When you buy a car, dealerships often try to sell you extra features or services on top of the price. These add-ons might sound useful or important, but many of them don’t actually save you money or add value.

Knowing which dealer add-ons to skip can save you hundreds or even thousands of dollars. This article will help you spot the ones that are rarely worth the cost, so you don’t end up paying for things you don’t really need.

VIN etching

VIN etching is when the dealer scratches your car’s vehicle identification number onto the windows. They say it helps stop theft or makes recovery easier if stolen.

But here’s the thing: it usually costs you way more than it’s worth. Dealers might charge $300, even though it only costs around $10 to do. You can skip it or get it done cheaper elsewhere if you really want it.

Rustproofing

Rustproofing is one of those add-ons that dealers push hard. But honestly, modern cars already come with factory-applied coatings that do a good job at preventing rust.

Unless you live somewhere with harsh winters or lots of salt on the roads, you probably don’t need it. Dealers often charge a premium for this, and you can find better, cheaper options elsewhere if you really want it.

So, it’s usually smart to skip rustproofing when buying your car.

Extended warranty coverage

Extended warranties might sound like a smart way to protect your car, but they often come with a hefty price tag. Most new vehicles already have solid factory warranties that cover major repairs for several years.

You can usually buy an extended warranty later if you want, often for less than what dealers charge upfront. Be cautious—you’ll likely find better deals from third-party providers.

Think about how long you plan to keep your car and how much repairs typically cost before committing to one.

Fabric protection

Fabric protection is something dealers love to push, promising it will guard your seats from stains and spills. But truth is, you can get the same treatment done cheaper elsewhere.

It’s not usually worth the premium they charge. Plus, many fabrics today already come with decent stain resistance from the factory. If spills worry you, regular cleaning often does the job just fine.

Tire and wheel insurance

Tire and wheel insurance sounds like a good idea, but most people don’t really need it. Unless your car has super low-profile or expensive wheels, the chances of damage are pretty low.

These packages can get pricey and often overlap with your existing auto insurance or roadside assistance. It’s usually smarter to pass on this add-on and save the money for actual repairs if needed.

Paint protection film

You’ve probably been offered paint protection film at the dealership. It’s supposed to shield your car’s paint from chips and scratches.

But these packages often come with a hefty markup, and the quality of application can be hit or miss. Sometimes, inexperienced techs apply it, which can lead to bubbles or peeling.

If you want this kind of protection, consider buying film separately and using a trusted installer. It’s usually cheaper and the results tend to be better.

Undercoating

When a dealer tries to sell you undercoating, be cautious. It sounds like a good idea to protect your car from rust, but often it’s overpriced and not very effective.

Some types of undercoating can actually trap moisture, causing more harm than good. If you want rust protection, look for products you can apply yourself or have done by a specialist—these are usually better and cheaper.

Unless you’re keeping your car for a long time in harsh conditions, you can probably skip this add-on.