55 cheap things for your car that make life 10x easier
Don’t reinvent the wheel — upgrade it.

Cars are the ultimate convenience — until you’re digging between the seats for a fallen french fry, trying to untangle a charging cable, or struggling to keep your purse upright. Luckily for you, you don’t have to reinvent the wheel when it comes to improving your driving experience. From clever organizers that tackle car clutter head-on to upgrades that make your built-in car accessories so much more useful, these affordable finds make your vehicle more functional without putting a big dent in your wallet.
01A retractable car charger that drastically reduces clutter in your center console
What makes this car charger totally game-changing is that the built-in USB-C and Lightning cables expand up to 31.5 inches in length when you need them. Just pull them outward and they’ll retract back into the base when you’re done to dramatically reduce clutter around your center console. The cables are long enough to reach your back passengers and the charger can power up to four devices at the same time. It plugs into your car’s 12-volt socket.
02A faux leather sunglasses holder that mounts to your visor for easy access
This faux leather holder has two strong magnetic snaps that secure to the earpieces of your sunglasses to keep them close at hand when you’re driving. It mounts to the sun visor and can store two pairs at once, preventing them from getting lost in your car or scratched up when you’re not wearing them. It has a soft leather finish that helps reduce the risk of damage even further.
03Headrest holders with bonus hooks for water bottles
These headrest hooks hold up to 17 pounds, keeping your purse, groceries, shopping bags, jacket, and more off the floor. They secure to the metal part of your headrest and take only seconds to install. They’re equipped with a durable nylon strap and they can be used behind the seat for your passengers or in front of the seat if you want easy access to something while you’re driving. Better yet, there’s a bonus hook that cradles the neck of a soda or water bottle.
04Car cupholder trash cans with lids to prevent spills
These car trash cans have a genius design that fits inside your cupholders so you have a go-to spot for all those candy wrappers, old parking garage slips, and other small trash. They make it easier than ever to keep your car clean, getting rid of debris before it can accumulate and make your car a total mess. And they have a convenient push-top lid that keeps your garbage from spilling out on a particularly bumpy road.
05A bedazzled lip balm holder that mounts to your dashboard
If you’re the kind of person who keeps lip balm in every purse and pocket, this holder ensures you always have one close by in your car. It has a playful, bedazzled exterior that’s so fun and whimsical while effortlessly cradling your lip balm. Setup is a cinch thanks to an adhesive backing that mounts to your dashboard, center console, door — you name it.
06A center console cover that adds cushioning & keeps your phone handy
This cover adds a soft cushion, a side pocket, and a pop of color (if you choose) to your center console all at once. It has an elastic band that secures it to the console and raised, nonslip dots on the back to keep it in place as you lean on it. It’s a great way to protect your console from everyday wear and tear, and the pockets on the side are an ideal go-to spot for keys, your phone, a snack, a parking garage slip — you name it.
07A convenient folder that holds all your essential paperwork in 1 place
This faux leather holder is a total game changer when it comes to keeping all your car’s documents in one convenient spot. It has several clear folders inside, designed to store your insurance information, registration, AAA card, gas cards, and more. It organizes your glove compartment and makes it easier than ever to consolidate all your essential paperwork in one place so you can grab everything when you need it.
08Round tissue holders that actually fit inside your car’s cupholder
Unlike the large square or rectangular tissue boxes that don’t fit anywhere in your car, these cylindirical tissue holders fit in the cupholders in your center console or door, giving you easy access to tissues when you’re driving. They have a unique covered design to keep debris out — just pop open the lid and grab a tissue. Each box has 50 tissues in it and they’re made with soft, highly absorbent paper that’s gentle on your skin while still being tough on any messes.
09A cupholder expander that actually fits your big water bottles
Reviewers have raved over this cupholder expander because it means your 32- or 40-ounce water bottles can actually fit in your center console while you’re driving. (Seriously — it’s earned over 8,000 five-star ratings.) The bottom expands to fit the width of most standard cupholders and the top can be oriented in the center or off to the side so it doesn’t block the second cupholder. Your large water bottles finally have a spot in your car so you can stay hydrated while you’re on the road.
10Swiveling blind spot mirrors that help you get a better view
Sometimes the things that make your life so much easier can also be so simple: like these blind spot mirrors. They use strong adhesive tape to secure to your side view mirrors to expand your visibility while you’re driving, helping minimize blind spots when you’re backing up or changing lanes. They’re on a small pedestal that allows you to adjust the angle of the mirrors depending on who’s driving.
