45 Cool Car Accessories You Didn't Know You Needed (2024)

45 Cool Car Accessories You Didn't Know You Needed (1)

This article was updated in September 2023 with new products and information.

Whether you are driving a brand-new vehicle or your ride's new-car smell wore off long ago, adding a cool car accessory or three can go a long way toward making your car feel fresh and personalized. To achieve this, we've sourced these gadgets and gizmos to make your ride more fun to be in. Some are useful in vehicles of any age, while others add modern functionality to an older car. Better yet, these accessories make great gifts for a fellow car lover.

Our Top Picks for Car Accessories and Gadgets

The best part about these items is that they're a simple click away on Amazon—something most of us use all the time. So do your ride a favor (or any other car lover in your life) and check out these cool car accessories—see if there's one that'll make your time behind the wheel even more enjoyable.

see all deals on car accessories at amazon

Best GPS Head-Up Display

Universal GPS Head-Up Display

45 Cool Car Accessories You Didn't Know You Needed (13)

45 Cool Car Accessories You Didn't Know You Needed (14)

Best GPS Head-Up Display

Universal GPS Head-Up Display

Now 20% Off

Pros
  • 45 Cool Car Accessories You Didn't Know You Needed (15)GPS powered
  • 45 Cool Car Accessories You Didn't Know You Needed (16)Features different displays
Cons
  • 45 Cool Car Accessories You Didn't Know You Needed (17)GPS readings can be slightly delayed

Speedometer doesn't work? Or maybe you've upgraded with some larger wheels? Keep an eye on your GPS-provided speed with this head-up display. But that's not all. The HUD also can display acceleration numbers, battery voltage, and trip time. Just plug it into the 12-volt socket, and you're all set.

Best Car Trash Can

Car Trash Can

45 Cool Car Accessories You Didn't Know You Needed (18)

45 Cool Car Accessories You Didn't Know You Needed (19)

Best Car Trash Can

Car Trash Can

Now 29% Off

Pros
  • 45 Cool Car Accessories You Didn't Know You Needed (20)Leakproof
  • 45 Cool Car Accessories You Didn't Know You Needed (21)Doubles as a cooler when not in trash mode
Cons
  • 45 Cool Car Accessories You Didn't Know You Needed (22)Might crowd folks in the back seat

Those little compartments alongside your vehicle's doors fill up with trash way too fast. A solution? Pick up this leakproof car trash can. It can strap on either headrests or your center console and can double as storage or a cooler when not in trash mode.

Best Interior Lighting

Govee LED Car Lights

45 Cool Car Accessories You Didn't Know You Needed (23)

45 Cool Car Accessories You Didn't Know You Needed (24)

Best Interior Lighting

Govee LED Car Lights

Pros
  • 45 Cool Car Accessories You Didn't Know You Needed (25)16 million colors
  • 45 Cool Car Accessories You Didn't Know You Needed (26)Colors can bounce to the beat of the music
Cons
  • 45 Cool Car Accessories You Didn't Know You Needed (27)Requires app to unlock all colors and features

Interior LED lights seem to be all the rage these days, and this kit from Govee is one of the top-rated choices on Amazon. By using the Govee Home app, you can unlock up to 16 million different colors and even utilize Music mode—where the colors bounce to the beat of your tunes. Simply install with adhesive strips, plug into the 12V socket, and you're good to go.

Best Seat Gap Accessory

Drop Stop Car Seat Gap Filler

45 Cool Car Accessories You Didn't Know You Needed (28)

45 Cool Car Accessories You Didn't Know You Needed (29)

Best Seat Gap Accessory

Drop Stop Car Seat Gap Filler

Pros
  • 45 Cool Car Accessories You Didn't Know You Needed (30)Fits most vehicles
  • 45 Cool Car Accessories You Didn't Know You Needed (31)Saves your items from the Gap of Death
Cons
  • 45 Cool Car Accessories You Didn't Know You Needed (32)Some reviews cite quality issues

If you've ever lost something in the abyss between your front seats and the center console—and who hasn't?—you've likely thought, "Why doesn't someone do something about this?" The folks at Drop Stop have. The Seat Gap Filler's name says exactly what it does. This inventive product promises to prevent many future hand contortions—as well as the occasional skinned knuckle—due to lost change, pens, phones, keys, or anything else prone to falling into the no man's land between the seat and center console.

