So, you’ve finally got your hands on that dream car of yours—congrats! But hold on just a sec before you hit the road. There are a few extra accessories that you might want to consider adding to your car to really make it yours and up your driving experience. These must-have accessories add a touch of personal flair to your car and at the same time also offer practical benefits. These range from navigation tools guiding us along the route to storage solutions keeping our essentials neatly organised. These car accessories are indispensable for any road trip adventure, ensuring smoother journeys and greater convenience on the road. So dive into the 15 must-have accessories for your car, covering everything from why they’re worth investing in to when and how you should go about getting your hands on them.
Why Invest in Car Accessories? Types of Car Accessories:
Investing in car accessories is more than just adding bells and whistles to your car. Think of it as giving your vehicle a well-deserved upgrade, tailored to suit your needs and preferences perfectly.
1. Improved Functionality and Comfort
Accessories can help you finally get organised and at the same time add a layer of comfort to your driving. Phone mounts for example, help with maintaining your line of sight while driving and checking your phone for directions, music and more. Storage organisers also come in handy for keeping essentials in place, which can turn your vehicle into a more functional space (that rhymes!). This can make your daily commutes and long road trips a more enjoyable experience.
2. Personalization and Style
Next, accessories also add a personal flavour to your car. A car is an extension of your personality, so personalising it is a great way to express yourself! LED ambient lights, eye-catching floor mats, or even a car perfume that you like the scent of, accessorising allows you to add a personal touch to your ride
3. Safety Enhancements
Airbags and seat belts are basic necessities for safety, but it’s likely that your car doesn’t have the latest equipment if it’s an older model. Accessories like a 360-degree camera, tyre pressure monitor, and a dash cam can give your car the safety upgrade it needs. First aid kits can further be lifesavers in unexpected situations, giving you peace of mind knowing you’re prepared for whatever the road throws your way.
10 Must-Have Car Accessories
Here are some essential car accessories that you should have in your car –
1. Dashboard Camera
A dashboard camera, also known as a dash cam, is a small but powerful device that can make a big difference in your driving experience. Mounted on your dashboard or windshield, these cameras record everything that happens on the road. This can be used for capturing scenic drives and at the same time, doubles up to provide evidence in case of accidents or disputes. Thus, a dashboard camera offers both peace of mind and practicality.
2. Phone Mount
While many new cars today have in-built infotainment systems with navigation, many older cars don’t have it. Moreover, in today’s connected world, your smartphone is your lifeline, even while you’re on the road. But fumbling with your phone while driving is not only inconvenient but also dangerous. That’s where a phone mount comes in handy. By securely holding your device in place, a phone mount allows for hands-free navigation, music streaming, and calling, keeping your focus where it belongs—on the road ahead.
3. Portable Tire Inflator
Flat tires are every driver’s nightmare, especially when they happen in the middle of nowhere or during bad weather. That’s where a portable tire inflator becomes a lifesaver. Compact enough to stow away in your boot or glove-box, a portable tire inflator is a must-have accessory for any car owner. These handy devices allow you to quickly inflate your tires to the proper pressure, getting you back on the road in no time. Equipped with a built-in air compressor and a digital gauge, portable tire inflators make it easy to check and adjust tire pressure on the go. Whether you’re dealing with a slow leak or need to top up your tires before hitting the highway, a portable tire inflator ensures you’re always prepared for unexpected fluctuations in tire pressure.
4. Car Organiser
Keeping your car clutter-free can sometimes feel like a never-ending battle, especially during long road trips. So if you often go on long road trips, a car organiser offers a convenient solution, providing designated storage space for everything from water bottles and snacks to electronics and documents. With compartments, pockets, and adjustable straps, a car organiser helps keep essentials within easy reach while minimising clutter and maximising space.
5. First-Aid Kit
No one likes to think about emergencies, but being prepared can make all the difference in a crisis. An emergency kit stocked with essentials like first aid supplies, roadside assistance tools, and emergency contact information ensures you’re ready for whatever the road throws your way. Whether it’s a flat tire, a dead battery, or a medical emergency, having an emergency kit on hand can help you stay safe and secure until help arrives.
6. Back Seat Air Bed
Long road trips or camping adventures often require hours of driving or overnight stays in the car. But let’s face it—trying to catch some shut-eye in the back seat of a car can be uncomfortable at best and downright painful at worst. That’s where a back seat air bed comes in handy. Made from durable materials like PVC or flocking, back seat air beds are designed to fit snugly in the back seat of most cars and SUVs (or a pickup-truck if you have one). All you need to do is inflate it using the included air pump or a portable tire inflator. Once inflated, the air bed provides a cushioned surface that conforms to the contours of your back seat, creating a comfortable sleeping space for one or two passengers. Compact and easy to store when not in use, it’s a must-have accessory for anyone who loves hitting the road and exploring the great outdoors.
7. Air Freshener
Let’s face it—life happens in your car. Your vehicle can quickly become a hub of activity and, well, odours and different smells. That’s where an air freshener comes to help. An air freshener is more than just a pleasant scent; it’s a breath of fresh air for your car’s interior. Available in a wide variety of fragrances—from fruity and floral to clean and crisp—air fresheners help neutralise unpleasant odours and leave your car smelling fresh and inviting. There are many different types of air fresheners. Some prefer classic hanging air fresheners, others like vent clips, or discreet gel options. Invest in an air freshener and breathe easier knowing your car smells as good as it looks.
