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Quit ~stalling~ and add these to your car(t)!
by
by Jonathan MazzeiBuzzFeed Staff, by Clara McMahonBuzzFeed Staff1. A magnetic phone mount that clips into your air vents allowing your phone to (basically) hang freely on the dashboard while you keep your eyes on the road and hands on the wheel.
amazon.com, Amazon
Clip the magnetic base into your vent, stick the included sticker to the back of your phone (or place it in the case), and you're ready to go! Just be sure to review your vents before purchasing. Anything too low down would keep your phone out of your field of vision, which isn't ideal if you're using it as a GPS.
Promising review: "One of the strongest magnets I have seen in this kind of product. Holds phone well. No complaints. I have bought several now for different cars, and when I need another one, will replace it with the same." —tshank
Get a two-pack from Amazon for $13.99 (clip the coupon on the product page to save 5%).
We also featured this product in our list of products for your first car, for any first-time car owners out there.
2. A no-rinse carpet spot remover that'll get rid of those stains you thought were just a part of your car forever.
It works on any colorfast material that can be safely dampened with water — which probably covers every kind of car upholstery except leather. While you're at it, take a look at some other cleaning products with professional results.
Promising review: "It truly makes stains disappear from carpet. Use it for your car carpet or house carpet. It's amazing! I tried it on a stain on my shirt that I was about to throw out. Using Folex on the stain, I can proudly wear it again. Way good stain remover." —Linda
Get a 32-ounce bottle on Amazon for $6.65.
3. An adorable hanging diffuser to make your car smell like a spa on wheels. Choose from a variety of signature and seasonal scents, and get ready to impress your passengers.
AmberandWoodCo
Promising review: "This is my favorite smell!! I love it so much I'm going to order more. It is a cute design also." –Tammy Weir
Get it from Amberand Wood Co on Etsy for $9 (available in 19 scents).
4. Some lightweight and durable escape tracks in case your car decides to get trapped in the snow. I wish I'd gotten these sooner because once my car gets stuck, it's pretty adamant about...remaining stuck.
Amazon
Get them from Amazon for $129.99+(available in three colors and four styles).
5. A three-pocket folding car trunk organizer for anyone whose trunk has descended into full blown chaos. Strong Velcro keeps it secure while driving and it even folds down for easy storage when not in use.
Amazon
Promising review: "I was tired of having things roll around in my trunk. This is perfect. Lightweight, has two compartments and the best part is the Velcro on the bottom helps it from moving all around the trunk while driving. I would recommend this item" —Amazon reviewer
Get it from Amazon for $14.50.
6. A portable car desk/tray combo so eating and working in your car can actually be comfortable! Plus, do restaurants usually have recliners?? I don't think so.
Amazon
Promising review: "This is perfect for a mobile office or digital nomads!!! No more trying to balance my laptop on my knee and a cup in my cup holder or those low-centered kinds that cut into your belly. Oh, and it doubles as a writing desk, tablet stand, and food tray!!! Highly recommend!" –Deanna Holmes
Get it from Amazon for $25.99+(available in two sizes and four colors).
7. A super comfy memory foam chair cushion that your butt and back will thank you for on long drives.
Promising review: "Works great, helps to relieve some pressure from sitting. This is a great memory foam cushion for office chairs or your couch. You really can feel the difference. This is thick, and feels like it will last for a really long time. I've been using mine for a couple of weeks and already feel a little better. The cover is removable for washing, and the stitching is done really well. I recommend this to anyone who has to sit for more than a few hours." —phillygirl
Get it from Amazon for $39.95+ (available in three colors; clip the coupon on the product page to get 5% off this price).
8. A tiny trashcan – it fits right in your car's cup holder so you can stop just letting your trash fall into the mysterious, unexplored depths of your vehicle.
Amazon
Promising review: "It’s ridiculous how much I love these! The push part is on a spring so it stays closed when you aren’t pushing it, and of course it perfectly fits in the cup holder of our vehicles. Pro tip: a quart-size Ziploc is the perfect size to add as a liner and fold over the top to keep the inside clean!" —Chaos Coordinator
Get it from Amazon for $6.99+(available in four colors).
9. A cordless vacuum to clean all of those pesky things that you can never seem to get out of your car (I'm looking at you, rock salt and beach sand).
