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 Interior Lighting

Govee LED Car Lights

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

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

Best Interior Lighting

Govee LED Car Lights

Pros
  • 45 Cool Car Accessories You Didn't Know You Needed (20)16 million colors
  • 45 Cool Car Accessories You Didn't Know You Needed (21)Colors can bounce to the beat of the music
Cons
  • 45 Cool Car Accessories You Didn't Know You Needed (22)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.

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Best Car Trash Can

Car Trash Can

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

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

Best Car Trash Can

Car Trash Can

Now 29% Off

Pros
  • 45 Cool Car Accessories You Didn't Know You Needed (25)Leakproof
  • 45 Cool Car Accessories You Didn't Know You Needed (26)Doubles as a cooler when not in trash mode
Cons
  • 45 Cool Car Accessories You Didn't Know You Needed (27)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 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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    Best Lip Balm Holder

    Car Chap Lip Balm Holder

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

    Best Lip Balm Holder

    Car Chap Lip Balm Holder

    Pros
    • 45 Cool Car Accessories You Didn't Know You Needed (43)Easy to install
    • 45 Cool Car Accessories You Didn't Know You Needed (44)Holds most tube lip balms
    Cons
    • 45 Cool Car Accessories You Didn't Know You Needed (45)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.

    A Must-Have Organizer

    Car Registration & Insurance Card Holder

    45 Cool Car Accessories You Didn't Know You Needed (46)

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

    A Must-Have Organizer

    Car Registration & Insurance Card Holder

    Now 25% Off

    Pros
    • 45 Cool Car Accessories You Didn't Know You Needed (48)Clear pockets
    • 45 Cool Car Accessories You Didn't Know You Needed (49)Organize your important info
    Cons
    • 45 Cool Car Accessories You Didn't Know You Needed (50)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.

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    Easy USB Addition

    USB Adapter

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

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

    Easy USB Addition

    USB Adapter

    Now 10% Off

    Pros
    • 45 Cool Car Accessories You Didn't Know You Needed (53)Adds two USB ports
    • 45 Cool Car Accessories You Didn't Know You Needed (54)Flush surface
    Cons
    • 45 Cool Car Accessories You Didn't Know You Needed (55)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.

    Cool Way to Light Up Your Cupholders

    LED Cup Holder Lights

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

    Cool Way to Light Up Your Cupholders

    LED Cup Holder Lights

    Pros
    • 45 Cool Car Accessories You Didn't Know You Needed (57)Wireless
    • 45 Cool Car Accessories You Didn't Know You Needed (58)7 colors available
    Cons
    • 45 Cool Car Accessories You Didn't Know You Needed (59)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.

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    Best Little Friend

    Car Mirror Swinging Duck

    45 Cool Car Accessories You Didn't Know You Needed (60)

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

    Best Little Friend

    Car Mirror Swinging Duck

    Now 15% Off

    Pros
    • 45 Cool Car Accessories You Didn't Know You Needed (62)A duck with gold chains—awesome
    • 45 Cool Car Accessories You Didn't Know You Needed (63)And a big hat
    Cons
    • 45 Cool Car Accessories You Didn't Know You Needed (64)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.

    Most Compact Jump Starter

    NOCO Portable Jump Starter

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

    45 Cool Car Accessories You Didn't Know You Needed (66)

    Most Compact Jump Starter

    NOCO Portable Jump Starter

    Now 20% Off

    Pros
    • 45 Cool Car Accessories You Didn't Know You Needed (67)Very compact
    • 45 Cool Car Accessories You Didn't Know You Needed (68)Easy interface
    Cons
    • 45 Cool Car Accessories You Didn't Know You Needed (69)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.

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    Best Screen Magnifier

    DLseego 14-Inch Screen Magnifier

    45 Cool Car Accessories You Didn't Know You Needed (70)

    Best Screen Magnifier

    DLseego 14-Inch Screen Magnifier

    Pros
    • 45 Cool Car Accessories You Didn't Know You Needed (71)Collapsible
    • 45 Cool Car Accessories You Didn't Know You Needed (72)Magnifies phone screen by three or four times
    Cons
    • 45 Cool Car Accessories You Didn't Know You Needed (73)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 (74)

