Owning a car with many features is great, but there are several products that can make your life behind the wheel easier. Here are our recommendations for the best car accessories currently available on the market…
Modern cars are equipped with a myriad of features and equipment, but these features are often not able to meet the individual needs of their owners. For example, your latest car may well be equipped with Apple CarPlay and a built-in air freshener, but chances are, this won’t be enough to satisfy you.
These products won’t necessarily meet all your specific needs, but given the sheer number of accessories available on the market, we hope this list will inspire you by giving you some ideas that could make your life as a motorist easier.
1. The Thule Epos bike rack
If you’re not a cyclist, you can skip this accessory and move on to the next one. However, cycling enthusiasts and those with sporty families should definitely purchase this accessory and install it on their vehicle.
There are currently a wide variety of bike racks for cars. That said, we recommend opting for a model that can be installed on a tow bar. Unfortunately, this is more expensive than other types of bike racks, and your car must, of course, be equipped with a tow bar. However, if you and other members of your family regularly cycle, the benefits of this product more than make up for its price. It won’t get in the way of your vehicle while driving and will allow you to quickly pick up or store your bikes, while still allowing you to access your trunk.
2. The Ego Power+ HPW2000E
If you’ve decided to wash your car yourself and have a cleaning kit in your garage, the next step is to purchase a pressure washer. Scrubbing the paint directly can damage it with small grains of sand or other dirt.
As with most of the products featured here, a good pressure washer can vary in price. Many people will be happy with a relatively small unit costing around £100, which will be powerful enough to remove everyday grime from their car.
3. The Foxwell NT680 OBD scanner
Your car’s on-board computer can diagnose problems on its own. However, to read these diagnostics, you need a special device called an OBD (On-Board Diagnostics) scanner. Mechanics will usually charge you for this procedure, so it may be worth purchasing a scanner to perform it yourself.
4. The Outwell Dreamboat self-inflating mattress
In recent years, there has been an explosion in the number of drivers using their cars for camping. What better way to take advantage of your panoramic roof than sleeping under the stars in your vehicle?
But how can you ensure a truly comfortable night’s sleep? You can pile duvets in the backseat or try to fit an air mattress in, but the best solution is to invest in a mattress that fits your vehicle perfectly.
5. A maintenance kit
If your car has sparkling paint, it’s best to keep it that way, not only for aesthetics but also to preserve its resale value. We never recommend using an outdoor car wash, as its harsh brushes can scratch your vehicle’s paint. To ensure a good result and limit the risk of scratches, it’s best to wash your car yourself. Enthusiasts call this “detailing,” which involves cleaning every nook and cranny of your car to make it look its best.
6. A car vacuum cleaner
If you’re cleaning the exterior of your car, don’t forget the interior! The amount of debris that can accumulate inside is simply incredible, especially if you have a messy family. You can use a regular household vacuum cleaner with an extendable hose, but if its power cord isn’t long enough or you want something more maneuverable, opt for a smaller cordless vacuum cleaner that will be better suited to this task.
The simplest models only vacuum surface dirt, while more advanced models are significantly more powerful. They can be equipped with additional brushes and various accessories that allow you to reach even the smallest corners and clean carpets and rugs thoroughly.
7. A headrest tablet holder
If you’re driving alone, skip this product for legal reasons. However, if you have passengers in the back, especially children, a tablet holder is almost essential in your vehicle. Several car manufacturers offer models that attach to the back of the front seats, but these are quite expensive.
Fortunately, there’s a cheaper alternative: you can buy headrest mounts online for less than 20 euros. For most people, these inexpensive products do the job perfectly. Based on our experience, we don’t think it’s worth shelling out a lot of money for a fancy tablet holder. If the kids only need it to watch Netflix on the way to their grandparents’ house, it’s better to save some money.
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