On the occasion of Father’s day, Ask Auto Expert team has come up with a guide to make the car rides comfortable, safe and accessible to our elderly parents.
🚗 1. Making car ride comfortable – Choose the Right Car
If you’re shopping for a car for elderly use, prioritise:
- High seating position: Easier entry/exit (e.g., SUVs, tall hatchbacks)
- Wide doors: Reduce strain while getting in/out
- Low door sills: Avoid having to “climb in”
- Automatic transmission: Less tiring than manual
- Soft suspension: For a cushioned ride (e.g., Honda Elevate, Toyota Hyryder)
🛠️ 2. Modify for Comfort
✅ Interior Add-ons:
- Neck & back cushions: Ergonomic memory foam helps support posture
- Seat wedges / lumbar support: Ideal for chronic back pain or weak knees
- Steering wheel knobs: If the elderly person drives, it eases steering effort
✅ Entry/Exit Assistance:
- Swivel seat cushions: Help rotate body while entering/exiting
- Grab handles: Stick-on door-mounted handles can help with balance
- Running boards (side steps): Helpful for SUVs or taller vehicles
🌡️ 3. Climate & Lighting
- Always keep the AC well-regulated — elderly may be sensitive to extreme temps
- Use sunshades for side windows to avoid glare and heat
- Consider ambient lighting or footwell lights to help with visibility at night
🔉 4. Drive Gently
The best way to ensure comfort is how you drive:
- Avoid hard braking and sudden acceleration
- Go easy over speed bumps and potholes
- Use smooth steering and minimal lane shifting
- Keep music at a low to moderate volume
🩺 5. Health-Specific Tips
- Carry a small pillow, blanket, or neck warmer if they have arthritis or joint pain
- Ensure they carry their medications, water, and have quick restroom access if on long rides
- Take frequent breaks every 1.5–2 hours during longer trips
🧼 6. Clean & Clutter-Free Cabin
A clean, fragrance-neutral cabin with minimal clutter makes them feel more relaxed:
- Use non-slippery floor mats
- Remove unnecessary items from seats/floor
- Use natural, mild car perfumes (lavender, lemongrass — avoid strong chemical scents)
🛡️ 7. Safety Features to Have
- Reverse camera + sensors: If they drive
- Blind-spot monitor
- TPMS (Tyre Pressure Monitoring System)
- Auto brake hold (for traffic)
- 6 airbags + seatbelt pretensioners
👴🚘 Ideal Car Features for Elderly
| Feature | Why It Helps |
|---|---|
| Automatic Transmission | Reduces fatigue, especially in traffic |
| Tilt/Telescopic Steering | Better ergonomics |
| Height-adjustable seats | Helps with posture & comfort |
| Panoramic windshield | Less head movement to check visibility |
10 Useful Car Accessories Under Rs. 2000
Now, let’s look at some of the specific accessories one can either gift to one’s parents or install in your car to make their ride easy and comfortable.
🪑 1. Swivel Seat Cushion
- Price: ₹1,200–₹1,800
- Use: Helps rotate the body while entering or exiting the car (especially useful for stiff joints, knee/hip issues)
- Look for: 360-degree rotating gel or memory foam cushions
🧘 2. Memory Foam Back Support / Lumbar Cushion
- Price: ₹800–₹1,500
- Use: Supports lower back during long drives, prevents slouching
- Bonus: Often includes a seat strap for stable positioning
- Consider including a Seat-belt shoulder pad as well. This will prevent neck/chest discomfort.
🪖 3. Neck Pillow (U-shaped or flat)
- Price: ₹400–₹1,000
- Use: Provides neck support and prevents stiffness on long drives
- Get: Soft memory foam with washable covers
🚗 4. Door Assist Handle (Portable Car Grab Bar)
- Price: ₹500–₹1,200
- Use: Inserts into the car door latch to help seniors stand up or sit down safely
- Bonus: Many models come with a built-in seatbelt cutter and window breaker for emergencies
🌬️ 5. Sunshades (Magnetic or Roller)
- Price: ₹300–₹1,000
- Use: Protects against heat and glare, especially for seniors with sensitive eyes or skin
- Recommended: Magnetic-fit shades specific to car model for better sealing
- Consider buying Stick-on blind-spot mirror as well. It will boost the visibility during lane change.
🧺 6. Car Seat Organizer / Pouch
- Price: ₹500–₹900
- Use: Keeps water bottles, medicine, glasses, or napkins within easy reach
- Mounts behind front seats or on armrest
🧽 7. Non-slip Dashboard Mat / Tray
- Price: ₹150–₹400
- Use: Holds spectacles, medicine, or mobile phones without slipping
🧤 8. Soft Grip Steering Wheel Cover (if they drive)
- Price: ₹300–₹700
- Use: Provides better grip and comfort for arthritic hands
- Choose: Leatherette or gel-padded versions
🔅 9. Ambient Footwell Lighting (Soft LED)
- Price: ₹600–₹1,000
- Use: Helps with visibility when stepping in/out at night
- Choose: Warm or soft white LEDs, not flashy RGB types
🧯 10. Portable Car Fan (12V, Plug-in)
- Price: ₹800–₹1,500
- Use: Keeps airflow constant without blasting cold AC directly on face
- USB-powered or cigarette lighter plug-in
One can easily find these accessories online (Amazon or Flipkart) as well. You may also contact us (support@askautoexpert.com) if you need any assistance buying any of these accessories.
Final
To conclude, making some adjustments and/or adding some of these accessories can go a long way in providing easy, smooth and a safer ride experience to your parents.
Please share your thoughts in the comment below.