8. USB Car Adapter
In today’s connected world, staying powered up on the go is essential. A USB car adapter ensures your device is always juiced up and ready to go. A USB car adapter plugs into your vehicle’s cigarette lighter or accessory socket, providing one or more USB ports for charging your devices. What’s more is that you can charge multiple devices simultaneously. The USB car adaptor runs on the vehicle’s battery to power up other connected devices. Compact and portable, a USB car adapter is a versatile accessory that’s perfect for road trips, daily commutes, and everything in between. Don’t let a dead phone battery derail your plans. Invest in a USB car adapter so you can keep your devices charged and stay connected wherever life takes you.
9. Jumper Cables
Jumper cables are your car’s lifeline in the face of a dead battery. Easily stored in your trunk, they offer a quick and reliable solution for jump-starting your vehicle, whether you left your lights on overnight or your battery’s reached its limit. Simply connect the cables to both batteries, following the proper procedure to avoid electrical damage. With jumper cables on hand, you’re ready to get back on the road in no time, ensuring you’re prepared for unexpected emergencies wherever your travels take you.
10. Reverse Parking Camera
A reverse camera is a boon for parking and reversing, especially in cars with a lot of blind spots. Mounted on the rear of your car, it provides a clear view of what’s behind you, eliminating blind spots and making manoeuvring safer. As you shift into reverse, the camera activates, displaying real-time footage on your dashboard or rearview mirror screen. This helps you navigate tight spots with ease, whether you’re parallel parking or backing out of a tight parking spot. Easy to install and compact, a reverse camera is a must-have for any vehicle, offering peace of mind and enhancing safety on the road.
Other Car Accessories (for Organization, Storage, Cleanliness & Comfort)
1. Car Electric Coffee Maker/Tea Maker: This compact appliance allows you to make fresh coffee/tea right from the comfort of your car. Simply plug it into your car’s 12V power outlet, and you can enjoy a warm beverage while on the road without having to stop. Perfect for early morning commutes to your workplace.
2. Compact Sun-Visor Organizer: Attaching to your existing sun visors, this organiser provides dedicated pockets and slots to neatly store small, miscellaneous items like sunglasses, pens, documents, and more, right within your line of sight. It keeps essentials easily accessible yet prevents them from rolling around your car.
3. Car Mini Dustbin: This small trash bin is designed to fit snugly into a cupholder or door pocket in your car. It provides an actual, dedicated space to throw away small trash items like food wrappers, tissues, and recyclables, keeping your car clean.
3. Seat Cushion: These cushions are ergonomically contoured to support your back’s natural curves when seated. They help improve posture and alleviate built-up pressure and discomfort during long periods of sitting behind the wheel.
4. Neck And Back Support: Using a combination of cushions, these supports gently embrace your neck and lower back. They help maintain a proper posture, helping reduce muscle strain, pain, and fatigue over long road trips.
5. Portable Fridge: A Portable fridge can be easily powered through your car’s power outlet, and can chill drinks, snacks, and meals to keep them fresh on the road. It’s a great solution for times when a cooler isn’t sufficient.
6. Car Seat Hooks: These hooks clip onto the frame of your rear car seats, providing a solid hanging space for bags, purses, groceries and more. Utilising vertical hanging prevents items from sliding around and frees up floor space.
7. Car Organiser For Between Front Seats: Designed to fit snugly between the two front seats, this organiser maximises the often under-utilised space. It features compartments and holders perfect for storing drinks, snacks, electronics and other essentials within arm’s reach.
8. Central Armrest: Installing an armrest in the middle of the front row provides a cushy spot to rest arms during long drives. Many also include interior storage space to store some small personal items.
9. Car Seat Gap Filler: These fillers create a seamless bridge between the car’s front seats and centre console, preventing phones, keys, change and other small objects from slipping through the gaps and becoming lost.
10. Car Vent Hook Hanger: Utilising the slats of your vehicle’s air vents, these simple hooks provide a hanging spot for lightweight items like air fresheners, face masks or accessories within easy reach.
11. Collapsible Multi Compartment Boot Organiser: With multiple divided sections and compartments, this organiser helps maximise trunk space by segregating items like luggage bags, food items, and fragile pieces in their own dedicated areas.
12. Car Back Seat Organiser: Hung on the back of the front seats, these organisers provide an assortment of holders, pockets and mesh pouches to contain clutter for rear passengers – perfect for holding electronics, toys, snacks, and more.
Conclusion
It’s a no-brainer that car accessories aren’t merely add-ons; they’re vital enhancements that significantly improve your driving experience. From essential safety tools like jumper cables and reverse cameras to organisers, cleanliness aids, and comfort boosters, there are diverse options available. Investing in these must-have accessories allows you to customise your vehicle to suit your needs and style. So, take the time to explore the wide range of car accessories and find the ones that best complement your lifestyle and preferences. With the right tools at your disposal, you can improve your driving experience and make every journey a comfortable and enjoyable one!
