If you’re buying your first car, there are plenty of accessories that can make it feel like a bespoke fit. From phone mounts to storage organisers, these are the must-have car accessories for any driver.
A Bottle Jack is a handy accessory to keep in your vehicle, making it easier to change a flat tyre. It can also be helpful during emergency situations.
Car Cover
A car cover is a must-have accessory to protect your new car from weather elements, birds, dust and other environmental factors. It also helps deter thieves and vandals from targeting your vehicle.
The best covers feature a soft or flocked interior, which can lessen potential scratches and come with tie-down straps that help keep the cover in place when not in use. Look for water-resistant and waterproof options that can withstand intense rainstorms, as well as UV-resistant fabrics that won’t gradually break down in sunlight.
Choose a cover that fits your model and size of vehicle. A cover that’s too tight can cause dents or be ripped off by strong gusts of wind, while a loose one might flap and scratch the paint. Also consider a storage bag to help you store your car cover properly and prevent mildew.
Gloves
Driving gloves are an accessory that most car owners don’t think of buying for themselves, but they’re incredibly useful and can make a big difference to your driving experience. They’re also a great gift for any car lover!
Gloves come in all sorts of styles, from cold-weather to traditional. You can even get ones that are touchscreen compatible!
A great pair of gloves will have high dexterity and abrasion resistance. They’ll be perfect for changing out rusty brake pads or pulling at sharp, broken pieces of metal! You can also find mechanics’ gloves that are latex-free for easier cleanup. This makes them more durable and safer to wear. Many types of gloves are available, including reusable leather and nitrile options. Some are even reinforced to prevent abrasions and cuts. Choose a size that will fit snugly on your hand for a comfortable grip – even before something like enrolling in a 5-hour pre-licensing course online.
Bottle Jack
A bottlejack is the unsung hero of the heavy-duty world. They’re the strong and silent type, quietly telling gravity, “Not today.”
Bottle jacks come in various weight capacities for lifting different types of vehicles. Choosing the right one is important to avoid accidents or damage to your vehicle.
While floor jacks have a broad base, bottle jacks are small and distribute the load’s weight over a smaller surface. For this reason, they are more stable than floor jacks and can lift a car with ease.
Some have a flat saddle that works well on flat surfaces, while others have a contoured or grooved saddle to grip uneven loads. It’s also a good idea to use jack stands and wheel chocks with a bottle jack to support your vehicle once it’s elevated. Then you can safely do your at-home repairs or roadside maintenance without worrying about the vehicle slipping off the jack.
Tissue Dispenser
A car tissue dispenser may seem like a small accessory, but it can make a big difference in terms of hygiene, personal comfort, and safety on the road. It’s especially useful for people who suffer from allergies or seasonal cold symptoms, as it enables them to manage their discomforts while on the move without disrupting their concentration and focus on driving.
These holders also come in various styles and materials, so you can choose one that matches your aesthetic preferences. Some even feature additional pockets or slots that can be used to store and organize other items such as pens, sunglasses, and loose change.
A good tissue holder, for example, features premium material that looks and feels like leather. It also uses magnets to open and close instead of velcro, which makes it more secure and easier to use.
Tyre Inflator
Car tyre inflators are one of the most important accessories that you should have in your vehicle. They are great to have in case your tyres get punctured while you are on the road, as they will help you to pump air into them and avoid getting stranded on unfamiliar roads.
While there are many different types of tyre inflators available, most work in the same way: they use a small motor to pull air into cylinders where it is pressurized, then pushed through a hose to an inflatable (such as a tire) to fill it up. Some can also be used to inflate other items, such as sports balls or beach toys.
This is a corded model that plugs into a 12-volt power outlet in your car or cigarette lighter. It includes adapters for airing up pool floats and sports balls, and it has an easy-to-read pressure gauge.
Window Breaker
Car windows are hard to break without a special tool. That is why it is important to have a window breaker in case you need to escape your vehicle in an emergency. The best tool for the job is a small, spring-loaded punch that can be carried in your pocket or on your keychain.
Unlike regular “hammer” type tools that require physical force, these spring-style breakers are operated by simply pressing the pointed tip against a corner of a tempered glass window and then releasing the handle. They can also have other handy functions such as a seat belt cutter or flashlight.
Owning a reliable glass breaker gives you peace of mind knowing that you can react quickly in high-stress situations. Especially since AAA research found that most tools designed to help drivers escape vehicles in crashes were unable to break laminated side windows, an innovation that was introduced in 2018. Learn more about this essential safety tool here.
Mini Dustbin with Disposable Garbage Bags
If you’re prone to making messy food purchases and don’t want to risk spilling them on the floor of your car, this is one accessory that’s worth investing in. It’s modeled after hanging trash bags used on sailboats and features a hinged closure to keep odors and spills under control. The interior is made of water-resistant vinyl and can easily be rinsed or wiped clean. This model also comes with a set of mesh storage pockets and Velcro straps that can be secured to the center console or elsewhere on the vehicle.
This bag has a generous capacity and can hold up to three gallons of waste. It also has a handy foot pedal to remove trash and keeps hands clean. Plus, the design is aesthetically pleasing and looks premium. It can be secured to the dashboard or hung from the headrest.
Floor Mats
Floor mats are one of the most important accessories in any car. They protect the carpets from dirt, water, and spilled beverages. In addition, they keep the carpets in better condition, which can help increase resale value. The best floor mats can also be embroidered with logos or designs to add a personal touch.
According to Wirecutter, there are two main types of floor mats and liners: universal-fit ones that can be used in most vehicles and custom-shaped to fit the footwells of specific years, makes, and models. The best mats stay in place, especially on the driver’s side (keeping them clear of the pedals) and don’t slip as you drive. They also have a high edge around the edges to trap dirt and spills. They also have ridges and grooves to funnel liquid into “reservoirs” where it can be dumped.
Bluetooth Speakers
A car’s stereo system can be great for enjoying music, but Bluetooth speakers provide a lot more flexibility and can often be found for a fraction of the price. Some are specifically designed for the car and feature mounts that help keep them in place, while others can be used anywhere.
For long drives, a good Bluetooth speaker can help you stay connected and enjoy your favourite tunes. You can stream music, make hands-free calls and even get navigation directions without taking your eyes off the road.
There are plenty of options out there to choose from, so be sure to consider factors such as sound quality, battery life, portability and additional features like app integration or EQ settings. You might also want to look for a waterproof option, especially if you plan on using the speaker outside the car.
