21 Different Types of Car Accessories

If you are anything like me, you spend a fair amount of time in your car. I feel like I drive the same stretch of road multiple times a day. In addition, I spend a lot of time waiting for my kids or my friends to drive a good amount.

Sometimes, I feel like I spend more time in my car than anywhere else. Therefore, I am always looking for new car accessories for my car to make my time in the car more enjoyable.

Here are some of the car accessories that I have found to be incredibly useful. Do not be surprised if they help make your car cleaner, more comfortable, and organized. 

1. Car Seat Gap Filler

I cannot tell you how many things I have dropped between my car seat and the middle console.

The worst is when I drop my keys or phone. I have spent too much time with my hand stuck between them, trying to reach whatever I have dropped.

A gap filler fits in the space and blocks off the area preventing items from falling between the seat and the middle console. This is a lifesaver. 

2. Car Trunk Organizer

The back of my car became the place where everything was thrown. It quickly becomes a messy disaster.

Every time I would turn or have to make a quick stop, all the items in the back would slide all over the place. A foldable trunk organizer is the perfect accessory to keep all items organized.

This trunk organizer is also a storage container that has a reinforced base, high divider walls, and sturdy handles to move it around easily. The bottom of the organizer is nonslip, so it remains in place while the car is moving.

3. Portable Steering Wheel Desk

A few years ago, I would have thought this was a silly accessory, but now, I think it is the greatest ever. I have spent many hours working in my car, and this desk is a great help. It gives you a flat desk for your laptop, tablet, or notebook.

So if you are on a call and need to take notes, you have a flat and sturdy surface. It even doubles as a food tray. I have not used it to eat a meal, but I have put a snack on it while typing on my laptop.

There are a number of versions of the steering wheel desk. Some clip on to the steering wheel, while others cover it completely. This goes without saying, but do not use this desk while driving your vehicle. 

4. Car Hooks / Headrest Hanger

This is a clip that hangs on the stem of the headrest behind the front seats. It is a great way to hang your purse, bag, and backpack. This keeps these bags off the ground and the passenger seat.

This also gives you and your passengers plenty of space for your legs. You can even hang a jacket or sweater on the hook while you are driving. Everyone thinks they are a nice touch when they are in my car. 

5. Magnetic Phone Mount

Magnetic phone mounts are so simple to use. No longer do I have to use some complicated mounting system that never stays in place and always comes flying at me when I make a quick turn.

One end of this phone mount clips to the car vent. The other end has strong magnets that hold on tightly to your phone. Place a sticker on the back of the phone, and it attaches to the piece attached to the vent.

Attach it to the magnetic and then be ready to hit the road. This allows me to keep my hands on the wheel and off my phone. 

6. Backseat Organizer

I feel like I am always handing items to my kids in the backseat. They always need a napkin, tissue, or a charging cord. This backseat organizer is a great way to have everything they need, so they stop asking me while I am driving.

It also keeps everything organized so they can find it when they need it. Backseat organizers are made of a combination of nylon, cloth, and PVC.

They fit over the back of most seats to help keep them clean. These are great places to store snacks, tablets, and items.

7. Car Diffuser 

I have gotten into my car plenty of times and wondered what I was smelling. I can never figure it out, and it goes away eventually, but it is a little concerning. A car diffuser is an ideal way to get rid of the stale smell in the car.

There are many different versions. Some hang from the rearview mirror, while others plug into the cigarette outlet. Some diffusers have a USB port built-in to provide another place to charge the phone.

Finally, you can put oil in the diffuser to fill your car with any of your favorite scents. 

8. Seat Cushions

Sitting down for long periods of time in the car, especially during long trips, can be difficult on the body. Seat cushions are a great way to make the journey a little easier.

There are cushions for the seat under your bottom and behind your back. These cushions are made from memory foam, have a carrying strap, and have a washable cover. 

9. Car Trash Can

If you are interested in keeping your car clean, try a trash can for your car. You can keep all of the bits of paper and random trash out of your car. I find it amazing how much trash collects quickly in the car.

This waterproof trash can has a liner that is leakproof. So there is no worry about this trash can leaking on the floor. It can strap to the headrest or center console. 

