This isn’t going to be a list of Pimp My Ride-worthy supersonic sound systems, hot tubs in the back of the truck, aquariums, or even chandeliers, but a practical list of all the car accessories that may actually improve your driving experience.
From the best dash cams that will prove your innocence in an accident to wireless Bluetooth transmitters for car sound systems that predate smartphone connectivity, the car accessory market is certainly a variable one.
We've also got the best sat nav and the best car phone holder, for those really looking to upgrade their car cabin.
But before we get into the cool gadgetry, there’s one necessary item that clinches the top spot. Dog hair, crisp crumbs, mud, hairpins and the odd penny coin; by the end of the month, your car probably looks like a detritus dumping ground. That means the clever and convenient Dyson V6 Car & Boat is a no-brainer when it comes to ‘need to buy’ car accessories.
The others? We’ll leave the ‘need to buy’ decision up to you – they are all pretty cool, though.
Best car accessories you can buy
Why you can trust T3 Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing products and services so you can choose the best for you. Find out more about how we test.
1. AA Wireless dongle
Enjoy Android Auto without the cables
Specifications
Dimensions: 49x49x12mm
Processor: Dual core
Bluetooth: 4.2
Connector: USB-C
Reasons to buy
+ Easy to setup and use Excellent supplementary app Connects to most cars/phones
Reasons to avoid
- You'll need to check compatibility No iPhone edition currently
The AA Wireless Dongle for Android Auto is a really handy bit of kit that allows you to enjoy everything that Android Auto has to offer, but without the cables. It's tiny and very unobtrusive, but the best bit is the ease of setup and installation.
Simply download the supporting app and plug in once, so you can configure it. Follow the steps and it'll be up and running in minutes, with no further need to connect your phone using a cable thanks to the way the device sets up its own Wi-Fi connection.
While the AA Wireless Dongle for Android Auto works with most car brands and head units, it is worth going to their website where you can check compatibility. The same goes for phones, because while it'll work with most, there are exceptions. Most notably, the AA Wireless Dongle for Android Auto will not work with Huawei handsets.
2. Carly
The do-it-yourself gadget for diagnosing faults and error codes
Specifications
Connectivity: ODB II port
Compatibility: 2000 model years and onwards
App: iOS and Android
Reasons to buy
+ Plugs into ODB II port Relatively cheap to use Beefy supporting app
Reasons to avoid
- Best features come with Premium You'll need to find your ODB II port For cars 2000 and onwards
Carly is a cool new car tech device that’s already going down a storm in Europe and the US. Boasting over two million users so far, Carly is a gadget for carrying out diagnostic checks for faults with your car. It plugs into the ODB II port in cars manufactured from 200 onwards. Clicking it into the ODB II port is easy enough and this is usually located somewhere below the dash. In short, it lets you get to the bottom of faults.
The device itself is small and fairly innocuous to look at, but the potential it offers for getting to the root of head-scratching car faults is hugely appealing. This is normally the sole preserve of mechanics and their laptops, so the Carly is a real boon for anyone who’d prefer to dodge expensive garage bills.
Carly comes with a supporting app, which means that you can get the lowdown on any technical issues as well as viewing live and historical data about your car’s health. There are a few package variants too, with the scanner only and free app needing only a one-time purchase with the option to upgrade to a pain annual subscription through the app.
Alternatively, head for the Premium Package, which is a single brand annual subscription that comes with the scanner. If you upgrade to Carly’s All Brands package, this gives you diagnostic access to all makes of vehicle. There’s a Smart Mechanic option too, with lets owners tap into decades of automotive technical expertise.
3. Nextbase 622GW Dash Cam
Catch drivers in the act with this 4K dash cam
Specifications
Resolution: 4K
G sensor: Yes
LCD screen: 3 inches
Reasons to buy
+ Wide viewing angle
Polarising filter reduces glare for the best picture
There’s nothing more annoying than trying to explain to the insurance company that the accident wasn’t your fault, no matter what kind of tangled web of lies the third party is trying to weave. Well now, the proof is in the camera.
Recording in 4K quality, this smart dash cam allows you to record and easily transfer footage from the device to your phone or home PC. It uses a magnetic pad to secure itself to the dashboard and it tracks your GPS and speed to ensure everything's fair and square whenever you happen to have an accident.