11A car-cleaning kit with tons of tools that fit inside a handy storage bag
This all-encompassing kit comes with everything you need to clean your car like a professional without spending big bucks. It includes a handheld vacuum with multiple detachable nozzles, a three-prong brush for air vents, a squeegee for mirrors, a gentle window cleaner, and so much more. You’ll be able to clean every inch of the inside of your car, making it look good as new. Plus all of these tools store neatly in a carrying case for easy storage.
12Silicone coasters that are way easier to clean than the cupholders themselves
These removable silicone coasters sit at the bottom of your car’s cupholders to trap crumbs, drips, and debris so it’s way easier to clean those tight spots. They have raised edges that collect overflow to prevent water from spilling out into your cupholder, too. They’re safe to use with hot or cold drinks and they remove super easily so you can rinse them as needed.
13A sun visor attachment that extends your glare-free view while driving
This genius extender attaches to the bottom of your sun visor for extra shade in an instant. When you’re on a particularly sunny road, you can pull it down and it extends your glare-free view while you’re driving for a safer, more comfortable ride. When you don’t need it, the polarized shade folds up behind the visor to stay out of sight and out of mind.
14A portable tire inflator with a clear, easy-to-read display
Everyone should have this portable tire inflator in their car in case of emergencies. It’s super small so it fits neatly in your trunk, and it can fix low tire pressure in minutes no matter where you are. The digital screen tells you the tire pressure in real time while the backlighting ensures you can still see it in the dark. It comes with all the nozzles and adapters you need and everything tucks back into the inflator itself so you’re never scrambling and searching for things.
15A sticky gel that grabs dirt & debris from those tight, tricky areas in your car
This car-cleaning gel conforms to the shape of your cupholders, vents, dashboard, and more, sticking to dust, hair, crumbs, and other debris a vacuum or dustcloth might miss. Just press it into hard-to-reach spots and let the sticky surface work its magic. When you’re done, simply put it back into the included jar to keep it sticky until you need to touch up your car’s interior again.
16A headlight restoration kit that removes cloudiness & restores sparkle
This headlight restoration kit gets your headlights shining in a matter of minutes so you can skip the auto shop and go live your life. The wipes remove oxidation, the sanding disc prepares the surface of the lights, and the buffer adds a ceramic coating that makes them absolutely sparkle. In just three steps, they’ll make your lights will look good as new, while adding UV protection to keep them shiny for the long haul.
17A magnetic phone holder that mounts to both the dashboard & windshield
This phone holder has a strong suction cup that secures to your dashboard, windshield, or center navigation screen to keep your phone easily accessible at a glance. It has super-strong MagSafe magnets that keep your phone in place even when you’re driving over speed bumps and potholes. What makes it extra great is that when you’re not using it, it folds into a super-compact design that’s easy to store out of sight until you need it next.
18Flexible foam seat fillers that prevent things from falling between the seat & the console
It feels like when things fall into that annoying space between the front seat and the center console, it’s impossible to get them out. That’s where these gap fillers come into play. They slide neatly into that area, preventing things from falling in and getting lost in the first place. Each one has a cutout for your seat belt so the strap is always easily accessible (very important) and the universal fit works with so many different cars, SUVs, and trucks.
19An expanding trunk organizer that fits a ton & folds flat to store
If your trunk looks like a tornado came through, it’s time to get organized with this storage container. Designed specifically for trunks, it expands to three different sizes depending on how much you need to fill it with. It’s waterproof and has extra-sturdy handles that can withstand up to 60 pounds. You’ll also find mesh side pouches for easy-access essentials, one large open side pocket, and one large closed side pocket for added organization.
20A nonslip dashboard mat that keeps your phone from tumbling off
This mat sticks to your dashboard and features a nonslip surface that grips your phone, decorative accessories, keys, scents — you name it. Made of sturdy silicone, it’s heat and cold resistant so it won’t melt on your dashboard on a hot day. It’s a sleek, streamlined way to store things on your dashboard, blending right into your interior when you’re not using it.
21A windshield cleaner with an expandable handle that gets into corners
Designed specifically to make windshield cleaning a total breeze, this expandable brush comes with a microfiber pad, a double-sided scrubbing pad, and a polishing pad to get your windshield squeaky clean. The handle of the brush extends from 13.4 to 19 inches so you can reach the top and the corners without straining. It’s great for the inside and the outside of the windshield so you can see clearly and drive safely.