Amazon, amazon.com
Promising review: "Buy this!!! It is awesome! I love not having to touch the grungy vacuum at the car wash that has been picking up who knows what!!! This little vac works great. I haul my dogs around and it is very hard to get all the hair out of the carpet. My Honda Element was super dirty, but now the Space Bus is clean and ready for its next adventure!!!" –Jennifer E.
Get it from Amazon for $29.98+ (available in four colors).
10. A console side pocket that not only helps keep your phone and keys from falling into the dreaded space between the seats, but also includes a piggy bank for loose change, a longer pocket to hold items like your phone and wallet, AND an extra cupholder.
You can order one for the driver's side seat or passenger's side seat.
Promising review: "I put this in last night and went to work today and everything was perfect. I did have to install the foam spacers (included) to make it a really snug fit. It would have still worked without it but I like things perfect. So now the coins go in the coin pocket and my keys and other work related accessories go in the bigger pocket. This is one of the best cheap life hacks you can get if you're a car person and/or just like being organized and neat." —R
Get it from Amazon for $27.99+ (available in two styles).
11. A windshield cover so you won't have to partake in everyone's favorite winter task: spending way too long standing in the cold and scraping ice and snow off of your windshield before every drive. "I just love shivering and being covered in snow every time I want to run to the store," said no one ever.
Amazon
The shield cover is made with straps that hang down and attach to your cars' wheels for a secure and tight fit. This keeps snow/wind/and frost from building up under the cover!
Promising review: "This is the best thing I could have ever bought! I bought one for myself, my mom, and my sister. New England just got slammed with a Nor'easter, and let me tell you...this thing works! It only took about five minutes to put on my car, and like five seconds to get it off this morning. No snow or ice anywhere on the wiper well or windshield. I highly recommend this!" —Shelley
Get it from Amazon for $28.95.
12. A blind spot mirror designed to help you merge a little more safely and keep an eye on those areas that are usually out of view.
Promising review: "I purchased this one because there is no bezel that takes up space when the rear view mirror is already so small and you'll need whatever space you can get. The angle is also adjustable. Of all the ones I've purchased, this seemed to fit and look the best."—LiterOfPeter
Get it from Amazon for $5.99+ (available in four shapes and packs of two or four).
13. A pack of six cable clips so that you don't have to choose between keeping your eyes on the road and digging for your charger that has managed to position itself just out of reach.
Check out some of the other organization products that we're loving right now!
Promising review: "If you have devices that need to be charged and you want to keep your cables neat, tidy and in place, you need this product. You could also use your imagination to find other uses! I have purchased two packs of these and used them all! I simply could not imagine life without these cable clips!" —Mike Tickle
Get a pack of six from Amazon for $6.97.
14. A stick-on shade to protect your eyes and keep your car nice and cool despite the scorching rays of sunshine that just won't quit.
15. An expandable hanger bar for anyone who treats their backseat more like a closet-on-wheels.
Amazon
Promising Review: “We got this bar for a move to a new apartment 15 miles away from our old one. It was so easy just loading our already hung clothes onto this and driving it over in loads than taking everything off hangers, storing, and then having to rehang items. Since the move, we have used the bar numerous times for vacations, events, and even just to pick up dry cleaning!” —Alan Blankstein
Get it from Amazon for $27.99.
16. A pocket-sized Tile Mate that would've come in handy every time you misplaced your keys, wallet, or anything else you tend to lose. Just attach it to the item of your choice, and the next time you can't find it, you'll be able to use the Tile app on your smartphone to make your missing object ring until you track it down!
Amazon
Or try the Tile Pro if you want to extend the range from 200 feet to 400 feet.
Promising review: "I normally don't write reviews for products, but the Tile is too fantastic not to yell it from the rooftops! I am always losing my keys or my phone and with the Tile it makes it so easy to find my keys in a flash or find my phone! All you have to do is attach it to your keys and you're all set! When you misplace your keys, you go into the app on your phone (which is super user-friendly) and tap find my keys. It then rings your Tile that is attached to your keys and if they are not in an area where they can ring, it shows you the location of the tile, which is also very helpful! If you misplace your phone, you can double tap the middle button on the tile and it will ring your phone! It is such an amazing product and I am thinking about attaching them to everything in my house!!" —Brooke
Get the Tile Mate from Amazon for $19.99+, or the Tile Pro from Amazon for $27.99+.
