Are you getting your first car soon? Or are you just looking for some functional items to spruce up your vehicle? Check out our list of 27 handy and useful car accessories below, arranged according to their purposes!
Car accessories for storage and organisation
Here are some essential accessories to help with your storage needs so you can avoid losing your belongings inside the car.
1. Cable clips

With these tiny clips, you can find your charging cables easily and won’t have to worry about digging through the ton of items stowed away in your car’s glove box.
2. Car hooks

Though they may be small, car hooks are an essential accessory that can keep your bags from slipping and sliding across the floor. Whether you just went on a shopping spree or a lunch/dinner pickup run, just hang your bags on these hooks and you can drive without any worries.
3. Car organisers

There are many different types of organisers depending on where you would like to place them. This includes trunk, seat and even sun visor organisers.
With this accessory, you can store all sorts of items in a neat and organised manner. Some of them can even be folded when not in use to allow for easy storage!
4. Car roof box

Car roof boxes, or rooftop cargo bags, are waterproof storage boxes that are attached to the top of your vehicle. They’re easy to install (as long as you have a car roof rack) and can be used to store items such as climbing, skating or skiing gear.
5. Car roof rack

If you’re looking for a way to maximise the storage capacity of your vehicle, you may want to consider a car roof rack. It allows you to install a car roof box and can be used to attach large equipment and gear like bicycles and surfboards.
6. Expandable hanger bar

An expandable hanger bar might not be the first thing to come to mind when thinking about car accessories. However, it’s a handy installation, especially for those who regularly need a change of clothes for work or school – say goodbye to wrinkled clothes!
7. Phone holder or mount

The most important car accessory for any driver is a phone holder or mount. With this item, you can view the map on your navigation app easily while driving safely!
It’s often easy to install and can work with almost any kind of smartphone. Moreover, the angle and direction of the device can be adjusted to suit each individual’s preference. Some holders or mounts even come with a wireless charging function!
Car accessories for cleanliness
8. Air freshener

Installing an air freshener can help to keep your vehicle smelling clean, fresh and pleasant. This makes the drive more enjoyable for both you and your passengers!
9. Cleaning kit

Having a cleaning kit onboard your car allows you to do a quick clean in between errands. The kit can consist of items such as a microfibre cloth, brush, stain remover and car polish or wax.
10. Cordless vacuum cleaner

Aside from a cleaning kit, you may want to consider investing in a compact-sized cordless vacuum cleaner. It’ll make clearing up dust, pet fur and sand on the floor and seats much easier!
11. Mini trash bin

Instead of leaving rubbish such as candy wrappers and tissue strewn across the floor or hidden away inside your glove compartment, why not get a mini trash bin to store all your rubbish? It makes cleaning up quick and easy.
12. Tissue dispenser

Having tissue in the car is important, especially if you have kids or tend to eat in the vehicle. If you don’t have the habit of bringing tissue when heading out, why not consider placing a dispenser on your dashboard or attaching one to your sun visor so you can clean up any mess easily?
Car accessories for protecting interior and exterior surfaces
Tip!
For long-lasting protection for your car’s exterior, consider paint protection film as an alternative to these accessories. A high-quality film from brands such as STEK offers unique features such as resistance to water, dirt, UV rays and scratches.
13. Car cover

Rainwater, UV rays and bird droppings are some of the common environmental elements that can damage or dirty the exterior of your car. If you want to keep your vehicle clean and in pristine condition, get a car cover to guard against these environmental elements!
14. Car door protector

Getting out of a car parked in a tight lot can be stressful; you don’t want to leave a scratch on either party’s car. If you often face such situations, a car door protector might be the perfect solution for you!
This rubber protector can guard your vehicle against scratches and can be attached to the bumper, side mirrors and car doors.
15. Floor mat

Floor mats can protect the floor of your car from rainwater, sand, mud and more. For safety purposes, you might want to find one that’s anti-slip too!
16. Waterproof seat cover

If you have a child and/or pet, this car accessory is a must-have. It can shield your seats from all sorts of liquids, fur and mud, and makes cleaning much easier.
Car accessories for safety
17. Blind spot mirror

Blind spot mirrors are crucial if your car isn’t equipped with technologies that help you monitor blind spots. These mirrors help you get a better view of areas that are usually out of sight so you can get to your destination safely.
18. Steering lock

This might not be at the top of your list for car accessories but make no mistake – it’s a very important and handy accessory to have, especially when driving to Malaysia. It can prevent your car from being stolen while you’re enjoying a hearty meal or doing some self-pampering.
One can never be too cautious, after all, it’s better to be safe than sorry!
Car accessories for emergencies
19. Car tool set

Keeping a car tool set in your vehicle enables you to carry out small, basic repair works on your car in the event of an emergency. It can also come in handy for situations such as a flat tyre.
20. Hydraulic jack

When a tyre is underinflated (meaning that the air pressure is too low), you may experience a tyre blowout. Having a hydraulic jack with you can be extremely useful when you need to change out the tyre while on the road.
21. Jump starter

A jump starter is the go-to tool when your car is having trouble starting. This will save you the trouble of being stranded on the road and having to call roadside assistance to get your car moving.
22. Stinger

Imagine being stuck in your vehicle due to a jammed seat belt or door – that’s not a situation in which any of us would like to be. Hence, it’s always good to prepare for such situations by ensuring that you have a stinger or car safety hammer in your vehicle.
With this device, you can break the window to make a quick exit if your car door is jammed. You can also use the slim blade on the other end of the stinger to cut yourself free from a jammed seat belt.
23. Tyre inflator

Midway through your drive, you may notice that the pressure in a particular tyre is low. By having a tyre inflator onboard, you can easily inflate it and avoid being stranded on the roadside!
Other car accessories
24. LED lights

Why settle for boring when you can jazz up your car with some fancy LED lights? Enjoy a fun and exciting drive with friends and family at night in your newly lit ride – just be sure to drive safely!
25. Seat belt cover

Wearing the seat belt for long hours can be uncomfortable as it can cut into your neck, shoulders or chest. With a seat belt cover, you can enjoy long rides without encountering such discomfort.
26. Seat cushion

A comfortable seat cushion is an important accessory for any car, but even more so for those who tend to drive long hours. You may want to consider a memory foam cushion for optimal comfort!
27. Sun shades

Stick-on sun shades are a must-have; they help to protect your eyes and keep the car cool during the afternoons. They come in different sizes depending on whether they’re designed for the windscreen or the windows.
FAQs About Car Accessories
What car accessories should I buy for my first car?
This depends on your needs and preferences. In general, some key accessories you might want to consider for your first car include:
- Car cover
- Car door protector
- Car organisers
- Car tool set
- Floor mat
- Phone mount
- Waterproof seat cover
- Sun shades
What are some shops to buy car accessories in Singapore?
You can buy car accessories from both physical and online retail stores. A popular shop for such accessories is Autobacs.