22Trim-to-fit waterproof floor mats that trap dirt & mud to keep your car clean
Putting these waterproof, durable rubber mats on the floor of your car makes your life so much easier when it comes time to clean things. They can be trimmed to the perfect size and they have a textured design that captures mud, dirt, crumbs, and other debris so it doesn’t get stuck on your car’s interior. When it’s time to clean, all you have to do is remove the mats and wash them with a hose.
23A ceiling cargo net to provide out-of-the-way storage for long road trips
This cargo net attaches to any three handles on the ceiling of your car to add some convenient soft storage that’s out of the way but still easily accessible. The mesh net has a double-zipper design that can store everything from clothes to blankets to snacks. It has an outer zipper pocket for things you want to have even quicker access to as well. Because it’s on the ceiling, it doesn’t take up valuable seat or floor space.
24A hanging trunk organizer that won’t take up floor space
This trunk organizer is a brilliant way to make the most of cargo space. It straps against the back row and features four mesh pouches, two open pockets and two closed pockets to store everything from sports equipment to emergency essentials to car repair tools (basically, everything that stays in the car long-term). Because it secures to the back row, it doesn’t take up any valuable space so there’s still plenty of room for suitcases, groceries, and all your other stuff.
25A windshield sunshade that keeps your car interior cool
This shade fits neatly against your windshield to reflect sunshine and heat, keeping your car cool when you’re parked. It has multiple reflective layers on the outside for ultimate heat rejection and UV protection. It comes in a bunch of different sizes to fit snugly against your windshield so no light can sneak inside. It also comes with a storage bag to keep it scratch-free when you’re not using it.
26A safety hammer that can break glass & cut seat belts in an emergency
A safety hammer is an absolute necessity for every driver in case of emergencies. This one has a reinforced steel-tip point that breaks glass, a knife-sharp blade that cuts through seat belts, and a visor strap that keeps it within reach. It’s the kind of safety tool you hope you never need, but will help you breathe easier knowing you have on hand.
27A seat belt pad with a built-in pocket to hide credit cards, keys, & other small items
This seat belt pad not only makes wearing the seat belt more comfortable on your shoulder and neck, but it also has a secret built-in pocket to hide valuables like cards, cash, and keys to keep them out of sight. It has a hook-and-loop closure that fits snug around your seat belt and a super-cushioned base that feels comfortable and cozy against your chest. It’s lightweight and won’t slide up and down while you’re driving.
28A foldable step that installs on the door latch for easy roof access
Whether you’re filling a car carrier or securing furniture or camping gear to the roof of your car, this step is a must-have to make the task easier than ever. This foldable step installs in seconds on the inner door latch to give you easy access to the roof of your car. It can hold up to 400 pounds and can be installed and removed quickly on all four doors so you can move it around the car depending on which side of the roof you need to reach at any time.
29Armrest elbow pads that make your center console much more comfortable
These elbow pads are made with soft and supportive memory foam to make driving or sitting in the passenger’s seat so much more comfortable. They have a nonslip bottom that secures to the center console so they won’t slip and slide while you’re driving. But don’t worry, they can be removed and repositioned easily without leaving any residue behind, so you can customize their position depending on who’s driving.
30Protective film for applying & removing stickers without leaving any residue behind
This clear protective film is the easiest way to add stickers to your car without worrying about damaging the glass or struggling to remove them. Simply add your sticker to the film, trim to the perfect size, peel the protective sheet, and then apply it to your car’s window. It removes easily without razor blades or scratches so you can transfer it to another car or reposition it a different way. It’s reusable, and it works for everything from parking permits to inspection stickers to fun personality stickers.
31Door handle shields that protect the paint from scratches & scrapes
These completely clear stickers adhere to the cutout behind your door handle to protect the paint job from everyday wear and tear — perfect for such a high-touch area. Because they’re clear, once you install them, you won’t even remember they’re there. They have a precut design that fits into most car handle wells and they won’t fade or discolor in the sunlight, staying virtually invisible even over time.
32A storage box that extends your seat for more comfortable pet transport
Make the back seat of your car so much more comfortable and organized with this clever box. First of all, the top opens so it can double as convenient storage for your back seat. Second, you can place it on the floor behind the driver’s or passenger’s seats and let the cushioned top extend the seat to make the back more comfortable for your pets. It can hold up to 120 pounds and can be a great way to support little paws for road trips with less friction.
