What Car Accessories To Buy and What Order To Buy Them In

Whether you have just bought a brand new car or got a fantastic second hand deal, it’ll not be long before you have to start thinking about car accessories.

While yes, you might want to personalise your vehicle with some dice or a nice air freshener, accessories are not just for looks.

A lot of the time getting the right accessories can make the motoring experience significantly more pleasant (and in some cases cheaper).

Here is our mini guide highlighting what accessories you should get for your car, and what order to get them in.

Safety accessories

Safety first, right? While car safety accessories are hopefully something that you won’t have to use, they are crucial.

Technically optional add-ons like dash cams, emergency kits (this should come with the car but often doesn’t, especially for used cars) and tyre tools should be considered a must.

This is because they allow you to drive with more confidence that if something goes wrong, you’re already prepared.

In the case of the dash cam, it will also potentially save you money on your insurance as well.

Most safety accessories like dashcams can be bought from specialists online or in big retailers that sell motor accessories.

Vehicle protection accessories

Once you have your bases covered and have a safe car, it’s time to ensure that it stays clean and protected for as long as possible.

Much like a screen protector for your mobile phone, your car needs protection from dirt and any spillages and that comes in the form of car mats and seat protectors.

And again, much like your phone’s screen protector, it’s worth getting something that is suited to your car specifically. For example if you drive a Sportage, you should get specifically fitted Kia Sportage car mats. This will ensure your footwell has full coverage, and also that there is a reduced risk of slippage.

The same goes for the seat cover, you want to keep your seat clean and protected with a seat cover that’s well-fitting, sturdy, and comfy.

These can also be style accessories with lots of custom trim and embroidery options for covers.

Also at this stage consider getting some car wipes or microfiber cloths to live in the glove box and maintain cleanliness.

Add convenience gear

On to the fun stuff, accessories that make everyday driving easier. A good phone holder is one of the first things to pick up. It makes sat-nav use safer and keeps your hands free while driving.

If your car doesn’t already have Android Auto or Apple CarPlay, a plug-in dongle or wireless adapter can bring that functionality to life.

A multi-port USB charger is also worth having, especially on longer journeys when passengers may need to keep devices powered up.

A boot organiser or back-seat organiser is another inexpensive addition that helps keep shopping, tools, or kids’ gear from rolling around.

Tailor to seasons

Once the basics are sorted, think about the time of year.

A fold-out sunshade is a lifesaver in the summer, keeping the cabin cooler and preventing sun damage to the dashboard.

In winter, a dehumidifier bag or windscreen cover helps reduce mist and frost, saving you time in the mornings.

If you live in an area prone to ice and snow, an ice scraper and a small bag of de-icer solution are also good to keep on hand.

Wrapping it up (not literally!)

Wrapping your car certainly isn’t an essential upgrade!

The order you buy car accessories really does make a difference.

By starting with safety, moving on to protection, and then adding convenience and seasonal extras, you’ll cover all the essentials without wasting money on things you don’t need right away.

With the right kit in place, you’ll keep your car safer, cleaner, and easier to live with, making every journey that bit more enjoyable.