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Best Trunk Organizer

Trunk Organizer

45 Cool Car Accessories You Didn't Know You Needed (33)

45 Cool Car Accessories You Didn't Know You Needed (34)

Best Trunk Organizer

Trunk Organizer

Now 20% Off

Pros
  • 45 Cool Car Accessories You Didn't Know You Needed (35)Collapsible
  • 45 Cool Car Accessories You Didn't Know You Needed (36)Tie-down system
Cons

    This trunk organizer is excellent for drivers who like to keep stuff in their car. With multiple storage compartments and a tie-down system, the collapsible organizer will keep your groceries, tools, and more secure and contained. It'll fit in your trunk, or your front seat if you want to keep your stuff within reach.

    Best Dashcam

    Wolfbox G840S Backup Camera

    45 Cool Car Accessories You Didn't Know You Needed (37)

    45 Cool Car Accessories You Didn't Know You Needed (38)

    Best Dashcam

    Wolfbox G840S Backup Camera

    Now 37% Off

    Pros
    • 45 Cool Car Accessories You Didn't Know You Needed (39)Great image quality day and night
    • 45 Cool Car Accessories You Didn't Know You Needed (40)Built-in dashcam
    Cons
    • 45 Cool Car Accessories You Didn't Know You Needed (41)Not wireless

    Welcome to the future. The Wolfbox G840S has it all and then some: a massive 12.0-inch display that doubles as a mirror, a high-quality camera that performs fantastically well both day and night, and an integrated dashcam built into the display for recording what's going on in front of you as well. In fact, the Wolfbox came out on top in our backup camera test.

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    Easy USB Addition

    USB Adapter

    45 Cool Car Accessories You Didn't Know You Needed (42)

    45 Cool Car Accessories You Didn't Know You Needed (43)

    Easy USB Addition

    USB Adapter

    Now 10% Off

    Pros
    • 45 Cool Car Accessories You Didn't Know You Needed (44)Adds two USB ports
    • 45 Cool Car Accessories You Didn't Know You Needed (45)Flush surface
    Cons
    • 45 Cool Car Accessories You Didn't Know You Needed (46)Without a cover, blue lights can be distracting

    We all want USB ports in our cars now, particularly to charge our phones and power other devices. But getting those ports can be tricky and ugly—this little gizmo changes that. It's designed to fit in your cigarette lighter port and stay flush, which looks cleaner while also providing two extra USB ports. Win-win.

    Best Lip Balm Holder

    Car Chap Lip Balm Holder

    45 Cool Car Accessories You Didn't Know You Needed (47)

    Best Lip Balm Holder

    Car Chap Lip Balm Holder

    Pros
    • 45 Cool Car Accessories You Didn't Know You Needed (48)Easy to install
    • 45 Cool Car Accessories You Didn't Know You Needed (49)Holds most tube lip balms
    Cons
    • 45 Cool Car Accessories You Didn't Know You Needed (50)Oversize lip balms will not fit

    Know someone who always has a stick or two of lip balm on them at all times? Those little guys can be so tricky to keep track of, but this lip-balm holder (aptly named the Car Chap) erases that problem. Simply stick it on wherever is handy, and you're good to go. Holds lip-balm tubes up to 3/4-inch wide.

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    A Must-Have Organizer

    Car Registration & Insurance Card Holder

    45 Cool Car Accessories You Didn't Know You Needed (51)

    45 Cool Car Accessories You Didn't Know You Needed (52)

    A Must-Have Organizer

    Car Registration & Insurance Card Holder

    Now 25% Off

    Pros
    • 45 Cool Car Accessories You Didn't Know You Needed (53)Clear pockets
    • 45 Cool Car Accessories You Didn't Know You Needed (54)Organize your important info
    Cons
    • 45 Cool Car Accessories You Didn't Know You Needed (55)The only time you'll use this is when you're in trouble

    Keep all of your vehicle's important documents organized with this handy holder that fits right in your glovebox. With clear pockets galore, you can fit and display insurance cards, registration, and other important info without embarrassingly digging through paperwork.

