When you first get your car, it’s a symbol of freedom. It doesn’t matter if it’s fresh off the lot with that new car smell or a used model with a few miles on it — it’s yours. You love it. As time goes on, the excitement wears off. But we spend so much time in our cars. Living in Los Angeles, I sometimes wonder if I spend more non-sleep hours in my car than in my apartment — the jury is still out on that one.
Adding small things to my car has made my life so much easier than I could have imagined. I’m not one for dramatic modifications or car upgrades, but I do like adding small conveniences that help make the time I spend in my car, better and easier. From cup holder extenders that keep me from spilling my multiple beverages (the girls that get it, get it) to magnetic phone holders that work no matter my phone size, Amazon has some of the best car products you don’t need, but will definitely want. Here are some of the best-reviewed car gadgets that will transform your own driving experience.
Get Extra Comfort with This Seat Cushion (35% off!)
If you spend a lot of time in the car, you’re going to want this incredible cushion. It adds some supportive padding to your car seat so you can rest easy no matter how long you’ve got to sit in the car, driving your kiddos from point A to point B.
A Vacuum Cleaner for Tight Spaces
Vacuum away the crumbs in your car with this portable power cleaner. Luxuriate in the pristine interior you deserve with a tool that makes car clean up way less of a chore.
An Organizer for Loose Items
If your back seat starts to look way more like a storage container, try organizing your chaos at the very least. Put away your clutter with this easy organizer so you can keep your items close without an unseemly mess.
A Travel Tray for Kids with a Dry Erase Board
Give your kids something to do during long car rides with this travel tray. Complete with a dry erase board, this travel tray lets your little one stay entertained on the ride.
A Bar to Hang Your Clothes
Creases-be-gone! This convenient hanger will keep your change of clothes wrinkle-free in transit. Keep your jackets and garment bags in pristine condition while making them way easier to carry.
A Car Seat Cover to Protect from Dogs
You might love your pet, but your car seats don’t. Protect them from your furry friend with these easy-to-use slipcovers that keep your car clean, dry, and hair-free.
A Mount for Your Phone
Mount your phone anywhere — bike, car — to keep it safe but easy to access on the road. This phone mount is the perfect, versatile cushion for your mobile device.
A Siphon for Water, Gas, Diesel
This siphon will help you out in a pinch, whether you need to siphon gas, diesel, or water. Keep this essential siphon in your trunk to be prepared on the road.
An Air Compressor to Inflate Tires
Another emergency staple: this air compressor for your tires. Don’t wait until your tires are flat to break it out! Keep them full of air to keep your car running at its best.
A Complete Brush Set for All Your Cleaning Needs
How you treat your car is a reflection of yourself. So pamper your car with this complete brush set for basic washing and polishing. Your vehicle deserves it.
A Kick Mat to Protect Passengers and Seats
Nothing is worse than someone kicking your seat — except maybe the dirt and damage the kicks can do to the seat themselves. Protect against car damage with this easy-to-connect kick mat.
A Full Emergency Kit for Any Possible Emergency
This emergency kit is the complete set of tools you never want to have to use. In case you do, this will prepare you for any car emergency. Another essential for the trunk or the glove box that will help you drive with peace of mind.
An Organizer for a Car Seat
Keep everything your little one needs in the car in a convenient car seat organizer. From snacks to toys and books, keep them quiet and entertained through every car ride.
A Shatterproof Backseat Mirror to Keep Watch
This backseat mirror helps you keep an eye on your kids in the backseat. This shatterproof mirror is an easy convenient way to watch out for your little ones from the front seat.
A Protective Sun Visor for the Left Driver Side
This protective sun visor is an upgrade for your driver’s side mirror. Keep your eyes on the road with this sun-blocking tool to improve your driving.
A Sun Visor Extender for Extra Sun Protection
For even more intense sun protection, this sheer sun visor is a sleek solution to your summer driving woes. Bright days are no longer an issue with this lightweight, protective accessory.
A Cargo Net for Your Pickup Truck Bed
This cargo net provides hassle-free storage for your pickup truck bed. Convenient and easy to put away, it’s the versatile storage option your truck needs.
A Cargo Carrier that Goes on Your Rooftop
No more squeezing awkwardly large objects in your trunk or your backseat. This cargo carrier gives you extra storage on the roof of your car. Easy to secure, your belongings can travel safely and easily with no hassle.
