Best car accessories 2023: car tech you never knew you needed (2024)

This isn’t going to be a list of Pimp My Ride-worthy supersonic sound systems, hot tubs in the back of the truck, aquariums, or even chandeliers, but a practical list of all the car accessories that may actually improve your driving experience.

From the best dash cams that will prove your innocence in an accident to wireless Bluetooth transmitters for car sound systems that predate smartphone connectivity, the car accessory market is certainly a variable one.

We've also got the best sat nav and the best car phone holder, for those really looking to upgrade their car cabin.

But before we get into the cool gadgetry, there’s one necessary item that clinches the top spot. Dog hair, crisp crumbs, mud, hairpins and the odd 1p coin; by the end of the month, your car probably looks like a detritus dumping ground, which means the clever and convenient Dyson V6 Car & Boat is a no-brainer when it comes to ‘need to buy’ car accessories.

The others? We’ll leave the ‘need to buy’ decision up to you – they are all pretty cool, though.

Best car accessories you can buy

Why you can trust T3 Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing products and services so you can choose the best for you. Find out more about how we test.

Best car accessories 2023: car tech you never knew you needed (1)Best car accessories 2023: car tech you never knew you needed (2)

(Image credit: Nextbase)

1. Nextbase 622GW Dash Cam

Catch drivers in the act with this 4K dash cam

Specifications

Resolution: 4K

G sensor: Yes

LCD screen: 3 inches

Reasons to buy

+

Wide viewing angle

+

Polarising filter reduces glare for the best picture

There’s nothing more annoying than trying to explain to the insurance company that the accident wasn’t your fault, no matter what kind of tangled web of lies the third party is trying to weave. Well now, the proof is in the camera.

Recording in 4K quality, this smart dash cam allows you to record and easily transfer footage from the device to your phone or home PC. It uses a magnetic pad to secure itself to the dashboard and it tracks your GPS and speed to ensure everything's fair and square whenever you happen to have an accident.

  • Best dash cam: top cameras tried and tested

Best car accessories 2023: car tech you never knew you needed (3)Best car accessories 2023: car tech you never knew you needed (4)

2. Tile Mate

‘Where me keys, where me phone?’ Don’t know? Tile Mate’ll find them

Specifications

Connection: Bluetooth

Type: GPS locator

Battery life: 1 year

Reasons to buy

+

Use your phone to find your keys

+

Use the Tile Mate to find your phone

While the bloke from Britain’s Got Talent may have enjoyed his 15 minutes of fame (can’t remember ‘where me keys, where me phone’? Look it up on Youtube, it’ll blow your mind), we know only too well the frustration of actually misplacing them.

This handy gadget attaches to your keys; you can ring it from your phone or consult the app to see when they were last seen. You can also press the button on the Tile Mate itself and it’ll ring your phone… and it’ll even make a noise on silent mode – handy, eh?

Best car accessories 2023: car tech you never knew you needed (5)Best car accessories 2023: car tech you never knew you needed (6)

3. Divi USB Car Charger

Charge up on the go

Specifications

Connection: USB x 2

Power: 2.4A in each USB port

Material: Aluminium

Reasons to buy

+

Two USB ports

+

Slim design

The Divi USB charger is one of the most compact car chargers on the market, with a slimline design, which sits almost flush with the edge of the outlet. It'll allow you to simultaneously charge two devices at full speed with 2.4A in each USB port.

The aluminium case looks more premium than the plastic options on the market, and the scratch resistance technology keeps it looking like new. The Divi charger has a number of safety guarantees, and comes with a 12 month manufacturer warranty.

Best car accessories 2023: car tech you never knew you needed (7)Best car accessories 2023: car tech you never knew you needed (8)

4. Firefly Bluetooth Receiver

A slick option for turning your can into a Bluetooth speaker

Specifications

Power: USB

Type: Bluetooth Transmitter

Phone call compatible: Yes

Reasons to buy

+

Slim, stylish design

+

Simple use

Add Bluetooth to your car audio system with Firefly, the world's tiniest music receiver. Firefly allows you to stream music from your smartphone to any device with an AUX input.