10. Bench Seat Cover

 

A bench seat cover is a great way to protect the backseat from pets, kids, and anyone else sitting there. They are waterproof and resist spills to protect seats from liquid. These covers are easy to install and provide a great amount of protection.

In addition, it will collect fur, mud, dirt, and sand from days at the beach. They can be found in different materials. Some have more quilting and padding than others. 

11. Blind Spot Mirror

A blind spot mirror is a perfect way to see more areas around your car. We all know there are blind spots that we cannot see in our mirrors. A blind spot mirror is a small mirror that sticks on to your existing side mirrors.

The adhesive on these mirrors is intended for outdoor use and will not become weak over time.

These mirrors provide a larger image of the road to help you see other cars around you. This helps you change lanes and merge more safely. 

12. Car Vacuum 

A vacuum is exactly what I needed in my car. I am so convinced everyone needs one that I have told all of my friends about it. This cordless mini vacuum cleaner helps keep your car clean and free of dirt, debris, and sand.

It is great after long road trips. These vacuums come with accessories to get into all the cracks and crevices. 

13. Expandable Clothes Hanger

If you go to the gym before going to work in the morning, you may end up changing into wrinkled clothes that have either been in a gym bag or carefully placed on your car seat.

An adjustable clothes hanger is the ideal place to put your clothes, so they remain wrinkle free. This is great for traveling if you are going to a special event.

This hanger reaches across the entire back of your vehicle. To install it, you hang it on your grab bars. The ends are rust resistant, so you never have to worry about it corroding or leaving marks on your car. 

14. Tire Pressure Gauge

 

An air pressure gauge is a critical accessory for you to have in your car. It is a handheld device that is small but mighty. It can give you an accurate tire pressure reading.

It has various settings and will turn itself off after 30 seconds of no use. The readout is LED lit, so you can always see it clearly. 

15. Car Tissue Holder

I cannot tell you the number of times I have needed a tissue while driving and could not find one.

I may have had them in the car, but I could not find them. This tissue holder attaches with a clip to your visor and is always easy to access. 

16. Snow Windshield Cover

Cleaning off the windshield in the winter is a pain. You have to remember to leave your house ten minutes sooner to give yourself enough time to clean it. I rarely remember to do that.

I find myself outside without a coat trying to scrape off the windshield. With a windshield cover, I never have to worry about scraping again.

It is waterproof and made from durable material. It protects your windshield from the snow in the winter and keeps your car cool in the summer. It has straps that hang down to keep it in place. 

17. Heated Electric Blanket

How many times have you been on a road trip and fought with your passenger about the temperature in the car? Well, no more.

This heated electric blanket allows your passenger to stay warm while you have the temperature you like in the car. It has two settings and automatically shuts off after 45 minutes. 

18. Car Window Shade

A car window shade helps to keep your car cool even on the longest and hottest road trip. It sticks on to the window to protect passengers from the harsh sun. It can block about 97 percent of the sun’s rays. 

19. Rubber Floor Mats

The floor mats in my car look like they have been dragged through mud. While I can vacuum them, I do not feel like they are ever clean.

Rubber floor mats protect your car from mud and everything else you track in. You can take them out of your car, hose them off, and let them dry. They look good as new. 

20. Tire Compressor / Inflator

A tire compressor and inflator is a great tool to have at your disposal. It is critical to have your tires at full inflation to ensure efficient travel, to maintain the life of the tires, and to maximize fuel usage.

Tire compressors are affordable, reliable, portable, and easy-to-use. It uses the power from your car, so as long as it runs, you can put air in your tires.

With this accessory, you no longer have to visit the gas station and wait in line to fill up your tires with air. 

21. Emergency Car Kit

While I hope I never need to use it, I never leave home without my emergency car kit. There are various models you can purchase and they are all affordable.

You can expect an emergency car kit to come with jumper cables, a small tool kit, a shovel, blankets, cutters, a warning triangle, and more.

Some emergency kits also come with first aid kits. If you purchase an emergency kit that does not include first aid materials, you should consider purchasing a separate first aid kit.