- Best dash cam: top cameras tried and tested
4. Tile Mate
‘Where me keys, where me phone?’ Don’t know? Tile Mate’ll find them
Specifications
Connection: Bluetooth
Type: GPS locator
Battery life: 1 year
Reasons to buy
+ Use your phone to find your keys Use the Tile Mate to find your phone
While the bloke from Britain’s Got Talent may have enjoyed his 15 minutes of fame (can’t remember ‘where me keys, where me phone’? Look it up on Youtube, it’ll blow your mind), we know only too well the frustration of actually misplacing them.
This handy gadget attaches to your keys; you can ring it from your phone or consult the app to see when they were last seen. You can also press the button on the Tile Mate itself and it’ll ring your phone… and it’ll even make a noise on silent mode – handy, eh?
5. Divi USB Car Charger
Charge up on the go
Specifications
Connection: USB x 2
Power: 2.4A in each USB port
Material: Aluminium
Reasons to buy
+ Two USB ports Slim design
The Divi USB charger is one of the most compact car chargers on the market, with a slimline design, which sits almost flush with the edge of the outlet. It'll allow you to simultaneously charge two devices at full speed with 2.4A in each USB port.
The aluminium case looks more premium than the plastic options on the market, and the scratch resistance technology keeps it looking like new. The Divi charger has a number of safety guarantees, and comes with a 12 month manufacturer warranty.
6. Firefly Bluetooth Receiver
A slick option for turning your can into a Bluetooth speaker
Specifications
Power: USB
Type: Bluetooth Transmitter
Phone call compatible: Yes
Reasons to buy
+ Slim, stylish design Simple use
Add Bluetooth to your car audio system with Firefly, the world's tiniest music receiver. Firefly allows you to stream music from your smartphone to any device with an AUX input.
Just plug Firefly into your audio system and a USB power source, and pair it with your smartphone. Once paired, Firefly will remember your device and auto-connect whenever you're close by.
- Best Bluetooth transmitter
7. Noco Boost Plus GB40 Jump Starter
Bring a dead battery back to life in an instant
Specifications
Petrol engines: Up to 6 liters
Diesel engines: Up to 3 liters
Battery Size: 1000 Amps
Reasons to buy
+ Compact and clever design 20 jump starts per charge 100 lumens LED flashlight
Reasons to avoid
- Quite heavy
The Noco Boost Plus Jump Starter has been cleverly designed in the US, so it boasts plenty of clever features that help to add value. You can recharge smartphones, tablets and, indeed, any other device with a USB port, which makes it doubly useful. Equally, the Noco Boost can be recharged via USB too, thanks to a combination of ports on the body of the unit.
You also get a built-in 100 lumens LED flashlight, which is an integral part of the jump starter body. That’s going to be a real bonus if you’re ever stuck by the edge of the highway in an emergency situation. You’re even able to set it to strobe or flash in an SOS manner if need be. A really nice touch.
8. Fanttik X8 Apex air inflator
Compact but lots of puff
Specifications
Maximum pressure: 150 psi
Battery: Internal
Weight: 1.8 pounds
Reasons to buy
+ Really compact Powerful Digital display
Reasons to avoid
- Foot pumps are cheaper Shortish hose
The Fanttik X8 Apex air inflator is one of those invaluable gadgets that's really worth keeping in the car. A slow puncture can happen at any time and this little beauty is just the thing to get you on the road again. It's wonderfully small, but there's a sizeable digital display that tells you everything you need to know in terms of setting pressures.
You also get the benefit of an internal battery, which in our experience seems to have a reassuringly long life before you need to recharge it. A USB power port is handy if your phone dies too, while there's an LED light built in if you're stranded after dark. Granted, it's pricer than many footpumps, but the quality is obvious. Better still, it makes light work of inflating things, from car and bike tyres through to small boats and inflatable kids toys.
9. LDesign Wireless Bluetooth FM Transmitter
Whack on the tunes with this handy Bluetooth transmitter
Specifications
Power: 5V
Type: Bluetooth Transmitter
Phone call compatible: Yes
Reasons to buy
+ Hi-fi sound quality Comes with charging port
When the radio jingles literally make you want to blow a gasket, hook up your phone to this transmitter and play your own tunes through your car stereo. With an in-built microphone, echo cancellation and noise suppression, this transmitter handily doubles up as a hands-free calling device and triples up as a charger.