Just plug Firefly into your audio system and a USB power source, and pair it with your smartphone. Once paired, Firefly will remember your device and auto-connect whenever you're close by.

  • Best Bluetooth transmitter

Best car accessories 2023: car tech you never knew you needed (9)Best car accessories 2023: car tech you never knew you needed (10)

5. Arteck Car Jump Starter 8000mAh

Get an instant power boost

Specifications

Number of charges: 20

Battery Size: 8000mAh

Torch: Yes

Reasons to buy

+

Compact design

+

20 jump starts per charge

If your car is getting on a bit, and won't always start first time, don't call a tow truck service or wait on the side of the road for help, use the Arteck. This handy little device will lump your vehicle up to 20 times on a single charge, with heavy duty cables and clamp built in.

It'll also charge all of your portable devices, such as smartphones, tablets, cameras, wireless headphones, and portable gaming systems, etc, and, if that wasn't enough, it has an ultra-bright LED torch built in.

Best car accessories 2023: car tech you never knew you needed (11)Best car accessories 2023: car tech you never knew you needed (12)

(Image credit: Fanttik X8 Apex)

6. Fanttik X8 Apex air inflator

Compact but lots of puff

Specifications

Maximum pressure: 150 psi

Battery: Internal

Weight: 1.8 pounds

Reasons to buy

+

Really compact

+

Powerful

+

Digital display

Reasons to avoid

-

Foot pumps are cheaper

-

Shortish hose

The Fanttik X8 Apex air inflator is one of those invaluable gadgets that's really worth keeping in the car. A slow puncture can happen at any time and this little beauty is just the thing to get you on the road again. It's wonderfully small, but there's a sizeable digital display that tells you everything you need to know in terms of setting pressures.

You also get the benefit of an internal battery, which in our experience seems to have a reassuringly long life before you need to recharge it. A USB power port is handy if your phone dies too, while there's an LED light built in if you're stranded after dark. Granted, it's pricer than many footpumps, but the quality is obvious. Better still, it makes light work of inflating things, from car and bike tyres through to small boats and inflatable kids toys.

Best car accessories 2023: car tech you never knew you needed (13)Best car accessories 2023: car tech you never knew you needed (14)

7. LDesign Wireless Bluetooth FM Transmitter

Whack on the tunes with this handy Bluetooth transmitter

Specifications

Power: 5V

Type: Bluetooth Transmitter

Phone call compatible: Yes

Reasons to buy

+

Hi-fi sound quality

+

Comes with charging port

When the radio jingles literally make you want to blow a gasket, hook up your phone to this transmitter and play your own tunes through your car stereo. With an in-built microphone, echo cancellation and noise suppression, this transmitter handily doubles up as a hands-free calling device and triples up as a charger.

Plugging right into your cigarette lighter socket, this transmitter is easy to use and, according to people who’ve already bought it, provides oodles of performance qualities, too.

Best car accessories 2023: car tech you never knew you needed (15)Best car accessories 2023: car tech you never knew you needed (16)

8. Autoglym The Collection - Perfect Bodywork, Wheels & Interiors

Get you car looking brand new

Specifications

Exterior: Yes

Interior: Yes

Cleaning cloth included: Yes

Reasons to buy

+

Covers everything

+

Trusted brand

If you've just got a new car, or are looking to update your old car, you'd be surprised how effective a thorough clean is. If you're looking for a total clean, you can't go wrong with Autoglym's Bodywork, Wheels & Interior collection.

The kit contains everything you need to get your car sparkling again, including bodywork shampoo, super resin polish, extra gloss protection, clean wheels, instant tyre dressing, alloy wheel seal, interior shampoo, car glass polish, vinyl and rubber care, a sponge, hi-tech finishing cloth, and finally, an aqua dry cloth.

