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If you are going to spend some extra time in the car, you want to invest in some products that can help make your time and travels more worthwhile. Here is a list of must-have car accessories you can buy right now to help you and your car get back to living your best lives together. Whether you are taking to the city streets or heading off the grid, some accessories can transform your ride.
Best Car Dash Cameras
As more and more drivers return to the roads, so too do their distractions. That means there are more people on the road, but not necessarily more eyes. You and your car deserve to be protected. While you may not like a back or side seat driver, an extra set of eyes never hurts; in that breath, dash cameras are quickly becoming one of the most useful car accessories. In the event of an accident, that extra set of eyes helps to document what happened so you don’t have to worry about the “he said/she said/they said” that follows.
If you’re new to the dash cam scene and are just looking for something simple to try out, we suggest the Garmin Dash Cam Mini 2. Priced on sale at $109, this camera will give you the peace of mind that comes with a dash camera. The front of vehicle (FOV) camera will give you 140 degrees of “eyesight” to add protection to your drive. Recording in 1080p means you won’t miss a detail when you rewatch your footage (which can be downloaded or shared with the simple click of a button in the partner app).
This camera will sit inconspicuously behind your review mirror, so it does not create any new blind spots or windshield distractions. Adding a second layer of safety, this camera will provide drivers with safety features that include lane departure and forward collision warnings. Did we mention this little camera is voice activated? No need to stare down at your phone (the whole point is to eliminate the distractions in the car). This great little camera will give you peace of mind whether you are on a long trip, short trip, or just want to see what the kids did with the car.
Maybe you’re ready to upgrade your dash camera and are looking for something a little more involved. Maybe you are the kind of person that wishes you could fly your drone behind your car the whole way because you want to create an epic video of the experience. Don’t worry; there’s a camera for that too. You’re looking for the Vantrue N4 priced at $259, which will give you everything you will want and more.
With the ability to record in multiple picture quality levels, including 1080p and 4K, you have all the ingredients for the videography you need. The system integrates a 155-degree viewing front camera, a 165 degree inside camera, and 160-degree rear camera that work simultaneously. This camera will work whether you are driving the day shift or the night shift with its integrated night vision. And when you reach your destination and park the car in the hotel parking lot, at the campsite, or on the street in front of a friend or family members’ house, the 24-hour park monitoring will continue to make sure your car is safe.
Whether you are creating the next video montage of your asphalt excursions or you are looking for an added set of eyes to protect you, your family, and your car, then a dash cam should be on your list of essential car accessories for your new car.
Must-Have All Weather Car Mats
For many, a must-have car accessory is a simple umbrella tucked inconspicuously away in some pocket. That is a great safety net to keep you dry, but what about the protection for your car? Sure, your car doesn’t need an umbrella in the rain (probably just some good windshield wipers), but doesn’t it deserve to be kept clean and dry too? We’ve all been in the scenario where your umbrella fails, or even worse, it just isn’t big enough for everyone that needs it, and someone is voted out from underneath only to find themselves left soaking wet. Then they get in the car! Water dripping everywhere.
Or maybe you are the kind of person that cheers at the end of “Back to the Future” when Doc Brown famously says, “Roads? Where we’re going, we don’t need roads,” because you are thinking about that mudding trip you took to the mountains with your friends over the weekend. But then you remember that you actually have to clean up the mud that is still in your car.
While most seats are easy to clean up, the carpets of the car are left soaked for days. A simple upgrade to your vehicle’s floor mats can easily become one of the best car interior accessories. Offered amongst their long list of parts and accessories for most cars, Oedro Custom Floor Mats are exactly what you need (prices vary based on model).
If you are off-roading, finding yourself stuck in inclement weather, or taking the kids for ice cream, these mats will have your mind at ease knowing your car is protected.
Car Laser and Radar Detection
One of the best car accessories for 2022 is the Uniden R7. This handy little device features long range alerts for radar, laser, red-light camera, and speed camera speed detection equipment. Using built-in directional arrows, this gadget will tell you where the signal is coming from while also informing you of the signal strength, so you know how far away the signal is coming from. Marking false alerts is easy with its built-in GPS system. And so you don’t have to take your eyes off the road because you want to be a safe and diligent driver, activated voice commands will keep your interactions hands free.
Instead of just playing a game of “Eye Spy” with the family, use this handy device to add a new game to your road trips and play “Where’s that Coming From,” adding a whole new adventure to your speed abiding, lawful driving journey.
Essential Car Cell Phone Charging
No matter how good the battery of your phone is, having efficient charging is crucial. No one wants to be on the road on 3%. Take that worry off the table by investing in wireless charging – in your car. This gadget is easy to add to any list of essential car accessories. Everything seems to be going wireless in 2022, so it is important that your car keeps up with the times.
For this, we recommend the iOttie Wireless Charger. This charger is equipped for everything you need, including form and function. It boasts Qi certified technology which means it is universal to most phone models. No need to worry about where to put it, this charger can be purchased to attach to your dash, fit in your cup holder, or even mount to an air vent providing you with whichever option is right for you. As an added touch of luxury, the iOttie uses auto sense technology to automatically open and close to snuggly hold your phone. And with the added convenience of an internal battery, you will get a little extra juice in the event of an emergency.
While most wireless car charging options claim they will “fast charge” your device, nothing beats the speed of a straight plug. To truly get a fast charge, look no further than the Nekteck USB Charger.
Using that car lighter plug, you can transform your USB or USB C cord into a fast charging fiend. You will find all the convenience of your plugs at home in your vehicle making it easy to charge all of your devices. Meeting all the safety and usage specifications, this little plug will provide most phones, iPads, laptops, and other devices with all the juice it needs to keep you connected on whatever road you may travel.
Top Car Accessories for Your Truck
There are some items every truck owner should have at the ready, whether they are city-driving or off roading. Here are a few things to keep your truck looking top-notch.
Tonneau Covers
Oedro Tonneau Covers
You aren’t protecting your whole truck unless you’re protecting the bed, too. Available in both hard and soft covers, tonneau covers seal your truck bed from the elements, be in the worst of winter of the damaging rays of sun.
Running Boards
Oedro Running Boards
Running boards are a great marriage of form and function – they amp up any truck and make it easier for you and your passengers to get in and out. No matter how high your ride, a running board keeps you where you need to be.
Bumper Guards
Oedro Bumper Guards
Bumper guards protect your investment. From collisions with animals while you’re off roading to making your truck look more rugged, bumper guards are a wise investment that won’t break the bank.
Get Geared Up With Car Merch
Now that you’ve put some love back into your car, let’s talk about you for a moment. It’s time to add swag to your wardrobe to match your newly upgraded ride. Are you looking for the perfect gift for the car enthusiast in your life? From gear-head stickers and mugs to automotive lifestyle junky hats and classic car t-shirts, there is something for every car lover in our store.We’ve got what you need to show off your love of cars and the open road.
Boost Your Drive This Year with Essential Car Swag
A car has its own personality, and it matches with that of the driver. These useful car accessories aren’t everything, but they are a way to get you back in the spirit of driving. Whether you’re updating an older model car or truck or making your new ride look good, there’s plenty to check out! Make yourself and your car or truck look good this year and into the future.
Jenny has a passion for learning and sharing what she learns. She has researched, written and published hundreds of articles on a wide variety of topics, including: SEO, design, marketing, ethics, business management, sustainability, inclusion, behavioral health, wellness, autos and work-life balance.
