posted on April 14, 2022
Every driver is different, and every road trip comes with its own unique challenges and priorities. The right car accessories can be a game-changer when it comes to comfort, enjoyment, and peace of mind on the road.
Whether you’re looking to provide the best possible experience for your guests or are just looking to tune up your personal car, here are the best car accessories for getting more out of your driving experience.
- Best car accessories for packing and organizing
- Best car accessories for camping and road trips
- Best car accessories for navigation
- Best car accessories for cleaning
- Best pet-friendly car accessories
- Best car accessories for the winter
- Best car accessories for safety
For hosts, offering accessories for your guests is a great way to give yourself an edge and stand apart from the competition. Thoughtful Extras show your guests that you’ve gone the extra mile and are bound to improve their experience (and their reviews!)
Best car accessories for packing and organizing
Packing and staying organized is one of the most challenging parts of any road trip, and bringing the right car interior and exterior accessories can be a big help. Here are our favourites for keeping your car well-equipped and clutter-free.
Rooftop cargo box
A rooftop cargo box is one of the most practical exterior accessories that car owners can invest in. Perfect for long trips and outdoor excursions, it’s ideal for families or adventurers who want to pack everything they need without compromising on space and comfort.
SportRack offers reliable, durable cargo boxes that get the job done at a more affordable price than other brands.
Bike rack
A trusty bike rack makes it easy to transport bicycles securely and without the hassle of wedging them into your van or SUV. It’s a perfect add-on for any outdoor enthusiast, and offering one is a great strategy for hosts located near national parks and other scenic areas.
Thule’s bike racks are sturdy, easily-installed, and fit a variety of vehicles and biking styles.
Backseat organizer
A backseat organizer can be one of the most fun car accessories for kids when you load it up with their favourite snacks and games. It helps to keep essentials within reach, saving you from fumbling in bags or between the seats.
The Helteko Backseat Organizer is waterproof, easily installed, and includes pockets for tablets and water bottles.
Folding trunk organizer
Whether you’re loading up your trunk with luggage or everyday supplies, it can be a challenge to keep things tidy. A folding organizer is a perfect way to avoid the clutter and chaos of a messy trunk, and can be easily stowed when not needed.
The Honey-Can-Do Trunk Organizer is a well-rounded, everyday option with spacious compartments, side handles, and mesh pockets.
Best car accessories for camping and road trips
Camping trips and road trips require extra preparation and a robust packing list. With a few thoughtful accessories, you can cut down on stressful planning and make your car feel like home both on the road and off the beaten track.
Rooftop tent
Take your outdoor adventures to new heights with one of the most unique car and truck accessories for camping — a tent that you pitch on the roof of your car! These tents offer a quicker set-up time than their traditional counterparts, as well as added comfort.
The Thule Tepui Explorer Ayer 2 is a compact, softshell tent that fits any vehicle size and is designed for all-season use.
Auto coffee maker
When it comes to cool car accessories, this one is a favourite of campers and outdoor enthusiasts. An auto coffee maker makes it easy to enjoy your morning brew in the heart of the mountains, on the shores of a lake, or between pit stops.
Wacaco specializes in portable coffee gear, and offers options for brewing espresso, pour-over, and more.
Car kettle boiler
Whether you’re craving a mug of coffee, a cup of tea, or a pot of instant noodles, having hot water on hand is a must for any camping trip. Car kettle boilers plug directly into your car, making them a convenient addition to your adventure. Make sure you give your guests clear instructions on how to use it safely!
The Spardar Car Kettle Boiler is a compact option complete with an LED temperature display.
Car bed
Forgo the fuss of pitching a tent with a cozy car bed! An inflatable car mattress is a great add-on for roomier vehicles like SUVs, perfectly suited to casual campers who would rather not rough it.
The Saygogo SUV Air Mattress comes with an air pump and adapter, and can be inflated fully for use in the trunk, or partially for a backseat bunk.
Portable car desk or tray
Whether you’re working on the go, pausing for a bite to eat, or need a surface for your kids’ games while on the road, a portable desk or tray is a practical accessory for any road trip.