  • Best car polish and car wax: refresh and protect tired paintwork

Best car accessories 2023: car tech you never knew you needed (17)Best car accessories 2023: car tech you never knew you needed (18)

9. Scosche USB Charger

Don’t miss out on a valuable opportunity to charge your phone

Specifications

Power: 12W

Type: USB charger

Compatible: All devices

Reasons to buy

+

12 watts of charge

+

Low profile design

If you’re on the go for work, taking phone calls every five minutes while browsing online spreadsheets can take its toll on your battery, so if you’re driving in between clients, it’s a great time to give your phone a boost of charge.

This Scosche USB charger is small and fits neatly into your cigarette lighter socket. It works with all smart phones and devices, and there’s two ports so you can charge up your tablet and your phone at the same time.

  • Best car chargers: 12V to USB adaptors to keep your phone topped up

Best car accessories 2023: car tech you never knew you needed (19)Best car accessories 2023: car tech you never knew you needed (20)

10. Dyson V6 Car & Boat

On the road or on the water, this hoover has you covered

Specifications

Power: 21.6 volts

Type: Handheld vacuum

Battery life: 20 minutes

Reasons to buy

+

Small and light

+

Mini motorised tool for picking up pet hair

Combining Dyson’s powerful cyclone technology with accessories specifically designed to clean your car, this one is a no-brainer if you’re always cursing at stray dog hair and crumbs in the back seat.

From the crevice tool to the mini motorised tool for picking up dog hair, this small and light hoover is versatile and offers up to 20 minutes of charge, so you can quickly clean your car without forking out any extra at the local hand car wash.

Check our Dyson discount codes to bag the best deal.

  • Best car vacuum: keep your car crumb-free and immaculate

Best car accessories 2023: car tech you never knew you needed (21)Best car accessories 2023: car tech you never knew you needed (22)

11. AA Car Essentials Emergency Winter Car Kit

Don't get stuck in the snow

Specifications

AA approved: Yes

Carry case: Yes

Reasons to buy

+

Everything you need

+

Compact bag

The AA Emergency Winter Car Kit is essential if you want to be prepared for winter conditions and comes in a handy storage bag to stow easily in the boot of your car. The folding shovel is compact but strong enough to tackle thick snow and the snow snow and ice grips will ensure you remain sturdy on your feet in wintry conditions.

A Hi-Vis jacket ensures other motorists can see you and a handy torch to help you see and be seen on those cold dark nights. Also included is a foil blanket to keep in body heat should you need to wait for a breakdown rescue. This kit also includes a rain ponchos plus a set of fully insulated booster cables in case of emergencies.

Best car accessories 2023: car tech you never knew you needed (23)Best car accessories 2023: car tech you never knew you needed (24)

12. AA Ultimate First Aid Kit

Better safe than sorry

Specifications

AA approved: Yes

Carry case: Yes

Reasons to buy

+

Compact kit

+

Extensive

This first aid kit from AA is ideal for road trips, camping or caravanning. Everything is contained within an easy-to-carry storage pouch, and you know it's a quality product, from the AA.

The extensive kit contains: wound dressings, triangular badges, first aid dressings, first aid compress, bandages, an emergency blanket, adhesive plasters, a pair of scissors, adhesive tape, and instructions on how to use everything.

Best car accessories 2023: car tech you never knew you needed (25)Best car accessories 2023: car tech you never knew you needed (26)

13. Chris Digital Assistant

It's Amazon Alexa but for your car

Specifications

Control: Voice

Connection: Bluetooth

Internet required: No

Reasons to buy

+

Attractive design

+

Smart functions

  • Chris Digital Assistant review

Chris is a digital assistant, like Amazon's Alexa, for drivers. The smart hardware supports you like a real co-driver, giving you directions, reading messages, controlling music, and accepting calls.

Chris is attached to the windscreen like a sat nav and paired with the mobile phone via Bluetooth, and best of all, Chris also works offline, without any internet connection.

