Must-Have Equipment, Parts, and Accessories for Your Used SUV

When you’re shopping for used SUVs for sale in Albany, it’s not always easy to find a model that has everything you’re looking for. We here at DePaula Ford know that you shouldn’t have to settle for anything less than perfect, which is why we do everything we can to help you find a used model that’s not just right for your budget but also right for your needs. Since our dealership is based in Albany, we’re deeply familiar with the kinds of features that make driving here in New York’s capital a more pleasant experience.

While we work hard to keep a wide inventory in stock, we realize that we can’t have every possible model at our dealership at once, and of course, you can’t factory order a used vehicle. But don’t worry—we have many tools at our disposal to help get you behind the wheel of your dream SUV. For one thing, if you give us a call, we can keep an eye out for what you’re looking for in our incoming stock or try to arrange a dealer trade. But on top of that, there are plenty of great upgrades that we can add to your vehicle. Let’s take a look at the kinds of accessories we can install for you to turn a good used SUV into a perfect fit.

Cold Weather Comforts

It’s no secret that the winters here in Albany are long, cold, and snowy. Snow and ice on the roads can turn normally safe streets into hazards. Luckily, SUVs are great vehicles for tackling winter conditions. Many come with capable suspensions that can handle potholes with ease, and it’s not hard to find models that can grip slippery roads better than most vehicles, thanks to all-wheel drive. But while safety is always important, we know that comfort is also a top priority for many Albany residents.

Bitter cold can turn a reasonable commute into a miserable trek, especially if you have to head out to the outskirts of the Capital District and get up before sunrise or come home in the dark. A good heating system can make a big difference, but it can take a while for the heat to spread through the vehicle. Many new models have remote start capability from the factory, which lets you get the heat going before you get inside your SUV, but it can be harder to find this feature in used models.

Luckily, we can install an aftermarket remote start system in your SUV so that you are at a comfortable temperature from the moment you get behind the wheel. We also recommend shopping for used models with extra heating elements. Heated seats act quickly and are extremely effective at taking you from chilly to toasty in mere minutes, so you don’t have to wait for air from the vents to spread throughout the cabin, which can take a while in a spacious SUV. A heated steering wheel can also make a big difference. Fingers are very sensitive to cold, and it can be very uncomfortable to keep your hands on the wheel in freezing temperatures if the steering wheel is cold as ice. With a heated version, you’ll get relief right where you need it, so you don’t have to drive with gloves on just to get to work.

Roof Racks

Of course, Albany isn’t always a land of snow and ice. We live in a beautiful city with plenty of nearby natural wonders to explore throughout the year, from stunning fall foliage to summer campgrounds near gorgeous rivers and lakes. Whether you’re heading up to the Adirondacks for a camping trip or driving down through the river towns to discover New York’s rich history, you’ll want to have space to pack for your journey. It’s easy to find a used SUV that has enough interior space for people and a good amount of cargo. Still, you probably won’t want to cram everything inside the vehicle if you want to bring a few mountain bikes, a large tent, or even a kayak or canoe.

Don’t worry, though—you can easily make use of exterior storage. For one thing, we offer many used SUVs that have high towing capacities, so you can hitch up a trailer and bring just about anything along for the ride. We have plenty of towing parts and accessories to help you out, including simple additions like towing hitches and electrical components like wiring kits, trailer light control modules, and trailer brake modules.

If you don’t want to worry about dealing with a trailer, then you can look up to the roof. We can install purpose-built rooftop cargo containers or roof-rack rails and crossbars that make it easy to store bikes and boats on top of your SUV. The racks aren’t just great for vacations; they can also help you if you’re moving, and they come in handy when it’s time to pick out a Christmas tree. In addition to versatile roof racks that can handle a wide variety of cargoes, we also have more specific accessories designed to carry canoes, stand-up paddle boards, kayaks, and bikes on the exterior of your SUV.

Interior Storage Accessories

No matter what model you get, your used SUV will almost certainly have a versatile cargo area that’s well-suited to everything from splurging at the Empire State Plaza Farmers Market to packing for an extended vacation with the whole family. Most SUVs have rear seats that can fold flat so you can easily switch between cargo space and passenger seating and have the perfect configuration for every trip. This can create a wide, open space that’s great for transporting bulky items like furniture.

However, having access to a large space can be a bit of a double-edged sword. While it gives you plenty of room to work with, it can also easily become disorganized if you let your guard down. That’s why we keep a variety of aftermarket cargo organizers in stock in our parts department. With soft-sided folding organizers, you can divvy up your space when you have a lot of small items that need to be secured and easily tuck them away when you need to make room for something bigger. You can also get a cargo mat to keep your SUV’s load floor clean, even if you’re hauling around grass-stained soccer cleats or mountain bikes with muddy tires. A cargo shade can keep the sun from heating up your interior and keep prying eyes away from whatever you’re storing in your vehicle.

Get a Used SUV That’s Tailor-Made for You

Here at DePaula Ford, we don’t just want to be your go-to used SUV dealer; we strive to be your one-stop shop for all things automotive in the Albany area. That means not only offering a great selection of pre-owned SUVs from Ford and other automakers but also having a wide range of parts and accessories for you to choose from, as well as having certified technicians on hand who can install those parts correctly so that they work well and last for the long haul. Our technicians are also here for you if you need any service down the road so you can drive with confidence, knowing that your friendly Albany Ford dealer has your back no matter what.