33An extra-large, panoramic rearview mirror that gives you so much more visibility
This extra-large mirror secures over your existing rearview mirror to help eliminate blind spots and give you a better look at the cars on the road behind you. It has an extra-wide, panoramic design that expands your visibility, which may help make driving a little safer. It secures with elastic bands around your existing mirror so it’s removable without damage.
34Headrest hooks with built-in phone holders to entertain back seat passengers
These headrest hooks really pack a punch when it comes to making your back seat passengers’ lives easier. They install to the metal part of your headrest and can hold your purse, umbrella, jacket, grocery bags — you name it. On top of that, they also double as a phone holder to give you in-car entertainment whether you’re heading across town or on a road trip. They install in seconds without any tools and can be removed easily as needed.
35A cupholder extender designed specifically to hold french fries
If you love treating yourself to some drive-thru french fries, snacking on them just became so much easier with this cupholder expander. Designed specifically to hold a carton of fries, this extender fits in most standard cupholders and gives you a mess-free way to keep your snack close. This way, you can help keep your car organized — and loose fries off the floor.
36A windshield sponge that cleans & defogs in seconds
This windshield sponge can be used wet or dry without any cleaning solution to clean and defog your windows and mirrors in seconds. The compact design makes it easy to store somewhere handy — in your glove compartment or in your door — so you can grab it any time you need it. It’s a great way to speed up your morning, since you don’t have to wait for the defrost function to kick in.
37A handheld tool that removes pet hair from seats & upholstery
If you have a hard time getting your pet’s fur out of the car upholstery, this tool is about to change your life. It has a triangular design that’s easy to handle and maneuver, with jagged edges designed to grab hair in hard-to-reach spots — think: in between cushions, in corners, underneath seats, and more. Just glide it along your seats and floor and watch as the hair collects so you can easily toss it.
38A small desk that attaches to your steering wheel for a bonus surface
If your car is where you sometimes work, snack, film videos, or just chill when you need some peace and quiet, this desk takes that experience to the next level. It secures directly to the steering wheel and has a double-sided design: One side is completely flat to hold your computer or notebooks while you’re working, while the other side has a cupholder and food area. And thanks to the raised edges, things stay secure without spilling.
39Tire valve caps that glow in the dark so you can see them at night
These tire valve caps are shaped like cute ducks but they’re also super functional — they glow in the dark so you can see the tire valves at night in case you need to adjust the air in your tires in the dark. They absorb light all day so they don’t require any charging to light up at night. They also help protect the valve, sealing it securely to prevent dust, mud, and grime from getting inside and damaging your valve.
40A hanging crochet air freshener that keeps your car smelling amazing
This crochet plant hangs from the rearview mirror and isn’t just cute to look at, it’s also an air freshener. Simply fill the included bottle with your favorite essential oils and the diffusing stick will help fill your car with an amazing scent — no matter how many shoes and gym bags are hiding in the trunk. The length of the rope can be adjusted, too, to make sure it’s not blocking your view.
41A coin holder with plenty of slots to keep all your loose change organized
Whether it’s for shopping carts at the grocery store or to pay a parking meter, coins are more essential than you’d think. That’s where this organizer comes into play. It has spring-loaded spots for pennies, nickels, dimes, and quarters, dispensing them one at a time as you need them. Now all your coins are in one place so you have easy access to them when you need them.
42A grip bar that helps you get in & out of the car more easily
If you want a little extra stability when getting into or out of your car, this bar really makes it easy. When the door opens, you can secure the handle to the interior U-shaped door striker latch, giving you something to hold while you step up or down. It can support up to 300 pounds and works to help reduce strain on your knees, hips, and lower back. It has a nonslip cushioned handle, too, so even your hand is comfortable when it’s reaching for help.
43A 12V power adapter that lets you charge laptops, phones, & tablets in the car
If your car sometimes doubles as your office, you need to check out this power adapter. It plugs into the car’s 12-volt power outlet and gives you two grounded plugs, three USB ports, one USB-A port, and one USB-C port to power all kinds of small devices at once. About the size of a smart phone, the power adapter is a great way to charge your laptop, phone, or tablet in your car in the most convenient way.
44Side-view mirror visors that keep rain off the glass
These visors install over your side-view mirrors to protect them from rainfall. This way, you can always see the cars around you, even in a storm. They use strong adhesive tape that’s durable and waterproof. Plus, their flexible design conforms to the shape of your mirrors, keeping rain from streaking the mirrors. “Fit nicely and very easy to install. Quality of thickness was a great surprise too. Definitely helps with visibility and keeping mirrors free of rain drops,” one reviewer raved.