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Best car accessories 2023: car tech you never knew you needed (2024)

FAQs

What are the most popular car accessories? ›

10 Must-Have Car Accessories
  • 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. ...
  • Phone Mount. ...
  • Portable Tire Inflator. ...
  • Car Organiser. ...
  • First-Aid Kit. ...
  • Back Seat Air Bed. ...
  • Air Freshener. ...
  • USB Car Adapter.
Apr 1, 2024

How to make your car smart? ›

Add Alexa and Garmin

Garmin Speak Plus with Amazon Alexa is a simple way to add tons of smart features. It brings the things you love about Amazon Alexa to your car. Answer calls, stream music, hear news, add to your shopping list, control smart home devices when you're out, and more, with your voice.

What are auto accessories? ›

Some popular car accessories include seat covers, floor mats, dashboard decorations, air fresheners, alloy wheels, etc. Which are some of the unique car accessories? Some of the unique car accessories include valve stem lights, a heads-up display, LED exterior lights, an air purifier, etc.

What is something everyone should have in their car? ›

Basic First-Aid Kit

A first-aid kit is always good to have on hand in case of minor injuries or cuts that need cleaning. A few items you should keep in your first-aid kit are: Bandages.

What wears out in cars the most? ›

What Parts of My Vehicle Will Wear Out First?
  • Oil and Filter. Your car's oil is designed to lubricate the engine components so that they don't grind together, reducing friction and wear on car parts such as pistons or bearings. ...
  • Wiper Blades. ...
  • Tires. ...
  • Spark Plugs. ...
  • Your Vehicle Part Source.
Jan 4, 2022

How to soup up your car? ›

How to Increase Your Car's Horsepower
  1. Swap in a Performance Air Filter. Performance air filters are designed to increases air flow through your engine. ...
  2. Install a Performance Exhaust System. ...
  3. Install Performance Throttle Bod(ies) ...
  4. Implement Forced Induction. ...
  5. Remap your Car's ECU. ...
  6. Use High Octane Fuel.
Oct 6, 2022

What is the coolest part of a car? ›

The floor tends to be the coolest area, and with the air conditioner on, the car should be cool enough to get you home before the fresh produce wilts and the ice cream melts. The cabin also tends to be better insulated than the trunk. So you'll have a better chance of avoiding extreme swings in temperature.

What is a smart key for a car? ›

The smart key allows the driver to keep the key fob pocketed when unlocking, locking and starting the vehicle. The key is identified via one of several antennas in the car's bodywork and an ISM band radio pulse generator in the key housing.

Do car accessories add value? ›

Of course, nothing in life is quite that simple. But in general, aftermarket mods will not increase the resale value of your automobile in a private party transaction. They definitely will not increase the resale value if you're trying to sell it to a dealership, who may not even accept a car that isn't stock.

What are wearable items on a car? ›

Replaceable/Wearable Parts means any part that is designed to wear down or be replaced with general maintenance of the vehicle.

What are aftermarket car accessories? ›

The aftermarket accessory

This accessory comes from a third party, and either you or the dealer fits it on the car. This accessory may be covered by a separate warranty of its own, and will definitely not come under any coverage offered by the manufacturer.

What puts the most wear on a car? ›

What puts the most wear and tear on a car? Daily driving puts the most wear and tear on a car, especially a new car. The more you drive and use your car, the more each component experiences wear. However, regular maintenance can help reduce heavy wear and tear associated with high-mileage vehicles.

What is the most common thing in all vehicles? ›

The most common thing in all vehicle is the prime mover: an engine or a motor perhaps, depending on what type of vehicle. Whether the vehicle be on the ground, on or in the water, or in mid air, prime mover should be present.

What is the best automotive trend? ›

Probably the most important trend in the automotive industry is the worldwide shift to electric vehicles (EVs). Searches for “electric vehicles” are up by 110% over the past 5 years. The IEA estimates that global EV sales exceeded 3 million units in 2020. That's over 4% of global vehicle sales.

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