unobstructed. “Mats should not be stacked, and owners should check their position after cleaning or adjustment,” the company said. The warning is relevant because vehicle accessories are often bought as relatively inexpensive additions to a car, but their positioning can affect how the driver interacts with the vehicle. FG threatens coastal road closure over safety concerns FG threatens to shut Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway in two weeks LASTMA warns against highway skating A loose floor mat, for example, can move from its intended position, while an improperly fitted seat cover could interfere with features built into the seat. Phone holders and electronic accessories can also create safety concerns if installed in positions that obstruct the driver’s view or access to vehicle controls. The Federal Road Safety Corps has similarly stressed the importance of vehicle condition as part of road safety. In November 2024, the agency’s Corps Marshal cautioned motorists against using mechanically deficient vehicles, linking adequate vehicle maintenance and compliance with traffic regulations to the prevention of crashes. Carfanzy said motorists should also consider the material and maintenance requirements of accessories before making purchases. It said fabric, genuine leather, synthetic upholstery and interior plastics have different cleaning requirements, meaning that an unsuitable cleaning product could damage the surfaces an accessory is intended to protect. The retailer operates CarAccessories.ng, an online platform that lists model-specific vehicle accessories, including custom-fit seat covers for selected vehicles. According to the company, properly selected seat covers and floor mats can help protect original upholstery and carpets from dust, spills and everyday wear, potentially helping to preserve the vehicle’s interior condition. However, it said accessories should not be viewed as a substitute for regular maintenance. “Before installation, the vehicle’s model year, trim and actual seating arrangement should be confirmed,” the company said. The retailer also advised motorists to provide the make, model, year and trim of their vehicles when purchasing accessories, alongside photographs where the interior configuration is uncertain. The WHO estimates that road traffic crashes cost most countries about three per cent of gross domestic product through healthcare expenses, lost productivity and other economic losses, underscoring the broader cost of road injuries beyond fatalities and vehicle damage. For motorists, the company said the choice of accessories should therefore go beyond price and appearance to include fit, material, installation, maintenance and compatibility with the vehicle’s existing safety systems. Olasunkanmi Akinlotan Akinlotan is a journalist at Punch Newspapers with over eight years of experience reporting on politics, social justice, motoring, railways, and aviation. His work focuses on accountability, public interest, and social change, producing stories that inspire reform and amplify underrepresented voices. Akinlotan’s reporting reflects extensive newsroom experience, editorial insight, and a strong commitment to accurate, impact-driven journalism.

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