Car Accessories
Upgrade and personalize your vehicle with the best car accessories — from seat covers and dash cams to phone mounts and emergency kits.
Quick Answer
Start by identifying your car's needs: safety, comfort, or convenience. Essential accessories like phone mounts, dash cams, and seat covers cost $50–$300. The most important thing is choosing quality accessories that fit your specific vehicle model to avoid compatibility issues.
Introduction
Car accessories enhance your vehicle's functionality, safety, and aesthetics while protecting your investment. From practical organizers to protective coatings, the right accessories improve your driving experience and maintain your car's condition for years to come.
Compare Your Options
| Option | Best For | Time | Cost | Skill Needed | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dash Cams | Safety documentation and insurance protection | 30 minutes to 1 hour | $100–$400 | Minimal electrical knowledge | Records accident footage for insurance claims, deters theft and vandalism, provides legal evidence in disputes, modern cams offer cloud backup. | Monthly subscriptions add costs, privacy concerns with recording, installation requires routing cables, requires power source and memory cards. |
| Protective Covers and Mats | Interior and exterior preservation | 30 minutes to 2 hours | $100–$500 | No special skills needed | Protects against wear, dirt, moisture, and UV damage, improves resale value, easy to clean and replace, custom-fit options available. | Custom fit requires specific model information, weather mats may shift during driving, seat covers reduce luxury feel, installation takes time. |
| Phone Mounts | Safe navigation without distracted driving | 5 minutes | $15–$60 | Hands-free GPS navigation, safe messaging access while driving, easy installation on various surfaces, affordable pricing options available. | Can obstruct dashboard view, magnetic mounts damage some phones, vent mounts reduce air conditioning, may fall in rough conditions. | |
| Towing Equipment | Hauling cargo or trailers safely | 2-4 hours professional | $300–$1200 | Professional installation required | Enables towing capacity, distributes weight safely, professional installation available, increases vehicle functionality and versatility. | Professional installation required, expensive initial investment, reduces fuel economy, increases maintenance costs, permanent modification. |
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Must Have Products
Garmin Dash Cam Mini 2
- ✕Small screen limits quick review
- ✕Premium pricing for compact size
Bottom line: Excellent reliable dash cam with excellent video quality and reliability.
Meguiar's Gold Class Car Wash
- ✕Requires regular application every month
- ✕More expensive than generic washes
Bottom line: Professional-grade wash that protects paint without harsh chemicals or damage.
WeatherTech Floor Mats
- ✕Higher upfront cost than basic mats
- ✕Specific fit needed per vehicle
Bottom line: Durable custom-fit mats that protect floors and retain resale value.
Vent Mount Pro Phone Holder
- ✕Reduces air vent airflow slightly
- ✕May loosen over time
Bottom line: Secure adjustable phone mount for safe GPS navigation and calling.
CURT Trailer Hitch Class 3
- ✕Professional installation recommended strongly
- ✕Expensive initial investment for occasional use
Bottom line: Heavy-duty hitch rated for maximum towing capacity and reliability.
Common Mistakes
Applying multiple wax layers without proper removal
Remove old wax with a compound before applying new layers. Buildup reduces shine and creates streaks. Clean thoroughly between applications for best results and professional appearance.
Installing seat covers too tightly over airbags
Ensure seat covers have proper airbag cutouts and install loosely to avoid obstruction. Check manufacturer specifications and test airbag function after installation to maintain safety features.
Neglecting dashboard protectant maintenance
Reapply dashboard protectant every three months to prevent cracking from UV exposure. Use a microfiber cloth and follow product instructions carefully for even coverage and longevity.
Using improper cleaning products on interior surfaces
Match cleaning products to specific materials like leather, plastic, or fabric. Using wrong cleaners causes discoloration, damage, and deterioration. Always test products on hidden areas first.
Installing accessories without checking compatibility first
Verify fitment with your specific vehicle year, make, and model before purchasing. Check reviews and manufacturer compatibility lists to avoid installation problems and costly returns.
Pro Tips
- ★Apply ceramic coatings in cool, shaded environments for optimal bonding and glossy finish that lasts longer than traditional waxes.
- ★Invest in protective floor mats immediately to prevent interior damage from moisture and dirt that diminishes resale value significantly.
- ★Use microfiber cloths exclusively for drying and polishing to prevent swirl marks that compromise your vehicle's paint clarity and shine.
- ★Regularly clean cabin air filters to maintain peak HVAC efficiency, fuel economy, and passenger air quality throughout the year.
- ★Store leather conditioning products properly in cool temperatures to prevent degradation and ensure they remain effective for interior protection.
Useful Apps & Services
DashLink 2
DashLink is a plug-n-play virtual dashboard system for your vehicle that allows you to display AutoMeter gauges and…
CARFAX Car Care
Track maintenance and repairs performed on your vehicle with the free CARFAX Car Care app!
Dashcam Viewer
This app is only compatible with Thinkware X350 / F750 / F770 / FA700 dash cams.
carVertical: Check Car History
carVertical is a VIN check and VIN lookup app that provides detailed car and motorcycle history reports.