17. A sleek two USB car charger that fits right into your cigarette lighter, because at this point, at least 50% of a car's appeal is as a giant traveling phone-charging device.
18. A leak-proof trash can that easily straps to your center armrest OR around your headrest, has a rubber lid to keep trash covered, AND includes pockets for extra storage. Now the evidence of your late night fast food detour is out of sight and out of mind, instead of tumbling around the backseat for the next six months.
Amazon
Promising review: "This fit PERFECTLY in my car and attached snugly to the back of my center console. It's easy to reach, yet not in the way for people in backseat. The size is perfect - not too small or big. The plastic side pieces are ingenious and help it keep it's shape, making it easy to put trash in it. My daughter and I attached ours to the back of our center consoles and my husband to his back seat. We're all very happy with the purchase! I'm so impressed with the quality and thought that went into this. If you're in the market, don't hesitate to buy this." –Deb H
Get it from Amazon for $12.99+ (available in four colors).
19. A tissue dispenser for your sun visors to help you combat the sniffles on the go. Plus, you'll be able to dispose of them in that handy dandy trash can listed *above*.
Amazon
It's great for tissues, napkins, wipes, plastic bags, and just about anything else you'd need to grab before exiting your vehicle.
Get it from Amazon for $9.99+ (available in four colors).
20. An auxiliary cable in case that one you've been using since high school is at that point in its lifecycle where it has to be positioned just so, or else it crackles, pops, and cuts out constantly while you're just trying to vibe to your music.
Amazon
Promising review: "A fantastic audio cable. I was skeptical at first but the cable is highly durable and the connection from my phone to my car is solid! No static so no issues. It's very durable and I regret wasting money in the past on the cheap ones you see online and in stores. They also have a guarantee card in the box. If you aren't happy they refund it or replace. I am buying another one for my work car today!" —Christopher Britt
Get it from Amazon for $7.99.
21. A travel road kit so that if disaster strikes unexpectedly, you'll be prepared with all the emergency essentials.
Amazon
It includes first-aid supplies, a jumper cable, flashlight, screwdriver, duct tape, bungee cord, a shop cloth, six cable ties, two AA batteries, and an emergency poncho.
Promising review: "This pack came with absolutely everything needed for a good go kit on a weekend or seasonal adventure. With everything from first aid, car jumping, and a good quality light to give you a good vantage in the nighttime when jumping cars (Montana winter/spring is dark in the evenings quite quickly), this kit has helped me out personally quite a few times. For the cost of what it is, I'm surprised at the result." —Alexander
Get it from Amazon for $48.
22. A Bluetooth car adapter in case your older car doesn't have an auxillary hookup or if you just wanna to go cord-free when listening to music or making calls.
Amazon
Multi-playing modes allow you to hook up via Bluetooth, Micro SD card, and USB flash disk.
Promising review: "My teenage daughter loves it. I know the sound quality is good since I hear when she’s home but I love that she doesn’t need to look at her phone. And the volume control is easily accessible." —Amazon Customer
Get it from Amazon for $12.99+(available in six styles).
23. A set of groovy interior LED car lights for that extra amount of razzle dazzle when driving at night.
Amazon
Promising review:"Amazing for the price! There are four sections total, so I did two in the front, one on either side, and then there are two under the front seats facing toward the back, so the back seats can see them also. They work great I still can't believe it for the price. Very happy." —Jeepet76
Get it from Amazon for $16.99(clip the coupon on the product page to save 20%).
24. A keychain car escape tool that can cut through seat belts and break car windows because, even though you hopefully never need it, it's always better to be prepared.
Amazon
Promising review: "I work in the medical and rescue field and have to say this is a great product to have on your keychain. One of the concerns I had when buying this was the breakaway portion of the device itself but that was an unfounded fear. This is something that will save your life if you are ever trapped in your own vehicle as it will stay connected to your keys in the ignition which means that you will be able to reach it without a major issue. It will not easily detach without you pulling it off which means will be available where you want it when you need it. I have nothing negative to say about this and have bought one for my wife as well to have." —Aizrec!
Get it from Amazon for $9.79.
25. A huge, incredibly warm military wool blanket you can keep in the trunk in case of emergency. It also makes a great seat cover if you're riding with a pet, AND you'll always be prepared for a spontaneous picnic.