    Best Little Friend

    Car Mirror Swinging Duck

    45 Cool Car Accessories You Didn't Know You Needed (56)

    45 Cool Car Accessories You Didn't Know You Needed (57)

    Best Little Friend

    Car Mirror Swinging Duck

    Now 15% Off

    Pros
    • 45 Cool Car Accessories You Didn't Know You Needed (58)A duck with gold chains—awesome
    • 45 Cool Car Accessories You Didn't Know You Needed (59)And a big hat
    Cons
    • 45 Cool Car Accessories You Didn't Know You Needed (60)You can't match this duck's level of coolness

    If you need a little road-trip buddy, look no further—this li'l swinging duck will keep you company. Just strap it around your rearview mirror and watch him sway along with the bumps in the road.

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    Cool Way to Light Up Your Cupholders

    LED Cup Holder Lights

    45 Cool Car Accessories You Didn't Know You Needed (61)

    Cool Way to Light Up Your Cupholders

    LED Cup Holder Lights

    Pros
    • 45 Cool Car Accessories You Didn't Know You Needed (62)Wireless
    • 45 Cool Car Accessories You Didn't Know You Needed (63)7 colors available
    Cons
    • 45 Cool Car Accessories You Didn't Know You Needed (64)8-hour battery life could be longer

    These rechargeable LED cup holder lights can transform any ordinary water bottle into a jug of neon-green nuclear waste in a matter of seconds. The discs are charged via USB cable and have up to eight hours of battery life while emitting one of seven colors.

    Goofy Cigarette Lighter

    Fire Missiles Cigarette Lighter

    45 Cool Car Accessories You Didn't Know You Needed (65)

    Goofy Cigarette Lighter

    Fire Missiles Cigarette Lighter

    Pros
    • 45 Cool Car Accessories You Didn't Know You Needed (66)Impress your passengers
    • 45 Cool Car Accessories You Didn't Know You Needed (67)Anodized aluminum construction
    Cons
    • 45 Cool Car Accessories You Didn't Know You Needed (68)Missiles not included

    If you're feeling particularly James Bond-y, add this cigarette lighter to your ride to make your passengers raise an eyebrow. It's a fully functioning cigarette lighter and features a rubber gasket for a tight fit. And thanks to anodized aluminum construction, it feels legit.

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    Best Screen Magnifier

    DLseego 14-Inch Screen Magnifier

    45 Cool Car Accessories You Didn't Know You Needed (69)

    Best Screen Magnifier

    DLseego 14-Inch Screen Magnifier

    Pros
    • 45 Cool Car Accessories You Didn't Know You Needed (70)Collapsible
    • 45 Cool Car Accessories You Didn't Know You Needed (71)Magnifies phone screen by three or four times
    Cons
    • 45 Cool Car Accessories You Didn't Know You Needed (72)Might give headaches to some

    Do your kiddos want to watch a movie in the back seat? Or maybe you want to catch up on your favorite show while you enjoy a meal in the McDonald's parking lot. This screen magnifier is designed to take the image from your phone's screen and magnify it by three or four times.

    Best Power Inverter

    SuperOne 150W Power Inverter

    45 Cool Car Accessories You Didn't Know You Needed (73)

    45 Cool Car Accessories You Didn't Know You Needed (74)

    Best Power Inverter

    SuperOne 150W Power Inverter

    Now 12% Off

    Pros
    • 45 Cool Car Accessories You Didn't Know You Needed (75)Features a plethora of plug-in choices
    • 45 Cool Car Accessories You Didn't Know You Needed (76)Fits easily in a cupholder
    Cons
    • 45 Cool Car Accessories You Didn't Know You Needed (77)No USB-C ports

    For a light-duty power inverter that does a little bit of everything, the SuperOne 150W is our pick. Featuring two USB, one AC, and two cigarette lighter–style ports, there's room for a host of different gadgets. It's rated for 150 watts, which might not sound like a whole lot but is enough for most electronic devices necessary for a pleasant family road trip. Because of its versatility, we loved it in our power inverters test.

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    Best Stick-On Blind-Spot Mirrors

    Blind-Spot Mirrors

    45 Cool Car Accessories You Didn't Know You Needed (78)

    Best Stick-On Blind-Spot Mirrors

    Blind-Spot Mirrors

    Pros
    • 45 Cool Car Accessories You Didn't Know You Needed (79)Increase visibility
    • 45 Cool Car Accessories You Didn't Know You Needed (80)Easy installation
    Cons

      Blind spots can be very dangerous, so stick some blind-spot mirrors on to expand your visibility. This is especially useful for folks who have difficulty performing head checks or vehicles with large blind spots. Just stick them on the top outside corners of both mirrors and you're good to go.