A Star Wars Air Freshener to Refresh Your Car
Don’t stick with boring air fresheners. This Star Wars air freshener adds personality and freshness to your car. It’s a delightful bit of joy to add to your drives — not to mention a great conversation starter with like-minded passengers.
A Sticker Travel Map Game for Long Car Rides
Tired of playing I-spy? This sticker travel map is a commemorative way to celebrate your travels, and a cool educational tool. Hang it up to show everywhere you’ve been, or take it with you to teach younger kids while on the go!
An Organizer for Car Seat Gaps
Never lose your phone between your car seats again. This seat-gap organizer isn’t just a preventative measure, it’s also a neat storage option for extra space to put driving necessities like sunglasses, your phone, or even snacks.
A Car Detailing Kit for Precise Cleaning
Take care of every single nook and cranny of your car with this complete detailing kit. A quick once-over doesn’t get all the curves and creases of your vehicle, but this kit gets into the nitty-gritty.
A Car Cleaning Kit for a Full Clean
For a more general clean, keep this kit handy for routine maintenance. It’s the basic starter kit to save money on car washes and just take care of your car yourself.
An Ice Scraper for Icy Windshields
Make winter mornings quicker and easier with this ice scraper. Don’t hack away at ice and snow. Gently but efficiently remove it with this sleek winter tool that will get you out of the driveway and on your way, fast.
A Cup Phone Holder to Carry Your Device
Need a more convenient way to prop up your phone for directions? This cup phone holder is the genius solution to help you get where your need to go without juggling your phone while driving.
A Hammock for Rooftop Napping
Turn your rooftop into an instantly cooler spot with this easy-to-install hammock. Perfect for summer, this hammock reimagines what your car roof can do and makes for the perfect perch.
A 2-Piece Car Windshield Sun Shade
Keep your car cool and protected with this two-piece shade. Avoid direct sunlight that heats up your car, and avoid prying eyes from strangers. Your car will be more inviting on hot days, and safer when parked on the street. A win-win!
A Rechargeable LED Car Visor with a Mirror
Upgrade your visor mirror with this LED visor. The rechargeable battery means you’ll always have a bright, convenient way to check your makeup before leaving the car.
Car Seat Headrest Hooks for Easy Storage
Add a convenient place to put your bags with these car seat hooks. Whether you need somewhere for your work bag, or a more sturdy solution for shopping bags or delicate groceries, these hooks are an upgrade that will change your life.
A Car Trash Can for Clutter-free Travel
Whether you’re going on a long trip or nursing a drive-thru addiction, this convenient trash can is a way to seal and store your wrappers and unwanted clutter. Plus, it’s sealable so it won’t smell!
The Coolest Cleaning Gel for Car Detailing
Move over silly putty, this slimy gel is the coolest cleaning solution I’ve ever come across. Just put it in hard-to-clean places and it will pick up all the dust and debris that has been annoying you forever.
Car Cup Holder Coasters for Non-Slip Carrying
Upgrade your cupholders with these non-slip coasters. Spills-be-gone! These coasters secure your drinks and knick-knacks and don’t budge.
The Coolest Protective License Plate Covers
Protect and shield your license plate with these translucent covers. This simple upgrade is both sleek and good for your security.
An Orthopedic Seat Cushion for Comfy Travel
Long car rides ahead? Always stuck in traffic? This car seat cushion will keep your seat comfy through it all. As an orthopedic solution, it will bend to your shape for personalized comfort.
4 in 1 Multifunctional Car Cup Holder to Do It All
Need your cup holder to do a little more? This multifunctional cup holder extends to let you carry more drinks, more items, and keep them secure throughout your ride.
A Wireless Alarm to Stop Theft
This versatile wireless alarm can protect your car with its easy-to-install and easy to use technology. Just place it on your door and control it from your phone to easily keep an eye on your vehicle.
A Bag to Protect Your Key Fob
Don’t lose or damage your key fob. This pouch will keep your fob safe, and won’t risk accidentally activating it from inside your bag.
A Steering Wheel Cover for Better Grip
Add a more personal touch to your steering wheel with this leather cover. Not only will it give your a better grip, but it will also make driving easier and more stylish with its sophisticated touch.