Amazon
Promising review: "This inexpensive washable wool blanket should be in every car, truck, and RV as a “just in case” item. Be sure to wash it several times before use and tumble dry low. It will shed a lot, but makes the blanket nicer for use. I have one for my dog’s bed as she seems to like the feel of wool to lay on." —Chris J.
Get it from Amazon for $39.99 (available in 11 colors).
26. An easy-to-use digital tire inflator for the moment when your car decides to improve your day with that little dinging sound telling you your tire pressure is low. Fortunately, this thing plugs right into your car outlet and even includes attachments to inflate bike tires, air mattresses, balls, balloons, you name it!
Amazon
Promising review: "I was panicked when I went to my car the other night and had a flat tire. I had no idea how to change my tire, as my husband always takes care of stuff like that. Luckily a passerby had a small tire inflator, like this one, in his car. We inflated my tire and I was able to get home safely. The next day I got on Amazon and ordered this one. I immediately tested it and it worked great. It appears to be very well-made and comes in a very nice bag that I tucked away in the back storage compartment. Hopefully, I won’t have to use it any time soon, but if I have another flat tire, this time, I’ll be prepared..." —McintireP
Get it from Amazon for $27.99 (available in four colors).
27. A car windshield sunshade to keep your steering wheel from inflicting third-degree burns on your poor, innocent hands after your car's been parked in the sun for hours.
Amazon
Comes in multiple sizes (depending on your make and model) with a money-back guarantee.
Promising review: "This is super easy to use. Open and put in in the window, can't get any easier than that. My GMC Denali sits outside in the Southeastern NC sun all day and this really made a difference. When I get into my truck I can actually sit on the leather seats without being burned. It also keeps the sun off my dash which is important down here in the Southeast. I would definitely recommend it.' —Sharon
Get it from Amazon for $18.99+ (clip the coupon on the product page to save 10%; available in nine sizes).
28. A handyDip Clip that attaches to your car's vent, holds a takeout sauce packet inside, and lets you dip your chicken nuggets 'n fries to your heart's content without having to balance (and ultimately spill) Chick-fil-A sauce on your lap, floor, or console.
They'll fit onto horizontal or vertical air vents *and* can hold sauce packs from all popular fast food chains!
Promising review: "I love this in my car! It stays in place and lets me do all the dipping I want while I drive without making a mess." —krystie
Get two from Amazon for $12.99+ (available in four colors and in multipacks).
29. A replacement air filter because, if yours looks anything like this one, it's probably time for a change.
Promising review: "I know very little about cars but I do know quite a bit about saving money. I went to get my airbag replaced this past month and they recommended I replace my cabin air filter. It was going to cost $60 and $40 for labor!! I YouTubed a tutorial and it looked so simple. I bought one on Amazon (same brand) for less than $20!!! For a 26-year-old (completely inexperienced with cars) who spent 10 minutes on YouTube and an extra 10 minutes in installation, I saved over $80!!! I probably would have had to wait at the dealer more than the 20 minutes it took me overall and would have had to pay an extra $80. No thank you!!" —Vanessa C.
Get it from Amazon for $9.97.
30. A scratch remover so the next time your neighbor in the parking lot isn't the most graceful of drivers, you won't have to spend a small fortune on a minor facelift.
Promising review: "Super impressed with this product. I’m always skeptical of things like this that say they’ll perfectly fix scratches. I was worried because I randomly found three visible scratches on my front bumper. I could feel the scratch with my hand so I figured it was too deep. Well this product totally fixed it. As I was drying off the product I literally couldn’t even tell where the scratches were. Would totally recommend trying this first before anything else. Wish I took a before and after but wasn’t expecting it to be good enough for one." –Tom V Weekes
Get it from Amazon for $19.48.
31. A set of Drop Stop gap fillersto prevent your phone from falling into the abyss that is the space between your seat and the console. Plus, you'll never have to surrender a french fry (or a handful of french fries) to the gap ever again!
This "As Seen On TV" product even fits around your seat belts and moves with the seats if you adjust them!
Promising review: "I have to admit, my expectations weren't very high. I thought it was more of a joke when my husband got this for me for Christmas. Little did I realize it would be one of my most favorite gadgets ever! I don't know if I realized just how many things went missing in my seat gap. It has really saved a lot of things from disappearing into that black hole. It was easy enough to fit into my car and it's soft! It's just like an extension of my seat, except it fits every curve of my seat!" —Tessa Forbes
Get a pack of two from Amazon for $24.99.
