There are countless car accessories available today, ranging from useful safety equipment and emergency essentials to gadgets that make driving more comfortable and keeping your car clean much easier.
The best car accessories aren’t necessarily the most expensive. A good accessory should solve a genuine problem, make your journeys easier or provide something useful when you need it most.
We’ve put together a selection of the best car accessories for your vehicle, covering technology, charging, tyre care, emergency equipment and car cleaning.
A dash cam is one of the best car accessories you can add to your vehicle.
A good dash cam can record what’s happening in front of your car while you drive, potentially providing useful evidence if you’re involved in an incident. Many modern models also offer features such as GPS, Wi-Fi, parking modes and high-resolution video.
The Nextbase 622GW featured in our original article remains a capable 4K dash cam, although it is now an older model. Nextbase currently lists the 622GW with 4K recording, image stabilisation, GPS, Wi-Fi, intelligent parking mode, Emergency SOS and what3words functionality.
If you’re buying a dash cam today, it’s worth comparing the latest models rather than choosing solely on resolution. Installation, night-time performance, storage, parking protection and smartphone connectivity can all be important.
When comparing the best car accessories, consider which features you’ll actually use rather than simply choosing the most expensive option.
If you regularly misplace your car keys, a Bluetooth key finder can be a surprisingly useful accessory.
Devices such as the Tile Mate can be attached to your keys and located using a compatible smartphone app. This can save you from wasting time searching around the house when you’re trying to leave.
A key finder is also useful for people who regularly carry other important items, such as wallets, bags or luggage.
It’s a relatively inexpensive accessory and takes up very little space, making it one of the easiest additions to recommend for everyday convenience.
Modern cars often have USB ports, but older vehicles may only have a traditional 12V socket.
A good USB car charger allows you to charge a phone, sat-nav or other compatible device while driving without relying on the vehicle having modern USB connectivity.
The Anker PowerDrive 2 Alloy from the original article is an example of this type of accessory, although there are now many newer USB-C car chargers available.
When choosing a charger, check the power output and connector types rather than simply choosing the cheapest option. USB-C Power Delivery can be particularly useful for compatible phones and other devices that support faster charging.
A reliable charger is one of the best car accessories for anyone who regularly spends long periods on the road.
A flat battery can leave you stranded, particularly if your car has been sitting unused for a while.
A portable jump starter gives you another option when your battery is too weak to start the engine. Unlike traditional jump leads, a jump starter contains its own battery and doesn’t require another vehicle to provide the power.
The NOCO Boost Plus GB40 featured in the original article is a compact example of this type of product. When choosing a jump starter, however, check that its specifications are suitable for your engine.
It’s also important to follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully when connecting or disconnecting a jump starter.
For drivers who regularly travel long distances, a suitable jump starter can be one of the most useful best car accessories to keep in the vehicle.
A portable tyre inflator can be extremely useful if you discover that one of your tyres is losing pressure.
Rather than having to find a petrol station with a working air machine, you can inflate your tyres wherever you are, provided the inflator has sufficient power and you have a suitable power source or charged battery.
The TPfocus Portable Air Inflator featured in the original article is one example, but there are now many rechargeable inflators available.
When choosing one of the best car accessories for tyre maintenance, look for a clear pressure display, suitable maximum pressure, a hose or connector that fits your valves and enough battery capacity for your needs.
Remember that a portable inflator is for correcting tyre pressure, not repairing a puncture. If a tyre repeatedly loses pressure, it should be inspected to find the cause.
A tyre inflator is therefore one of the best car accessories to keep in your vehicle if you regularly travel long distances.
You can also learn more about how to check tyre sizes before buying replacement tyres or checking whether your existing tyres are correctly specified.
Keeping your car clean is easier when you have the right equipment.
A good car cleaning kit can include shampoo, wheel cleaner, glass cleaner, microfibre cloths and products for cleaning the interior. You don’t necessarily need to buy an enormous collection of products either; a few good-quality essentials can be enough for regular maintenance.
Autoglym remains a well-known name in car care, and the Autoglym cleaning collection featured in the original article is an example of an all-in-one approach.
If you enjoy looking after your vehicle yourself, car cleaning products are among the best car accessories because they can be used regularly rather than only in an emergency.
For more detailed advice, see our guide to DIY or professional car detailing.
A portable vacuum cleaner can make cleaning the interior of your car considerably easier.
The Dyson V6 Car & Boat featured in the original article is now an older product, so we’d recommend comparing current cordless car vacuums rather than specifically looking for that model.
The most useful features to consider include battery life, suction performance, size, accessories and how easy the vacuum is to empty and clean.
A compact cordless vacuum can be particularly convenient for cleaning seats, carpets, door pockets and other difficult-to-reach areas.
For anyone who takes pride in keeping their vehicle clean, a car vacuum is one of the best car accessories for regular use.
A first aid kit is another sensible accessory to keep in your vehicle.
A compact kit can contain items such as plasters, dressings, gloves, antiseptic wipes and bandages. It won’t replace professional medical assistance, but it can be useful for dealing with minor injuries while you’re away from home.
Choose a properly packaged kit and check its contents occasionally so that expired or used items can be replaced.
Emergency equipment might not be the most exciting purchase, but it can become extremely important if your car breaks down.
A warning triangle and high-visibility clothing can help make you more visible in appropriate circumstances, particularly when dealing with a breakdown or other roadside problem.
It’s worth checking the rules and guidance that apply to the country you’re travelling in, especially if you’re taking your car abroad.
These are inexpensive items that can take up very little space, making them practical additions to your emergency equipment.
A secure phone mount can make using your phone for navigation considerably more convenient.
If you use your smartphone as a sat-nav, choose a mount that holds the device securely and doesn’t obstruct your view through the windscreen.
It’s also important to set your route before driving and avoid handling your phone while the vehicle is moving.
A good phone mount is therefore one of the best car accessories for drivers who regularly use their phone for navigation, provided it is positioned safely and used responsibly.
The best car accessories for one driver won’t necessarily be the best car accessories for another.
Before buying anything, consider whether the accessory genuinely solves a problem you have. There’s little point spending money on a gadget simply because it looks impressive if you won’t actually use it.
It’s also worth checking:
For electrical accessories, pay particular attention to specifications and safety. Cheap chargers and other electrical products aren’t necessarily good value if they are poorly made or unsuitable for your vehicle.
The best car accessories are those that provide a genuine benefit.
A dash cam can provide useful footage, a tyre inflator can help you maintain correct tyre pressures, a jump starter can be valuable during a battery problem and a car vacuum can make regular cleaning much easier.
You don’t need to buy everything on this list. Instead, think about the situations you regularly encounter and choose accessories that will actually be useful.
If you’re preparing your car for longer journeys, our summer driving guide also covers useful vehicle checks and preparation.
There are thousands of car accessories available, so choosing the right ones can sometimes be difficult.
The best car accessories don’t have to be expensive or packed with technology. Often, the most useful products are simple items that solve everyday problems or give you extra peace of mind when you’re driving.
Whether you’re looking for better technology, easier cleaning, tyre equipment or emergency supplies, choosing accessories based on how you actually use your vehicle is the best way to avoid wasting money.
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