The Ifory Portable Car Seat Tray is an affordable and versatile option that works in the driver’s seat, backseat, or window in a variety of adjustable positions.
Best car accessories for navigation
The right navigation accessories will keep you headed in the right direction no matter where you’re going. Whether you want to keep tabs on trip information, free yourself from distractions, or change lanes with ease, these products have you covered.
Phone holder
Keep your phone safe, secure and conveniently at eye level with a mounted phone holder. These affordable gadgets prevent distracted driving and are one of the simplest and best car dashboard accessories for navigation.
Scosche offers every type of phone holder you can imagine, including designs that mount to your windshield, dashboard, cup holder, or magnetically.
Heads-up display (HUD)
Here’s one for the gearheads. A heads-up display is a great choice for drivers who want all the information about their drive at their fingertips. These devices often cast onto the windshield for visibility, so you can keep your eyes on the road while keeping tabs on your car’s mileage, speed, and more.
The Sherox HUD offers a sleek design that displays easy-to-read speed, water temperature, voltage, and travel mileage with minimal distractions, and is also equipped with speed, voltage, and temperature alarms.
Dash camera
Dash cams are mostly considered to be a precaution in case of an accident, but lots of them are loaded with navigational features, too. Many models feature GPS location tracking, speed tracking, and other helpful functions. (Please note: Hosts planning to turn on their dash cam during a trip must get written consent from each guest in Turo messaging, or risk suspension of your account.)
Nextbase offers a wide range of front- and rear-facing dash cams for every budget, packed with features including 4K resolution, an intelligent parking mode, and built-in Alexa and emergency response functions.
Blind spot mirror
Make lane changes easier with a little extra help. Blind spot mirrors can be easily added to your car’s mirrors, making them perfect for cars that don’t have blind spot detection features.
The Ampper Blind Spot Mirror is affordable, easily adheres to your side mirror, and is also available in a wide-angle rectangle shape.
Best car accessories for cleaning
Whether a car is clean or not can make or break the driving experience. If you’re looking for a reliable tool kit for keeping your car tidy between guests, or simply want to make cleaning easier on yourself, these accessories have got your back.
Car vacuum
Crumbs, dust, and pet hair can build up inside your car whether you like it or not, and a car vacuum is perfect for tackling nooks, crannies, and inside compartments. Most models are lightweight and come with multiple attachments, and can also be used around the house.
The Black + Decker Dustbuster is a convenient, cordless option with a narrow nozzle perfect for hard-to-reach places.
Tiny car trash can
A trash can is one of the simplest and most practical car interior accessories, and is a must-have for keeping your car neat and tidy. Many of them are collapsible, spill-proof, and can be attached or hung from the car’s interior.
The budget-friendly EPAuto Waterproof Trash Can features velcro on the bottom, an elastic opening to prevent spills, and an adjustable strap.
Floor liners
Floor liners are an indispensable addition to your vehicle, and will protect the interior from everything from muddy boots to juice box spills. Waterproof rubber mats are built to last and are an easy way to keep your car’s interior in good condition for as long as possible.
Motor Trend Rubber Floor Mats are a durable, well-rounded option compatible with most vehicles, and can be trimmed to fit if needed.
Best pet-friendly car accessories
A few choice accessories can make all the difference when it comes to enjoying stress-free getaway with your furry friends. These are our top picks for pet owners and for hosts offering vehicles that allow pets.
Pet hair brush
A pet hair brush is one of the must-have car accessories for any dog or cat owner to keep your car’s interior clean during and between trips.
The Lilly Brush Pet Hair Detailer is specifically designed for hard-to-reach nooks and crannies inside a car, and is compact and easy to use.
Dog car seat cover
A car seat cover is a perfect way for pet owners to protect the inside of your car from hair, scratching, odours, stains, and spills while your pooch is on board, even if your dog is in a carrier (which is required for all Turo guests!). Most covers are easily installed and machine washable.
Plush Paws Car Seat Covers are available in a variety of styles to suit every car and canine, and include features like harnesses and non-slip backing.