32. A storage net barrierfor anyone with a large and in-charge fur baby that loves nothing more than being large and in-charge where they're not supposed to be: the driver's seat. This'll stop your pup from blocking your view, plus provide some extra storage for groceries and on-the-go essentials.
Promising review: "My family goes on the road for numerous trips over the course of a year and last year we got a new puppy who LOVES the car. This past summer, we were about to go on a 16-hour drive and needed a solution so that he wouldn't decide to jump and startle whoever was driving. Enter this little gem. The net is a high-quality item for the price. The top-end opens so it's not just a barrier, but a typical cargo net so you get even more storage for your vehicle while adding a layer of safety." —Daigs
Get it from Amazon for $15.80(clip the coupon on the product page to save 10%).
33. Acupholder adapterbecause your ginormous Hydro Flask water bottle and Yeti coffee tumbler deserve a place to call home that *isn't* the floor of your car where they spill, rattle, and roll into the never-ending abyss that is the underside of your passenger seat.
Wine & Whiskey Co. / Etsy
Wine & Whiskey Co. is a Texas-based Etsy shop selling a wide range of adorable phone cases and T-shirts, plus genius car accessories (obvi).
Promising review: "Love it. Perfectly holds my 40-ounce Hydro Flask. No more rolling around the truck cab. Arrived quickly and works as described." —Jason J. Mease
Get it from Wine & Whiskey Co. on Etsy for $12.99(also available in multipacks).
34. A handycleaning puttyso you don't have to keep paying the big bucks whenever your ride is in need of some detailing. This lil' gizmo can work its way into all of nooks and crannies of your car to pick up dirt, dust, and debris, then leave your setup looking spotless.
Amazon, www.amazon.com
Promising review: "Very easy to use and gets dust out of air vents and other areas in the car that I often struggle to get. I love detailing my car and this is a must needed item now for me to get my car extra clean." —Matt Boles
Get it from Amazon for $6.87+(available in three colors).
35. A double-sided card holder for your registration and insurance information, so you can easily spot and grab them in your glove compartment's menagerie of old CDs, paperwork, and takeout napkins.
36. Some non-slipcup holder coastersto prevent stains from condensation and spills, keep your bevs from rattling around, and just plain look cool in your console.
Promising review: "These are the perfect size and color for my F150 cup holders. I wish they had a tab to get them out but thats just a super minor issue. No more nasty cup holders from spills or condensation – they're nice and thick, non-slip, simple to rinse off and put back if needed." –Vincent
Get a set of four from Amazon for $5.99 (available in 10 colors).
37. A PURA car diffuser for anyone who wants to upgrade the air in their roadtrip.
Pura / Via pura.com
Your dad can use his phone to pick his favorite scents (from popular brands you know) which will then emanate through the car.
Promising review:"My car smells wonderful! love this in my car. It smells so great on my drive to work and back. I also love that I can use the app to adjust the strength or push the button on top to use of the three intensities. I highly recommend! —Sharon
Get it from Pura for $34.99.
38. A reinforced pet car seat if slipping and sliding all over the car makes your small dog nervous. This strapped-in pen offers extra protection and a secure spot to curl up and catch some z's.
Promising review: "Our dog Homer already enjoyed riding in the car with us but this booster seat made his ride more comfortable. He seems to like having his own place to sit or sleep where he is more secure. He will curl up and sleep in the seat if we are on the road for very long. The instructions on the pictures on Amazon were very clear and it was easy to install. It is also easy to uninstall when needed." —Angie T
Get it from Amazon for $17.99+ (available in six colors).
39. A lint-free car duster people swear by, as will you, for keeping your car shiny and dust free on the daily.
Amazon, amazon.com
Promising review: "I’m extremely fussy about keeping my Ram 2500 clean — I do some type of detailing every morning before leaving for work because the truck lives outside, and there is so much dust and pollen here that there’s always a fuzzy coating on it. The Ultimate Car Duster does an amazing job of lifting the dust away while being gentle on the paint. Get the large size with extendable handle if you have a large vehicle — it’s worth it. I’ve got a collection of different brands of dusters, and the Ultimate does the best job — removes the dust instead of pushing it around." —Robert M.
Get it from Amazon for $24.99.
Reviews have been edited for length and/or clarity.
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