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The 15 best car accessories for daily driving, road trips and more
From car chargers to phone holders and trash cans, there are lots of cool things for cars that can help any vehicle feel like a luxury car.
There are so many cool accessories for cars out there, and it can be hard to understand which ones will actually be helpful. Choosing the right products help you stay safe and comfortable while you drive, and makes life on the road a lot more convenient.
Need help narrowing things down? Whether you’re shopping for yourself or for someone you know who drives a lot, we’re here to help you pick out the best accessories for a car lover or for yourself. Read on and see some practical, unique and inexpensive accessories that will make you look forward to your next drive.
Read more: Browse our editor-recommended car cleaning products for a shiny ride
Our favorite car accessories
Keep your kids comfortable
Helteko Car Seat Protector with Thickest Padding + Backseat Car Organizer
For the important documents
Pros & Cons
Plenty of storage pockets
Available in lots of colors
Magnetic closure
Not real leather
Doesn’t hold up well to very hot environments
Whether you get pulled over, get into an accident or just want peace of mind, this car accessory from LumiMokki is a great choice. It lets you consolidate your registration and insurance documents into a single folder that fits perfectly into your glove compartment. You’ll never have to dig through the junk in your glove box for your important documents again!
Charge your phone on the go
Pros & Cons
Fits most smartphones
Easily adjustable
Four different mounting options
Mount may come loose in hot climates
Very large phones may not fit
This product from Hoey combines a USB charger and phone mount into one product. It supports Qi wireless charging for all compatible phones and attaches easily to your dashboard. This keeps your phone in view while you’re using GPS, playing music and more.
Keep odor at bay
Pros & Cons
Also includes two USB-A charging ports
Eliminates lingering odors
Sleek and unique design
No USB-C ports
Somewhat fragile
This air purifier is one of the most unique car accessories we’ve seen. It plugs right into your cigarette lighter and goes to work purifying your car’s interior air. If you have a problem with lingering scents, this may be just what you need to keep your vehicle smelling great.
Keep your kids comfortable
Pros & Cons
Spacious pockets
High-quality seat padding
Waterproof and stainproof
Adds more bulk to your car seat
Installation can be finicky
If you’ve got kids, this is a great car accessory. It fits over your driver or passenger seat, providing you with additional padding. A rear backseat car organizer with a tablet window lets you keep your little one’s essentials close at hand during long trips.
Keep your seats clean
Pros & Cons
Very affordable
Universal fit
Easy to install
Not water-resistant
Material is relatively thin
These seat covers from BDK are great if you often get mud or dirt in your car or truck, want to cover up ripped or torn upholstery, or just want to keep your existing seats clean. With a universal fit, they will fit most cars. There are multiple color options, and the two-tone finish makes these car seat covers look stylish, too.
For your fur babies
Pros & Cons
Keeps your car seats clean
Easy to fold and stow in the trunk
Includes storage pockets for treats and more
May be a bit too small for big vehicles
Installation can be tricky
This is definitely one of the best accessories for car owners with pets. It turns your backseat into a “hammock” with a stable platform for your pups. This protects your seats and gives your furry friends more room while you drive. It’s easy to remove and wash, too.
Organize your trunk
Pros & Cons
Available in multiple sizes
Non-slip design stays in place while driving
Removable cover
Dividers are not removable
Not meant for heavy items
Looking for cool car accessories for someone who keeps a lot of stuff stashed in their trunk? With multiple sizes and compartments, the FORTEM Car Trunk Organizer is what you need. This product makes it easy to store your tools, jumper cables, snacks and anything else you keep in your vehicle.
For the blind spots
Pros & Cons
Toolless installation
Unbelievably affordable
Works on all cars
Smaller than some competitors
A bit tricky to install in the proper position
While it may not be one of the most fun car accessories on this list, this set of blind spot mirrors from Pilot is one of the most practical and is great for your safety on the road. Stick them on your side-view mirrors and you can have a much better look at your blind spot, even without turning your head.
Keep your car trash-free
Pros & Cons
Keeps your vehicle tidy
Works with any car
Leak proof design
Assembly is a bit tricky
Too small for larger trash items
On long drives, trash tends to pile up in your car. If you’d like to keep your car’s interior clean and tidy, buying a trash can like this model from HOTOR is the best option. It’s leakproof, easy to install, and even features exterior pockets for storing snacks and other handy essentials.
