13 Car Accessories You Simply Must Have
Whether you are road-tripping or simply driving to work and back everyday, your car becomes your home for a substantial period of time.
Statista revealed 38% of South Africans spend 15 to 29 minutes in their car daily while 28% spend between 30 and 59 minutes. Overall, this is a lot of time to spend in one vehicle, so why not make it enjoyable?
Here are our top car accessories we think you simply must have!
Car Charger
Our phones are our lives. They have our maps, music, podcasts and emergency contacts. Keep your phone’s battery on a healthy number with a car charger that is seamless and fits perfectly inside your car’s built-in spot for it. You might also want to invest in long cables for anyone to be able to plug in, no matter where they’re seated. We recommend the 40W or 65W version with dual ports for USB and USB Type C from Baseus.
Car Rubbish Bin
It might seem odd, but a rubbish bin comes in very handy. Instead of tissues, sweetie packets and other wrappers lying around, invest in a little rubbish bin especially designed for your car. These car accessories come in varying sizes depending on your needs and often allow for an insert so everything is kept clean and tidy. Fitting inside a cup holder, this Automotive Trash Can is perfect for small pieces of rubbish. Even better, this sleek trash can from Takealot attaches to your side door.
Car Phone Holder
As we mentioned before, your phone is also your GPS whilst in the car. Instead of keeping it on your lap or holding it and risking a fine for reckless driving, why not get one of these car accessories that attaches to your dashboard or windscreen? Phone holders also come in handy if you do not have Bluetooth and can put your phone on speaker whilst on a call. A long wire comes in clutch here – pun intended – for when you need to charge it simultaneously. We recommend this Blue Carbon Phone Mount.
Car Air Fresheners
These are our favourite car accessories, because they just smell so good! Whether you want a minty smell or a rose fragrance, there is something for everyone. Air fresheners can either hang around your rearview mirror, attach onto your air vent or sit on your dashboard. For men, we recommend the Solar Powered Rotating Helicopter dashboard air freshener. Another is this Little Dog from Ocean Splash whilst your classic air freshener hanging bottle is available here.
Rear-view Mirror Pendants
If you opt for an air fragrance that leaves your rearview mirror free, hang a pendant around it for aesthetic purposes instead. We like crosses, flowers, good luck charms or meaningful symbols that accompany you whenever you are in the driver’s seat. Another trend is the swinging duck, available from Takealot.
Dashboard Dancers
Dash dancers or bobble heads are figurines that stick to your dashboard and bob along during your drive. These car accessories are trending now with rubber ducks but really, anything goes. We recommend this gangster duck ornament from Takealot with its mini sunglasses, necklace and beanie. Another option is the Compass Ball which actually works!
Emergency Scrunchies
Whether you are a girl or guy with long hair, or have a partner with luscious locks, scrunchies around the gear stick are a classic car accessory. We love having two or three in different colours to create a proper stack that can dwindle without ever being empty. Get a set of four satin scrunchies from Acquiesce to get started.
Air Vent Decoration
Air vents in cars are practical and functional, but they can be pretty too. Decorate the flow of air with flowers, butterflies or other objects that clip onto the vents. It might seem insignificant, but once you have had them for a while, your car feels naked without these accessories. This bright sunflower is just one example. Another option is these Skull Clips with sunflower wreaths – adorable, but cool!
Car Sunshades
South Africa is HOT this Summer. There is no need to squint your eyes or worry about a one-armed tan with sunshades on your windows. Heartdeco on Amazon.co.za has a four-piece magnetic sunshade set that is affordable and long-lasting. With 10 moveable magnets for easy installation on doors with metal car frames, it offers protection from direct sunlight, UV rays and prying eyes.
Steering Wheel Covers
Take a trip back to the 2000s with a steering wheel cover. Trending in the past, steering wheel covers not only provide fun decorations for the interior of your car, but also improves grip. Plus, it saves you from burning yourself on your steering wheel’s metal sections after it’s been in the sun for a while. Takealot has a massive range of universal covers with flowers, paw prints, insects and more.
Gear Knob Covers
After using it for a while, your gear knob can become warn. Replace it with a funky one that still does the same job. However, you will need to make sure it is compatible with your car model before you purchase it to avoid disappointment. One example is the hoodie trend cover.
Tyre Valve Caps
Moving to the outside of your car, decorate your wheels with specialised valve caps. Either with the logo of your car or a picture of your favourite flower, these valve caps will make you smile whenever you are checking your tyre pressure. For example, get these ST valve caps for your Ford Fiesta or Focus ST.
Bumper (or other) Stickers
The bumper sticker trend is back, but not quite as you remember it. Instead of family stickers on the back windscreen of your car, any sticker, anywhere on your car, is a hit. A unique exterior accessory is this Bean Sproat 3D sticker from Takealot. Boyfriends, get your girl this Passenger Princess vinyl sticker and she will love you forever. Or, a funny one to make the petrol attendant giggle, is this vinyl sticker, also from Takealot.
It really is worth it to make your vehicle aesthetically pleasing, especially since South Africans spend so much time on the road. We’re eager to see your car accessories. Feel free to share some tips and pics with us!
