Car accessories worth it……Imagine a Toyota Corolla with eyelashes and imagine it parked next to a Subaru Outback with a phone mount that actually stays put when you take a sharp left.
You see where I’m going with this, right?
The thing is, not all car accessories are created equal. Some make you feel like you’ve just upgraded to a Batmobile. Others? More like you lit $39.99 on fire at AutoZone and walked away with neon cupholder lights that flicker like haunted Christmas bulbs.
I’ve been there. I’ve done both. And yeah—I’ve absolutely bought a heated steering wheel cover in July because it looked cool and had flames on it. (Regrets? Maybe. I’ll get back to you in winter.)
So, let’s just go there: practical vs. aesthetic car accessories. Which ones are actually worth the hype—and your hard-earned dollars?
The Weird Divide: Form vs. Function (Or Basically, “Do I Need This?” vs. “Do I Want This?”)
Let’s start with the basics: some accessories solve problems (like your phone flying across the dash every time you brake too hard at Starbucks). Others just look cool. And listen—I’m not against cool. But there’s cool… and there’s “why does this smell like melting plastic after 20 minutes of sun exposure?”
Here’s how I usually break ‘em down:
- Practical Accessories = make your life easier, your car cleaner, or your drive smoother.
- Aesthetic Accessories = make your ride look fancy, edgy, or like a mobile disco.
Both can be fun. But only one set will save your butt in a parking lot blizzard with two toddlers and a leaking grocery bag.
5 Practical Car Accessories I Swear By (And Would Probably Take To A Desert Island If Cars Were Allowed)
1. Phone Mount (Not The Suction Kind That Betrays You)
I used to rely on my phone casually chilling on the passenger seat. Until it launched under my brake pedal mid-lane change. Now I’ve got a magnetic air vent clip that actually holds on tighter than my toddler at daycare drop-off. Life-changing.
2. Trunk Organizer
There’s something disturbingly satisfying about a trunk organizer with labeled compartments. I’ve got one with Velcro, collapsible sides, AND cupholders. I don’t know why a trunk organizer has cupholders. But now I can tailgate with boxed wine like an adult.
3. Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)
This one’s sneaky useful. Like, I didn’t know how badly I needed to know my tire pressure until I drove 5 miles with one tire looking like a sad pancake. This gadget saved me from what I’m sure would’ve been a chaotic roadside breakdown and a frantic call to my dad.
4. Backseat Tablet Mount for Kids (or Grown Adults Who Refuse to Share)
You ever road trip with a 6-year-old who doesn’t understand why Wi-Fi isn’t “everywhere”? This thing kept peace in the minivan. Also helped on solo trips—if you haven’t binged Netflix at a rest stop eating trail mix with zero shame, I highly recommend.
5. Sunshade That Doesn’t Collapse Like a Dying Star
There are cheap sunshades. And then there are the ones that actually fit your windshield and don’t curl at the edges like a burnt pizza. Spend the extra $10. Trust me.
Now For The Fun Stuff: Aesthetic Car Accessories I Kinda Love (But Maybe Shouldn’t)
1. LED Interior Lights (Mood: Space Ship Vibes)
Okay, so maybe I did install purple LED footwell lights. And maybe it does feel like I’m in a Fast & Furious deleted scene every time I drive to Walgreens. But it makes night drives 8% cooler and 100% vibier.
2. Steering Wheel Covers That Look Like They Belong On A Rodeo Queen’s Saddle
Fuzzy. Rhinestoned. Leopard print. I’ve tried them all. One time I bought one that shed glitter for three months. My hands sparkled, coffee sparkled. My ex was not impressed.
3. License Plate Frames That Say Things Like “Hot Girl Parking Only”
Honestly? They make me smile. Until my grandma borrows the car and pulls up at church. Then… less smile. But still worth it.
4. Anime Window Stickers
Don’t judge me. Sometimes you just want Sailor Moon giving people the finger on your rear windshield. You know, for balance.
What’s Actually Worth It? (Or The $500 Lesson I Learned At 22)
I once spent nearly $500 on a spoiler for my 2006 Civic that did nothing. It wasn’t faster, handle better. It did flap weirdly when I hit 70 on the freeway. So unless you’re racing (and not just pretending like I did)—maybe skip the racing mods.
What has paid off? Floor mats. A jump starter I didn’t know I’d need. And those little seat gap fillers that catch fries like it’s their job.
How To Choose car accessories worth it
1. Ask Yourself This: Will This Make My Car Smell Weird In Summer?
Because a lot of aesthetic stuff will. Scented air fresheners that smell like fake coconut and regret? Hard pass.
2. Will This Actually Make Driving Easier? Or Just Sparklier?
If it does both—congrats. You’ve found the unicorn.
3. Does This Spark Joy? (And Can I Afford To Be Joyful?)
It’s okay to get stuff that’s just for fun. But make sure your brakes work before you buy the third anime decal.
Final Thoughts From A Person Who Once Installed Car Curtains and car accessories worth it
Yes, I installed car curtains once. Yes, they fell down on the freeway and nearly caused a wreck. So when I say some car accessories aren’t worth it—I speak from experience.
But I also believe cars should be a little fun. A little weird. A little you.
So if you’re asking yourself whether that thing in your cart is practical or just aesthetic—ask also if it makes you feel like a road trip movie main character. That counts for something.
Just maybe skip the eyelashes.