      Best Change Organizer

      Car Change Organizer

      45 Cool Car Accessories You Didn't Know You Needed (81)

      45 Cool Car Accessories You Didn't Know You Needed (82)

      Best Change Organizer

      Car Change Organizer

      Now 38% Off

      Pros
      • 45 Cool Car Accessories You Didn't Know You Needed (83)Compact
      • 45 Cool Car Accessories You Didn't Know You Needed (84)Easy to insert and remove coins
      Cons
      • 45 Cool Car Accessories You Didn't Know You Needed (85)We wish it held more

      Change is slowly becoming obsolete, but it's still out there, and hearing it rattle around your cupholders can be quite annoying. Getting this change organizer can help prevent that—it fits in most storage areas in a center console and makes it easy to pull out a few coins if the need arises.

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      This Is the Way

      Mando Push-Button Start Cover

      45 Cool Car Accessories You Didn't Know You Needed (86)

      This Is the Way

      Mando Push-Button Start Cover

      Pros
      • 45 Cool Car Accessories You Didn't Know You Needed (87)Transforms your car into a starfighter
      • 45 Cool Car Accessories You Didn't Know You Needed (88)Gives your start button an upgrade
      Cons
      • 45 Cool Car Accessories You Didn't Know You Needed (89)Not made of Beskar steel

      The Mandalorian's iconic helmet has become instantly recognizable from the show, so why not add it to your ride? Simply adhere the alloy-steel ring around your vehicle's push-to-start button, choose your style of Mando mask, and close it over the button. Now every time you want to start up your ride, it's like flipping a switch on a starfighter.

      Best Car-Cleaning Gel

      Car Cleaning Gel

      45 Cool Car Accessories You Didn't Know You Needed (90)

      45 Cool Car Accessories You Didn't Know You Needed (91)

      Best Car-Cleaning Gel

      Car Cleaning Gel

      Now 30% Off

      Pros
      • 45 Cool Car Accessories You Didn't Know You Needed (92)Gets stuff out of the deepest cracks
      • 45 Cool Car Accessories You Didn't Know You Needed (93)Reusable
      Cons
      • 45 Cool Car Accessories You Didn't Know You Needed (94)Lavender scent might not be great for everyone

      We all know how tricky it is to get dust and crumbs out of your vents and interior cracks. Don't worry about bringing out the vacuum—this handy cleaning gel will do the trick. It's designed to goop up contaminants while keeping your hands from getting sticky.

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      Best Option for Car Foodies

      Car Steering Wheel Tray

      45 Cool Car Accessories You Didn't Know You Needed (95)

      45 Cool Car Accessories You Didn't Know You Needed (96)

      Best Option for Car Foodies

      Car Steering Wheel Tray

      Now 20% Off

      Pros
      • 45 Cool Car Accessories You Didn't Know You Needed (97)Works with any round steering wheel
      • 45 Cool Car Accessories You Didn't Know You Needed (98)Set up for both work and food
      Cons
      • 45 Cool Car Accessories You Didn't Know You Needed (99)Another excuse to work more

      If you find yourself working and eating in your car quite often, consider this handy steering wheel tray. It works with any round steering wheel and features space for your laptop or a container of grub. It also has a cupholder on the side. The tray is perfect for mobile workers and foodies on the go.

      Most Compact Jump Starter

      NOCO Portable Jump Starter

      45 Cool Car Accessories You Didn't Know You Needed (100)

      45 Cool Car Accessories You Didn't Know You Needed (101)

      Most Compact Jump Starter

      NOCO Portable Jump Starter

      Now 20% Off

      Pros
      • 45 Cool Car Accessories You Didn't Know You Needed (102)Very compact
      • 45 Cool Car Accessories You Didn't Know You Needed (103)Easy interface
      Cons
      • 45 Cool Car Accessories You Didn't Know You Needed (104)Cables are very short, clamps difficult to squeeze

      Portability is a key aspect when buying a jump starter, and it doesn't get much more compact than the NOCO Boost Plus GB40. It's very portable and boasts decent power, an override button, an easy interface, and two work lights. If you're short on space and want to have a portable jump starter around, this is the one to get, as we found in our jump starter test.

