You love your ride. And for good reason. Where would you be without your car? Stranded. Unproductive. Hungry. It’s not pretty. So, let’s be real… you need your car more than it needs you. Despite the fact that it’s an unbalanced relationship in terms of dependence, your relationship with your vehicle is a very functional one. So, why not make the most of it by accessorizing your car in ways that will make your life even easier? Your car may even thank you (silently) for the extra love.
There are all sorts of cool accessories available for your car or truck, with many fascinating little gadgets that you may not even be aware of. From seat comfort enhancers to device accessories to interior lights and storage bins, practical and clever accessories for your vehicle can only make your life better! See our buying guide below for details and recommendations for the best car accessories.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do car accessories fit any car or truck?
Most vehicle accessories are versatile enough to fit any car or truck. However, some cars with unusually compact designs, such as small sports cars, may not accommodate accessories meant for more common car sizes. For example, a trunk organizer with separate compartments might fit in the vast majority of cars, but be too large to fit in the tiny trunk of a cool little 2-seater. The same applies with more bulky objects like vehicle waste bins. Most cars can accommodate them, but very small cars might not have adequate space for a good size trash can. In the case of these types of car accessories that require a certain spatial volume, it’s best to check the measurements of the accessory you’re considering, and then measure the available space in your car to see if it can fit. On the other hand, electronic accessories like interior lights and power adapters will work in nearly any vehicle because they don’t require much space.
Are car accessories permanent?
You can rest assured that your car accessory of choice is likely not a permanent fixture in your car, and you can take it with you when you get a new vehicle. Things like organizers, power adapters, gap fillers, and trunk organizers are easily taken out of one car and put into another. You can even switch them between different cars in your household. Exceptions to the portability of car accessories are things that use adhesive to stick to the interior of the car, such as LED lights or phone holders. In these cases, most adhesive can be removed, but then it will lack its original stickiness, and won’t adhere well with subsequent applications.
Will I have to alter my car to accommodate an accessory?
In the vast majority of cases, car accessories do not require you to alter your vehicle in any permanent way. Even adhesives can be removed if desired. Enjoying the benefits of accessories like trash cans, organizers, visor pockets and power adapters requires no alternation of the interior of your car.
Buying Guide
So much to choose from! Since they make nearly everything you can think of, plus many gadgets and contraptions you’ve never seen, choosing the car accessory that’ll be a perfect fit for you can take some time. In order to bypass the hype and make the best choice for you, consider these aspects while shopping for car accessories:
- Function or Type: What kind of car accessory would make your life easier or more fun? A waste basket that holds a plastic bag? Colored lights that flash to the music, or a power inverter that allows you to charge your laptop in the car? Or maybe you could really benefit from a gap filler that prevents objects from falling in between the seat and the console. Think about what type of car accessory would lessen your burdens and enhance your life in some way. Luckily, there’s something for everyone when it comes to car accessories! Some car accessories allow you to have a nice organized life while on the road, and others add utility with new power sources. Still other car accessories, like multicolored interior lights, add a brilliant “wow” factor that makes driving at night an exciting sensory event.
- Size: Before you purchase a car accessory, it’s a good idea to check its size and compare it to the available space in your vehicle. For example, some trunk organizers are quite large, and not all trunks are big. Some waste baskets and console organizers are very practical, but if they don’t fit in the space inside your car, they’re not useful. Just to be sure that the car accessory you want is a good fit in your car, check the space in your car and the measurements of the accessory because you buy.
- Versatility: It’s always nice to get more for your money, and some car accessories are multifunctional. In other words, you can use them to enhance your life in a variety of ways. For example, a power inverter might take regular 110V plugs, but also charge USB devices. A trash can with a lid might be the waste basket you need, but also have additional side pockets for organization. Further, colored interior lights might be programmable to do all sorts of cool things and show a wide variety of colors. Consider the versatility of a car accessory, and you’ll see that they really have thought of everything!