Best car accessories for the winter
Winter driving is unavoidable in Canada, and being diligent about safety and maintenance is crucial. Be sure to stock up on these accessories for snowy conditions.
Windshield cover
Save time scraping and brushing with one of these helpful covers. Whether you want to make your morning commute more efficient or make your guests’ winter road trip a little bit easier, this practical accessory is a winner.
The EcoNour Windshield Cover offers a universal fit and can be used year-round to protect your car from snow, water, UV rays, and dust.
Escape tracks
Escape tracks are a life-saver in the winter, providing the traction needed to free your tires if you get stuck in deep snow. They’re worth keeping on hand year-round as they also come in handy with muddy surfaces and other rough terrain.
Yaegoo Heavy-Duty Rubberized Recovery Tracks are made from durable, non-slip rubber and roll up for easy storage.
Snow brush with a squeegee and ice scraper
When it comes to winter car accessories, this is one you can’t afford to go without. A good snow brush and scraper is a must-have for icy conditions and ensures visibility on the road.
The Hopkins 996-35 Mallory Maxx Snow Brush is long enough for any vehicle, and is built from sturdy but lightweight aluminum.
Heated seat cushion
Keeping toasty in the car is a sure-fire way to make winter driving more comfortable. If your car isn’t equipped with heated seats, a heated cushion is one of the best car seat accessories you can get for colder climates.
Obusforme’s Heated Car Cushion features a thin profile suited to any vehicle, as well as a pressure-activated auto-shut-off function.
Best car accessories for safety
Whether you’re embarking on a local day trip or venturing into the backcountry, stocking up on safety gear is always a good idea, and guests will appreciate that you’ve thought ahead and value their wellbeing. Here are our favourite essentials to ensure peace of mind on every drive.
Smart tire safety monitor and pressure gauge
A smart tire monitor allows you to keep tabs on tire pressure long before you’re dealing with a flat, and helps to prevent them in the first place. They’re an invaluable addition to your safety kit that will keep you better prepared for setbacks on the road.
The Tymate CL205 Tire Pressure Monitoring System is a small, portable option that easily plugs into your car’s cigarette lighter. A solar powered version is also available.
Window breaker and seatbelt cutter
There’s no harm in being prepared for the worst. A window breaker and seatbelt cutter can literally be a life-saver if you find yourself in a submerged vehicle or otherwise locked inside your car.
The Ztylus Stinger is a spring loaded, all-in-one tool that doubles as an adapter.
Lockbox
If you’re worried about getting locked out of your vehicle, a lockbox is a perfect solution for keeping a spare key secure and accessible. It’s also a great option for hosts to make vehicle pick-up convenient and secure for their guests.
The KeyGuard Car Window Lock Box is weather resistant and conveniently hooks on to your car’s window.
Car battery jump starter packs
Getting stuck with a dead car battery is no big deal when you’re armed with a jump starter pack. Having one of these on hand means you don’t need to rely on a fellow motorist to give you a boost, which is especially useful when travelling through remote areas.
The DeWalt DXAEJ14 is one of the most powerful portable jump starters on the market and includes a built-in compressor, as well as USB ports for charging other devices.
Portable EV charger
A portable EV charger might be one of the most expensive car accessories out there, but it’s a worthwhile investment. Perfect for moments when you don’t have an EV charger nearby, it’s also ideal for topping up your battery between guests from the comfort of home.
The Morec EV Charger is an affordable option that is easily installed and works with any electric vehicle.
First aid kit
A first aid kit is a must-have for every driver, especially during outdoor excursions or if you’re travelling with kids. You can assemble a DIY version with your own supplies, or buy a pre-packed kit for convenience.
Surviveware offers first aid kits in every size, all well-stocked and packed in durable cases.
Ready to level up your ride? Offering accessories is the perfect way to make your car stand out on Turo and help you get the most out of each trip.
Whether it’s outdoor gear for a national park adventure, baby seats for family day trips, or cool tech that makes navigation a breeze, the right accessories offer a personal touch to each booking and are bound to impress your guests.
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