    45 Cool Car Accessories You Didn't Know You Needed (75)

    Best Power Inverter

    SuperOne 150W Power Inverter

    Now 12% Off

    Pros
    • 45 Cool Car Accessories You Didn't Know You Needed (76)Features a plethora of plug-in choices
    • 45 Cool Car Accessories You Didn't Know You Needed (77)Fits easily in a cupholder
    Cons
    • 45 Cool Car Accessories You Didn't Know You Needed (78)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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    Goofy Cigarette Lighter

    Fire Missiles Cigarette Lighter

    45 Cool Car Accessories You Didn't Know You Needed (79)

    Goofy Cigarette Lighter

    Fire Missiles Cigarette Lighter

    Pros
    • 45 Cool Car Accessories You Didn't Know You Needed (80)Impress your passengers
    • 45 Cool Car Accessories You Didn't Know You Needed (81)Anodized aluminum construction
    Cons
    • 45 Cool Car Accessories You Didn't Know You Needed (82)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.

    A Handy Extra Eye

    Depstech Wireless Endoscope

    45 Cool Car Accessories You Didn't Know You Needed (83)

    45 Cool Car Accessories You Didn't Know You Needed (84)

    A Handy Extra Eye

    Depstech Wireless Endoscope

    Now 41% Off

    Pros
    • 45 Cool Car Accessories You Didn't Know You Needed (85)Waterproof
    • 45 Cool Car Accessories You Didn't Know You Needed (86)Display image on your phone with app
    Cons
    • 45 Cool Car Accessories You Didn't Know You Needed (87)Accessories sold separately

    Losing something important in one of your car's many dark nooks or crannies can turn a 10-minute repair job into a frustrating hour-long affair. Not only will this wireless endoscope from Depstech help you locate that dropped 10-millimeter socket, it can also help retrieve it—as long as you buy the accessories kit. For the more mechanically involved, the scope can also be used for inspecting cylinder walls or hidden electrical connections. This device works wirelessly and projects the image from its tiny camera onto your cellphone screen.

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    Best Purse Perch

    Car Seat Headrest Hooks

    45 Cool Car Accessories You Didn't Know You Needed (88)

    45 Cool Car Accessories You Didn't Know You Needed (89)

    Best Purse Perch

    Car Seat Headrest Hooks

    Now 36% Off

    Pros
    • 45 Cool Car Accessories You Didn't Know You Needed (90)Capable of holding 13 pounds each
    • 45 Cool Car Accessories You Didn't Know You Needed (91)Comes in a pack of four
    Cons
    • 45 Cool Car Accessories You Didn't Know You Needed (92)May crowd rear passenger, depending on how big your bag is

    These headrest hooks are a simple, genius way to keep your grocery bags or purse easily within reach. Just hook around the legs of a headrest—these bad boys are rated to hold up to 13 pounds each. Better yet, you get four of them in a pack.

    Best Change Organizer

    Car Change Organizer

    45 Cool Car Accessories You Didn't Know You Needed (93)

    45 Cool Car Accessories You Didn't Know You Needed (94)

    Best Change Organizer

    Car Change Organizer

    Now 38% Off

    Pros
    • 45 Cool Car Accessories You Didn't Know You Needed (95)Compact
    • 45 Cool Car Accessories You Didn't Know You Needed (96)Easy to insert and remove coins
    Cons
    • 45 Cool Car Accessories You Didn't Know You Needed (97)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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    Best Option for Car Foodies

    Car Steering Wheel Tray

    45 Cool Car Accessories You Didn't Know You Needed (98)

    45 Cool Car Accessories You Didn't Know You Needed (99)

    Best Option for Car Foodies

    Car Steering Wheel Tray

    Pros
    • 45 Cool Car Accessories You Didn't Know You Needed (100)Works with any round steering wheel
    • 45 Cool Car Accessories You Didn't Know You Needed (101)Set up for both work and food
    Cons
    • 45 Cool Car Accessories You Didn't Know You Needed (102)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.

    Best Stick-On Blind-Spot Mirrors

    Blind-Spot Mirrors

    45 Cool Car Accessories You Didn't Know You Needed (103)

    45 Cool Car Accessories You Didn't Know You Needed (104)

    Best Stick-On Blind-Spot Mirrors

    Blind-Spot Mirrors

    Now 29% Off

    Pros
    • 45 Cool Car Accessories You Didn't Know You Needed (105)Increase visibility
    • 45 Cool Car Accessories You Didn't Know You Needed (106)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.