45A windshield cover that lets you peel away snow & ice in 1 go
If you live in an area that gets snowy and icy in the winter months, you need this windshield cover. Made of heavy-duty Oxford canvas that’s waterproof, the cover secures to your side mirrors and front seat windows, protecting your windshield from snow and ice buildup. This way, when you need to use your car, you can simply remove the cover and your windshield will be completely clear.
46Heavy-duty parking bumps that help guide you into your garage parking spot
If you park in the same spot in your garage every day, check out these parking aids that can help guide you into the spot with ease. That way, you don’t have to question whether you’ve driven far enough in or if you’ve left enough room to get out. They have an adhesive backing that stays in place even as your tires hit against the bump. Made of durable rubber, they’re an ingenious invention when it comes to making parking in your garage totally seamless.
47A visor mirror with built-in vanity lights to apply makeup like a pro
This mirror installs on the inside of your pull-down visor, giving you a bigger and better view to ensure you always look your best on the go. It has built-in LED lights with three adjustable color temperatures and a totally dimmable design to give you the best light depending on the time of day. It can work for up to 15 days on a single charge and it has a 10-foot charging cord, so even plugging it in is a total breeze.
48A soft screen cleaner that removes fingerprints without leaving streaks behind
This small screen cleaner is made of buttery soft microfiber which absorbs dust and lint while wiping away fingerprints, oil stains, and smudges. It has a double-sided design that’s brilliant — spray cleaning solution and use the cleaning cloth to wipe the screen, then fold the cloth and use the absorbent inner layer to leave your screen with a streak-free shine. Basically, keeping your car’s navigation screen, windows, and more looking brand new has never been simpler.
49Deer warning whistles that send an ultrasonic alert to keep wildlife away
These deer warning whistles mount to your car and let out an ultrasonic alert up to warn deer and other animals, scaring them away so they don’t run into the road in front of your car. They’re smaller than the size of your thumb so they install basically invisibly on your car. Plus, humans can’t hear the alert they emit, so it’s not annoying to have them around all the time. Each one installs with adhesive tape and can be removed without leaving any sticky residue behind.
50Under-tire accessories that keep your hose from getting stuck
These car hose guides sit underneath the outside edge of your car during a DIY car wash to guide the hose around the tires — instead of letting it get stuck underneath them. They help prevent the hose from getting bent up and squished under the tire for a much easier washing experience. The guides are waterproof, durable, and easy to store in the garage until it’s time for your next car wash.
51Hanging handle straps that enhance your grip entering & exiting the car
These straps can be mounted on your car’s existing handles, giving you something to grab onto when you’re a passenger in the car — and helping you get out of the car more easily, too. They can handle up to 220 pounds and the nylon strap can adjust from 7 to 17 inches. The handle itself has an angled, rubber design that helps absorb shock and feels comfy against your palm and fingers when you grab it. They’re compatible with a wide range of vehicles.
52An adhesive holder designed to keep touchless key fobs in a convenient spot
It can be easy to lose your key fob in your purse or under your seat. That’s where this holder comes in. It secures with adhesive to your dashboard, door, or center console, giving you the perfect go-to spot to store the fob to keep it easily accessible when you’re driving. It’s also a great reminder to make sure you take the fob with you when you leave the car.
53A net that installs between seats to keep your purse upright & accessible
This organizing net installs between the driver’s seat and passenger’s seat, giving you the perfect spot to store your purse and other on-the-go essentials. It keeps your purse upright so it’s not falling and spilling out every time you get to a stop sign. You can also use it to hold your water bottle and wallet, your snacks, your laptop — you name it.
54Heavy-duty cleaning wipes that remove grease, oil, & tar from the inside & outside of your car
There’s a reason these wipes are specifically called “heavy duty.” It’s because they are super tough on grease, oil, tar, permanent marker, food stains, window stickers, duct tape, and so much more. They can be used on fabric, leather, and your car’s exterior to remove issues without ruining the fabric or paint job. They’re bigger than typical wipes and have a special woven material that can really scrub without disintegrating in your hands.
55Disposable plastic covers that keep your steering wheel clean during detailing
With a clear, elastic design, these plastic steering wheel covers stretch to fit around your steering wheel to protect it from dirty hands when your car is getting repaired or detailed. (Or, you know, when you’ve pulled over to eat some mid-road trip fast food.) They protect against grease, dirt, oil, and germs, and then you can throw them out when you’re done. They have a universal fit for nearly all steering wheels under 22.9 inches in diameter and they come in a set of 100 to last you a long time.