For a better grip
Pros & Cons
Sleek and modern style
Tons of colors for all vehicles
Easy installation
Adds significant bulk to the steering wheel
Doesn’t cover the inside of the wheel
With a steering wheel cover, you can completely transform a drab, worn out or discolored steering wheel. This steering wheel cover is made from leather for a sleek look, and the microfiber design ensures a no-slip grip on your steering wheel. It fits all standard 14.5-inch to 15-inch steering wheels.
For a dust-free car
Pros & Cons
Easy to use
Affordable
Convenient cleaning
Not reusable
Leaves a residue on some surfaces
This little container of slime is one of the most useful accessories for cars if you want to easily remove dust, crumbs and other small particles from your interior. Just take out the slime, then rub it on any area you want to clean. If you want to keep your car neat, this is one of the best car accessories for you. It will pick up the tiniest particles, allowing you to quickly clean and detail the inside of your vehicle.
Support your lumbar
Pros & Cons
Fits most car seats
Unique ergonomic design
Keeps you cool and dry
Not great for tall drivers
Foam may be too stiff for some
A lumbar support cushion is one of the best things for the car if you drive a lot. With one of these car gadgets, you can prevent back pain and improve your posture. This cushion from Everlasting Comfort will help you feel more comfortable during long drives.
For roadside emergencies
Pros & Cons
Easy to operate
Battery stays charged for a long time
Stay safe in emergency situations
Quite bulky and heavy
Air pump could be faster
This portable jump starter from DeWALT is one of the best new car accessories for a new car owner. It has a powerful battery pack that lets you jump-start your car on your own, as well as an air pump. It also features two USB-A charging ports, so you can juice up your phone with this car starter in a pinch. If you’re setting out on a long road trip and may be far from roadside assistance, this jump starter can give you some peace of mind.
For your morning coffee
Pros & Cons
Leak-proof and sleek design
Insulated to keep coffee hot
Simple one-button operation
150ml capacity is pretty small
Not easy to clean
Looking for cool accessories for a car owner who also loves fresh coffee? This portable coffee maker allows you to brew up a cup while you’re on the road. It has a cigarette outlet plug, as well as a standard 12v plug. In about 10 minutes, you can brew up a piping hot mug of joe anywhere. Don’t try to make coffee while driving, though!
High-quality dash cam
Pros & Cons
Easy to install and set up
Clear and crisp image quality
Built-in WiFi for easy video access
Doesn’t come with a microSD card
Lacks support for some older smartphones
Cool car gadgets may steal the show, but a high-quality dash cam is one of the best car accessories for men and women of all ages. A dash cam is one of the most useful gadgets for a car if you get in an accident or witness an accident. With 4K video capture, a bright display and easy setup, this dash cam from Rove can help keep you safe on any journey.
Our verdict: Which car accessories get our vote?
There are tons of great products out there that can help you stay safe and enjoy a more convenient driving experience, and all of the ones we picked are great choices. But if we had to narrow it down, we’d recommend the following three products as the best car accessories for any driver:
Rove R2-4K Dash Cam for Cars: It may not be one of the most cute car accessories, but a dash cam is one of the most useful if you ever get into an accident or witness an accident. This dash cam from Rove is affordable and offers high image quality, along with plenty of other cool features.
Hoey 3 in 1 Qi Wireless Car Charger: Running out of power on the road can spell trouble if you use your phone for GPS navigation, so this charger from Hoey is the best way to keep your gadgets powered up on the road, and is one of the best car accessories out there.
HOTOR Trash Can with Lid and Storage Pockets: Keep it clean. If you have a trash can in your car, it’s a lot easier to prevent junk from building up in your vehicle. This simple can from HOTOR fits the bill with a sleek, attractive and easy-to-use design. It’s one of our car must-haves!
Prices updated on 07/25/2023. We are not responsible for any changes to the prices mentioned above.
Written by
Eric Liston
Based in Columbus, Ohio, Eric Liston is a freelance writer focusing on consumer product reviews, digital technology — and helping readers find the right items at the right price. When he’s not writing, you’ll find him gaming, cooking or disc golfing.
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