      45 Cool Car Accessories You Didn't Know You Needed (107)

      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 (108)

      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

      What are the most required 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

      What is a car accessory? ›

      Car accessories refer to add-ons that are used to upgrade a new car, improve its capabilities or enhance its visual appearance. Accessories for cars come in different forms, shapes and sizes.

      When was the first car made? ›

      On January 29, 1886, Carl Benz applied for a patent for his “vehicle powered by a gas engine.” The patent – number 37435 – may be regarded as the birth certificate of the automobile. In July 1886 the newspapers reported on the first public outing of the three-wheeled Benz Patent Motor Car, model no. 1.

      What was the first mass produced car in the United States? ›

      The Ford Model T is an automobile that was produced by the Ford Motor Company from October 1, 1908, to May 26, 1927. It is generally regarded as the first mass-affordable automobile, which made car travel available to middle-class Americans.

      What is something everyone should have in their car? ›

      You want to have a first-aid kit in your vehicle. At a minimum, it should contain adhesive and fabric bandages, anti-bacterial spray, antibiotic ointment, medical tape, and scissors. Many also include medical gloves, alcohol cleaning wipes, antiseptic, gauze, and tweezers.

      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 is ignition accessory? ›

      The accessory position on ignition switches turn on all accessories except the engine systems. Things not turned on include the ignition system, the fuel pump, electric power steering, transmission interlock, etc. It you left all the systems powered while the engine is not running, the battery will quickly go dead.

      What is car garnish? ›

      Chrome garnish as per my knowledge is purely aesthetic. The common areas they're found on the exterior of cars are bumper edges, grill surrounds, side cladding, window surrounds, rear number plate surrounds, front and tail lamp decorative add ons, etc.

      What powers car accessories? ›

      Automobile accessory power can be transferred by several different means. However, it is always ultimately derived from the automobile's internal combustion engine, battery, or other "prime mover" source of energy.

      What is the fastest car today? ›

      The fastest car in the world is: Koenigsegg Jesko Absolut (330 MPH) That title goes to the Koenigsegg Jesko Absolut, which recorded a staggering 330 mph top speed earlier in 2023.

      What's the best first car? ›

      The easiest car to recommend to just about anyone looking for a good first car is the Honda Fit. Affordably available, solidly reliable, extremely space-efficient, and easy to drive, the Fit carries on the tradition of lightweight Honda hatchbacks from the EG and EK Civics.

      Was the Model T the first car? ›

      Table of Contents. The Model T, sold by the Ford Motor Company from 1908 to 1927, was the earliest effort to make a car that most people could actually buy. Modern cars were first built in 1885 in Germany by Karl Benz, and the first American cars in Springfield, Massachusetts in 1893 by Charles and Frank Duryea.

      What does T stand for in Model T Ford? ›

      What does the T in Model T stand for? The T in Model T was just a letter designating the prototype in the series of cars produced by Ford Motor Company. Ford began using Model A in 1903 and moved through the alphabet until the success of the Model T was achieved.

      How many Model T Fords are left? ›

      In addition to production in Detroit, Ford assembled Model Ts in locations across the world including Trafford Park, Manchester. Approxmately 100,000 Model Ts survive today of which it is estimated that 600 are English built.

      What is the oldest Ford car? ›

      Ford called the new car the Model A, commemorating Ford Motor Company's first car, the 1903 Model A. The car was the first vehicle to sport the iconic Blue Oval logo, and it included innovative features like a Safety Glass windshield.

      What are the must have supplies in a car? ›

      However, it's still a good idea to pack basic, essential items in your vehicle. You may already have the obvious supplies — a windshield scraper and brush, snow shovel, flashlight, jumper cables, first-aid kit, bottled water and tire gauge.

      What must every vehicle be equipped with? ›

      Your vehicle is equipped with headlights, taillights, brake lights, daytime running lights, turn signals, license plate lights, reflectors, and parking lights. Every vehicle must have two headlights — one on each side on the front — and a beam indicator showing when the high headlight beam is on.

      What is the most basic maintenance item on a vehicle? ›

      Usually, basic car maintenance involves checking or replacing parts like spark plugs, wires, fluids, and serpentine belts. Scheduling maintenance services through your dealer may be best.

      What is the most common things in all vehicle? ›

      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.

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