Whether you’re just looking for something simple and practical, or you want to go all out, the perfect car accessory for you is out there! Here is a list of our top picks for the best car accessories on the market:
Drop Stop – Car Seat Gap Filler, Set of 2
Best Overall
Prevents Losing Objects Under the Seat
If you ever dropped your keys or your phone in the gap between your seat and the center console, you know it can be frustrating. Drop Stop solves this problem.
This ingenious invention was featured on the TV show Shark Tank, and it includes two foam gap fillers with a seat belt slot. The Drop Stop gap filler goes in between your seat and the center console, and moves with the seat for different drivers and passengers. It eliminates the gap next to the seat where you can easily drop and lose your phone, your keys, food, or anything else, under the seat. Now, anything that falls next to your seat will stay at the top, within easy reach.
Pros:
- 100% gap coverage between seat and console
- With slot for seatbelt
- Moves with seat adjustments
- Durable and made to last
Cons:
- May not fit some vehicle seats
- Too short for some vehicle seats
HOTOR Car Trash Can and Organizer
Most Practical
Covered Waste Bin with Lid & Pockets
Neatly contain the trash that accumulates in your vehicle with this useful and sizable trash bin with an easy-access rubber lid.
One thing that most cars do not include is a built-in waste basket. However, it’s safe to say that 100% of people need a trash can in their car. This trash can from HOTOR has side buttons that secure the bag inside, has two handles, and three side and front mesh pockets for organization. It’s plenty large, too, fitting up to two gallons of waste.
Pros:
- Lid with rubber opening keeps garbage in
- 3 side pockets for organization
- Leakproof – made of durable nylon
- Large – choose from 2 or 3-gallon sizes
Cons:
- Soft and flexible – does not hold its shape
- Too large for some spaces
Govee LED Smart Interior Car Lights
Most Dazzling
Color Changing Lights Sync to Music
Control the programmable mode of these interior lights with the Govee app, and choose from millions of colors to deck out your car.
Be the coolest car on the road with these colored LED lights that sync to your music. You can set the lights to a large variety of modes and programs with the app, and also change their brightness and color. These light strips from Govee install easily with adhesive strips and support clips.
Pros:
- Millions of colors of LED interior strip lights
- Control program mode and brightness/dimming with app
- Built-in mic for syncing to music
- Choose colors from images on your device
Cons:
- Lack intense brightness
- May not hold up for long-term use
Drive Auto Car Trunk Organizer
Best for Storage
Easily Sort Items in Your Trunk
Keep the stuff you carry around in your trunk well organized and safe from moving around with this practical trunk organizer.
You’ll have a space for everything with this collapsible trunk organizer from Drive Auto, so your groceries don’t have to touch your windshield wiper fluid. This multi compartment organizer collapses down for easy storage, and secures to your car with hooks so it won’t slide around. You can also choose from gray, tan, or black colors to match your car.
Pros:
- 3 large compartments, 2 medium pockets and and 4 small mesh pockets
- Waterproof lining
- Tie-downs to prevent shifting
- Choice of colors: black, tan, or gray
Cons:
- Sides may lose rigidity over time
- Hardware for tie-downs lack durability
FOVAL 200W Car Power Inverter with 110V and USB
Most Power Ports
Plug in Anything to Your Car
With this power inverter, you gain two standard 110V outlets, allowing you to charge your laptop or power other devices while in the car.
This power inverter from FOVAL fits into your car’s cigarette lighter and gives you two standard 110 AC power sockets (regular plug outlets) and four USB charging ports. So, you can run powered devices in your car that need a regular power outlet. This feature is excellent for medical devices such as breast pumps or CPAP machines, and an endless variety of devices and gadgets that need power while you’re out and about.
Pros:
- Creates standard 110 AC outlets and USB ports in any car
- Overload protection and smart cooling fan
- Small and portable at 3.2” x 2.5” x 1.5”
- Power switch and LED power indicator
Cons:
- Cannot be used with high-powered appliances
- May not hold up for long term use