      45 Cool Car Accessories You Didn't Know You Needed (105)

      Charles Dryer

      Charles Dryer formerly worked as a road warrior, at the copy desk, and as test-vehicle fleet manager at Car and Driver. He likes naturally aspirated V-8s and electric vehicles with enough range to get him to his hometown in Northern Michigan.

      45 Cool Car Accessories You Didn't Know You Needed (106)

      Collin Morgan

      Commerce Editor

      Collin Morgan is a Commerce Editor at Hearst Autos, where the former Rust Belt mechanic and gadget enthusiast presents the best gear for your automotive endeavors.

      45 Cool Car Accessories You Didn't Know You Needed (2024)

      FAQs

      Which accessories are a must for car? ›

      It includes items such as the floor mat, dustbin, air freshener, smartphone holder, dashcam, fire extinguisher, jumper cable and more. BHPian Aditya recently shared this with other enthusiasts. Back in 2007, we had a thread on the must-have car accessories that needed to be purchased as extras.

      What are accessories in a car? ›

      Some examples of car accessories include seat covers, floor mats, sunshades, phone mounts, and entertainment systems. Car accessories are typically produced by third-party manufacturers and are often marketed as aftermarket products.

      What's the most important thing in a car? ›

      What Are the Most Important Parts of a Car?
      • Battery: The battery is what makes the car go. ...
      • Brakes: Brakes are what make the car stop. ...
      • Pistons: Pistons handle all gasoline explosions in your engine, and they should pump smoothly and quickly.
      • Radiator: The radiator keeps the engine from overheating.
      Feb 8, 2021

      What are the 3 things a car needs to run? ›

      Internal combustion engines use fuel to create an explosion (power) to move a piston down. Although there are many different designs to an internal combustion engine, there are three crucial components needed to make one run, a fuel to burn, oxygen to support combustion, and an ignition source to start combustion.

      What color keeps your car cool? ›

      Car Paint Color

      Darker colors like black or navy blue tend to absorb more heat than lighter colors like white or silver due to their higher levels of absorption. This means that lighter colors may be better for those who want to limit their car's temperature during hot months.

      How can I make my car look luxury? ›

      40 Cheap Upgrades That Will Make Your Car Feel Like a Luxury...
      1. Add a Steering Wheel Cover. A steering wheel cover increases the interior's flair. ...
      2. Wax Your Car. ...
      3. Put On a Car Bra. ...
      4. Get a Trunk Organizer. ...
      5. Shine Your Tires. ...
      6. Install a Backup Camera. ...
      7. Add a Tire Pressure Monitoring System. ...
      8. Put On Seat Covers.
      Jun 26, 2020

      How to make your car vibey? ›

      Just like in your home, accessories can add personality and style to your car. Consider adding a steering wheel cover, floor mats, or seatbelt covers in your favorite color or pattern. You can also add a decorative air freshener or a car charger that matches your decor.

      Do car accessories add value? ›

      There are certainly exceptions, but the overwhelming majority of people are not going to value your aftermarket modifications into their offer price. If you're trading the vehicle into a dealership, your aftermarket parts are not part of the formula they're using to calculate trade-in price.

      Do accessories increase car value? ›

      In general, well-designed and professionally installed modifications that enhance the car's performance or appearance are more likely to add value to the car, while poorly executed or low-quality modifications may decrease its resale value.

      What is need of accessories? ›

      Accessories tie your ensemble together. They create interesting detail where clothes are simple or plain. Accessories add personality to your look and give you an opportunity to express your unique personal style. Accessories add versatility.

      What are non standard accessories in a car? ›

      Non-Standard Accessories: Any items fitted to the Vehicle which were not part of the standard specification of the Vehicle.

      Does high idling consume more fuel? ›

      Idling vehicles can use more gas than you might realize. This directly affects how much you spend on gas and how often you need to refuel. However, the amount of fuel a vehicle consumes while idling varies depending on factors such as its weight, engine size, and the type of fuel it takes.

      What's a must have for all cars sold in India? ›

      10 essential car accessories that you must have
      • Cleaning cloth. ...
      • Seats cover and floor mats. ...
      • Puncture repair kit. ...
      • Tire inflator and pressure gauge. ...
      • Comprehensive tool kit. ...
      • Parking sensors/camera.
      Oct 8, 2021

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