10 Clever Car Accessories That You Need (Updated)

There are some car owners who practice a minimalist philosophy when it comes to keeping things in a car. Others run the opposite, and literally have their entire belongings kept away inside their trunks.

Somewhere in between is this list of ten things we believe all car owners should have in their vehicles. Aside from the usual emergency kits that should already be in your car, we are adding some more accessories that we think are extremely useful for drivers. Note that we're not affiliated to any of the products here, so feel free to choose others that work better for you. Here are our top choices:

1. Owner’s Manual

Don't leave your owner's manual at home. Not only do they provide very helpful information on how to make your car more effective and safe, but they also give detailed images on how to solve common problems that drivers encounter on the road.

Some owners prefer to use a photocopied version of their manual. Whatever the case, make sure it's with you at all times.

2. Blind Spot Mirrors

There will always be a blind spot on your car, no matter how well you position your side view mirrors. This is true in most vehicles, except maybe for most passenger cars and trucks.

That small, convex, round mirror you see attached on side mirrors are the most basic in design, but they're extremely helpful if you want to limit your blind spot areas. The most optimal location to place them would be on the upper corner (and at the outer corner) of your side mirror. Adjust it so you can see what your side mirror cannot reach.

3. Flat Tire Sealers / General Sealers

You never know when you're going to get a flat tire, but at least you know you're prepared once it happens. Flat tire sealers are meant to help you out during an emergency. They are, however, temporary fixes, so you still have to get your tires repaired as soon as you can.

Tire sealants work by simply placing the can's nozzle to the tire valve stem and then releasing its contents inside the tire. This seals the puncture, giving you time to drive to the next gas station and seek help. Some well-recommended ones today are: Fix-a-Flat and Penray. Manufacturer-specific inflator kits are also available for a number of car brands, but they're more expensive.

Another kind of sealer is the one you use for other parts of your vehicle. General sealers are great to use in case your cable cord is broken, your car windows are cracked, or your plastic dashboard is falling apart. We especially like Sugru. This innovative and fun sealer has a lot of uses not just for your car, but also for your home.

4. Wireless Key Finder

No bigger than a standard key chain, the wireless key finder comes in especially handy when the universe stubbornly withholds the secrets of your disappearing car keys.

Also called car key finders or key locators, these are small electronic devices that are attached to a set of keys. Their most basic function is to alert you where your keys are by beeping or flashing a light. All you need do is press a button or clap if you can't find them.

There are many key finders in the market today. Choosing them will depend on the design, battery life, app features, volume, and range of the key finder. The best ones in the market today are:

• Stick N' Find
• The Tile
• TrackR
• Find One Find All
• Pixie

5. Slot Mount / Holder for Phone or Tablet

You only have two hands, so you better make sure they're doing what they're supposed to do: driving. Both your hands should be holding the steering wheel, not dialing a number, texting, or worse -- doing both.

Phone mounts or holders secure your cell phone in a fixed place, so you don't need to hold your phone while you're talking to someone on your cellphone. They will help you--

• Prevent from getting distracted while driving.
• Hear conversations more clearly.
• Go through your music files without difficulty.
• Play movies for your passengers.
• Utilize your phone as a GPS system.
• Charge your phone (at the same time).

There are many cellphone mounts available right now, and they include dashboard mounts, windshield mounts, vent mounts, and cigarette lighter mounts. Their difference is only in the location they're placed at, but their function remain pretty much the same.

You can choose the right cellphone mount by making sure that your phone will fit snugly in the holder. Don't go for those with custom cradles, but instead, choose those with universal cradles. That way, you get to use it again if ever you purchase a new cellphone. The most well-known car phone holder manufacturers include: Cellet Universal, Arkon, Seidio, and Belkin.

6. Memory Foam Neck Pillow

Feeling tired after a few hours of driving? You might be suffering from stiff neck or back pain. There are many reasons why driving can be especially hard on these parts of your anatomy:

• Your spine is constantly exposed to jolts and vibrations in and out of the car.
• Seats are not often ergonomically made.
• You strain your vertebrae and discs.
• Car seats can place a big strain on your hamstrings.

Memory foam car neck pillows helps relieve pressure, and keeps the neck aligned with the spine, so you don't strain your body while driving. It's shaped according to the specific contours of your neck, so it makes for one comfortable and easier ride.

When choosing a memory foam, choose high-density memory foam for better support. If you're on a strict budget, you can opt for the low-density ones, instead.

7. Car Sunshade

You might think they're just sunshades, but they're not just there to deflect sunlight. Sunshades are great because:

• They keep your car cool and maintain a lower temperature by blocking out the sun's rays.
• They protect the important areas that house your electronic gadgets, especially heat-sensitive stereo systems, LCD televisions, DVD players, and CD players. This lengthens their life and workability.
• They protect and preserve your car interiors, particularly your dashboard and car seats. A sunshade helps block damaging rays that can warp, damage, and bleach these interior parts, making them last longer.

Choosing the right car shade depends on you and your family's needs. Fixed type shades help protect infants in a car seat, while pull-down shades help adults or older children to adjust their preferred brightness. Shades should also be rated for UV resistance, and should be specifically noted on the package.

8. USB Car Charger

USB car chargers allow you to recharge your tablet and phone. There are thousands of these gadgets in the market today, so we won't be surprised if you're confused about which charger to buy. Our number one rule is this: Underpowered chargers are a waste of money. How will you know? Here's what you need to look for:

• Look for those with multiple ports, not just single ones.
• Choose a device that can, at the very least, provide at least 2.1 amps per USB port. You can find it out by dividing the listed amps given by the manufacturer to  the number of ports on the device. If the figure is less than 2.1, it's a total waste of money.

Let's say that you want to buy a USB with 3 ports, and it offers a 3.8 amp rating. If you divide this by 3, you  get 1.27, or 1.3 amps per port. That's less than 2.1 amps. While this  may adequately charge your mobile phone, things will really slow down if you do this together with your working GPS and a mini fan on the other two ports. What's worse is that some newer devices won't properly charge if the amp rating is less than 2, so this makes this a thumbs down for us.

We recommend Omaker, Satechi, Anker, and Aukey chargers. Scosche is also a good name. Its dependable USBC242M model has 2-port chargers that offer 4.8 amps of output. Nice one for such a low-key device.

9. Bluetooth Connectivity

Bluetooth has already established itself as the premier wireless connectivity standard for vehicle accessories, and we couldn't agree more.

It offers benefits like hands-free text messaging, telephony (Hands-Free Profile) or speakerphone calling, audio streaming, data gathering, voice command (for infotainment systems), and many others. It's universally-supported by all kinds of phones, and most car manufacturers today are adding Bluetooth functionality in their standard cars.

Vehicles without bluetooth connectivity can choose from among thousands of brands in the market today. Motorola offers some of the cheaper bluetooth in-car speakerphones and starts at around P1,500 (Motorola Sonic Rider). Many of its products are well-rated, so it's a good idea to check them out.

10. Multi-Purpose Spray Lubricant

Spray lubricants help reduce friction, protect metal from corrosion and rust, and remove grease and grime. They also remove tar and adhesives when you're working on your car. But the best thing it can do is help penetrate stuck and rusted parts, such as screws and bolts. Many drivers report how these spray lubricants have saved them from small-to-large catastrophes, from lubricating car seats to opening rusty bolts in spare tires.

Our top favorite is WD-40. Next in line are Super Lube and 3M multi-purpose lubricant.

Updated on August 28, 2020 by Gail Alcabaza

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