Plugging right into your cigarette lighter socket, this transmitter is easy to use and, according to people who’ve already bought it, provides oodles of performance qualities, too.
10. Autoglym Supreme Car Care Collection
Give your car a proper once over
Specifications
Exterior: Yes
Interior: Yes
Cleaning cloth included: Yes
Reasons to buy
+ Covers all aspects of cleaning Tried and trusted brand
Reasons to avoid
- Quality comes at a price
If you've just got a new car, or are looking to update your old model, you'd be surprised how effective a thorough clean is. If you're looking for a total clean, you can't go wrong with Autoglym's Supreme Car Care Collection.
The kit contains everything you need to get your car sparkling again, including bodywork shampoo, super resin polish, extra gloss protection, clean wheels, instant tyre dressing, alloy wheel seal, interior shampoo, car glass polish, vinyl and rubber care. There's also everything needed to apply and buff off the products including a sponge, hi-tech finishing cloth, and finally, an aqua dry cloth.
- Best car polish and car wax: refresh and protect tired paintwork
11. Scosche USB Charger
Don’t miss out on a valuable opportunity to charge your phone
Specifications
Power: 12W
Type: USB charger
Compatible: All devices
Reasons to buy
+ 12 watts of charge Low profile design
If you’re on the go for work, taking phone calls every five minutes while browsing online spreadsheets can take its toll on your battery, so if you’re driving in between clients, it’s a great time to give your phone a boost of charge.
This Scosche USB charger is small and fits neatly into your cigarette lighter socket. It works with all smart phones and devices, and there’s two ports so you can charge up your tablet and your phone at the same time.
- Best car chargers: 12V to USB adaptors to keep your phone topped up
12. Dyson V6 Car & Boat
On the road or on the water, this hoover has you covered
Specifications
Power: 21.6 volts
Type: Handheld vacuum
Battery life: 20 minutes
Reasons to buy
+ Small and light Mini motorised tool for picking up pet hair
Combining Dyson’s powerful cyclone technology with accessories specifically designed to clean your car, this one is a no-brainer if you’re always cursing at stray dog hair and crumbs in the back seat.
From the crevice tool to the mini motorised tool for picking up dog hair, this small and light hoover is versatile and offers up to 20 minutes of charge, so you can quickly clean your car without forking out any extra at the local hand car wash.
Check our Dyson discount codes to bag the best deal.
- Best car vacuum: keep your car crumb-free and immaculate
13. AA Car Essentials Emergency Winter Car Kit
Don't get stuck in the snow
Specifications
AA approved: Yes
Carry case: Yes
Reasons to buy
+ Everything you need Compact bag
The AA Emergency Winter Car Kit is essential if you want to be prepared for winter conditions and comes in a handy storage bag to stow easily in the boot of your car. The folding shovel is compact but strong enough to tackle thick snow and the snow snow and ice grips will ensure you remain sturdy on your feet in wintry conditions.
A Hi-Vis jacket ensures other motorists can see you and a handy torch to help you see and be seen on those cold dark nights. Also included is a foil blanket to keep in body heat should you need to wait for a breakdown rescue. This kit also includes a rain ponchos plus a set of fully insulated booster cables in case of emergencies.
14. AA Ultimate First Aid Kit
Better safe than sorry
Specifications
AA approved: Yes
Carry case: Yes
Reasons to buy
+ Compact kit Extensive
This first aid kit from AA is ideal for road trips, camping or caravanning. Everything is contained within an easy-to-carry storage pouch, and you know it's a quality product, from the AA.
The extensive kit contains: wound dressings, triangular badges, first aid dressings, first aid compress, bandages, an emergency blanket, adhesive plasters, a pair of scissors, adhesive tape, and instructions on how to use everything.
15. Chris Digital Assistant
It's Amazon Alexa but for your car
Specifications
Control: Voice
Connection: Bluetooth
Internet required: No
Reasons to buy
+ Attractive design Smart functions
- Chris Digital Assistant review
Chris is a digital assistant, like Amazon's Alexa, for drivers. The smart hardware supports you like a real co-driver, giving you directions, reading messages, controlling music, and accepting calls.
Chris is attached to the windscreen like a sat nav and paired with the mobile phone via Bluetooth, and best of all, Chris also works offline, without any internet connection.
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