You’re the friend who always has hand sanitiser, the person who allows double the time needed to get to the airport and the one who never leaves home without thinking ‘phone, wallet, keys’. So why isn’t your car a paragon of preparedness?
These car gadgets and gizmos ranging from the novel to the seriously sensible are a great way to get your car in check. Whether you’re hitting the open road exploring new destinations or you simply want to streamline hauling the family around, here’s what you need to kit out your car.
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15 essential car accessories
1. A way to keep your car boot tidy
2. A sensible air freshener
The White Company Car Scent Diffuser
3. A hand-free, wireless phone charger
Aukly Wireless Car Charger
4. A way to utilise every inch of backseat space
StarFire Leather Car Seat Back Organiser
1. A way to keep your car boot tidy
Possibly the best £12 you’ll ever spend, a car boot organiser is a jack of all trades. From keeping your shopping from rolling around in the boot to toting your child’s sporting equipment to weekend matches and everything in between, this highly-rated, collapsable storage solution is a true necessity.
2. A sensible air freshener
It won’t save you time, but a car diffuser, like this one from The White Company, makes the time you spend in the car a little more enjoyable. This slimline diffuser clips onto your AC vent and won’t detract from your car’s aesthetic interior. It’s easy to use as well, just apply a few drops of your favourite fragrance oil from The White Company to the filter, slot the filter into the diffuser, clip it into your car and you’re set!
3. A hand-free, wireless phone charger
Have you made the switch to wireless charging, yet? If not, this is your sign to make the change. No longer will you worry about running out of phone battery nor will you stress about which phone charging cables are in the car. Thanks to this easy-to-install hands-free device that quickly adjusts to the size of most smartphones, your Qi-enabled mobile begins charging as soon as you start your car. Easy.
4. A way to utilise every inch of backseat space
Give your car a major upgrade in versatility with this innovative and nifty back-of-the-seat organiser. For parents, this car accessory can assist you in keeping kids entertained and well-stocked with snacks, drinks and more on longer trips. It also comes in six colour options to seamlessly fit with your car’s interior.
5. A clever cable organiser
Who knew that office organisation would one day be needed for the car? These days, with the number of devices we each carry around, it’s easy to end up with a mess of cables in your car. While technically designed for your desk, adhesive cable clips are a brilliant hack for keeping charging cables orderly in your car. These are conveniently available in different sizes and white or black to best suit your needs.
6. A leather-safe cloth
Part of maintaining an organised vehicle is keeping it clean. For leather seats, dashboards and accents, it’s a good idea to have a leather-safe chamois to hand. It removes dust and dirt from your car’s interior in no time without damaging the surface of the leather or leaving it too oily or shiny.
7. A jumper lead set
Taking traditional jumper cables to the next level is this jumpstarter kit. Its rechargeable power bank lets you kickstart a dead battery without the help of another vehicle. While it’s something we all hope to never need, it’s an essential purchase for any motorist.
An added bonus? The power bank included in this Streetwize kit can be used for electronics as well, ensuring you’re never off the grid — unless you choose to be.
8. A versatile set of headrest hooks
Put your headrest to work like you never have before. From garment bags and handbags to shopping bags and backpacks, these headrest hooks will keep things out of the seat and footwell. This pair of hooks by Teocenka stands apart from the crowd thanks to the adjustable design with an added loop strap.
9. A weather-proof set of floor mats
No matter what your day-to-day motoring looks like, when it rains you’ll be grateful for a set of rubber, all-weather floor mats. This set is highly-rated among Halfords shoppers and we guarantee it’ll be easier to clean mud and dirt off of these than a carpeted footwell.
10. A luxury car cleaning set
Sometimes looks really are everything. Keep your car in gleaming condition with Revive’s cleaning kit geared toward squeaky-clean surfaces. Including high-quality spray wax for paintwork and water-repellent glass cleaner and sealant, this kit is perfect for showing your car a little extra care during the winter. With lovely packaging, the Ultimately Gloss and Glass Car Gift Set is a great gift for the motorhead in your life, too.
11. A caddy for your wellies
Leave the muck outside with this clever tote. Keep it in your car boot for the next time your journey includes a muddy countryside walk or a soppy Saturday at the sports field. Not only will it keep mud and dirt contained, but it also makes it super easy to transport your wellies.
12. A helpful tool for reversing
If you aren’t a parking prodigy, this is the car gadget for you. Easy to install, you’ll love how pain-free it makes life — at least when it comes to driving. Once installed, its four sensors pick up objects around you. If you get too close, the device beeps alerting you to your surroundings before your bumper does.
13. A bite-sized bin
Discreet and lowkey, this miniature bin clips to the interior of your car door. It’s a small addition to your car that makes a world of difference. Just think of all the wrappers and receipts that won’t make their way under the seat…
14. A sun shade that actually works
Hotter than the sun: that’s the only way to describe the inside of a car after that’s sat in the glaring heat all day. A sun shade not only helps reduce the temperature inside your vehicle on a hot day, but it also helps protect your dashboard and belongings from sun damage. The design of this shade makes it easier than ever to put in place and it won’t awkwardly fall down at the edges, either.
15. A warm, washable blanket
Keeping a throw in your car is a wise idea. After all, you never know what wild adventures, unexpected downpours or emergencies are around the corner. This blanket is made of washable wool so it’s as practical as it is warm and we love that it’s queen-sized as well. Store it in the boot or under a back seat so that it’s there for you when you need it most.
The final takeaway on practical car accessories
Some car accessories are just for fun, but these practical picks are those that really pull their weight when needed. If you’re after the bare essentials, we recommend investing in a Streetwize Portable Emergency Jumpstarter and Powerbank set and Arcturus’ washable wool blanket. Both of these will prove to be priceless in the case of a roadside emergency.
For the outdoorsmen among us, this wellie boot storage bag and UV-blocking sun shade will keep your car in great nick no matter what you throw its way, or where your travels take you.
As for gadget lovers, you won’t know how you kept your car in line without the help of useful cable clips and this wireless charging phone dock. Meanwhile, the organisation-minded folks should have a look at this car boot organiser and theseversatile headset hooks.
The open road is calling, just make sure you’re prepared before you put the pedal down.
Prices updated on 18/08/2022. We are not responsible for any changes on the prices mentioned above.
