Your ride, your wheels, your wagon, your whip. No matter what you call it, your car can be a source of pride and joy or just another place to park your seat, if you will.
With the rise in remote work, fewer people are driving these days, yet somehow traffic is intolerable as ever. That’s one reason to keep your vehicle clean and comfortable, stocked with snacks, and ready for emergencies. Another? As we’ve reported before, the spaces you spend your time in can contribute to your overall mental health, even when they’re locomotory.
We put together a list of products that will upgrade your vehicle — whether it’s brand-new or barely bumping along — from the inside out.
Seasons Crystal Essential Oil Car Clips at Urban Outfitters
A pleasant-smelling ride is key to feeling good behind the wheel. Sure, we all love a hanging pine tree, but these essential oil car clips are a sleeker, slightly more elegant option. All you have to do is add a few drops of your favorite oil — get a 16-piece variety set here — and start driving.
Heytrip Large Trunk Organizer
For some of us (this writer included), our trunks are veritable black holes; that is, nothing seems able to escape them. In that case — or if you’re going on a big road trip and want to stay organized — a product like this one makes all the difference. It comes with a built-in, leakproof cooler bag, four removable dividers, side pockets, and two tie-down straps.
Clore Automotive Jump-N-Carry Jump Starter
There’s nothing like having your car battery die to remind you how important the kindness of strangers is. Of course, if no one is around when your engine refuses to start, that becomes a moot point. Ensure you always have power at hand with this portable 12 volt jump starter that you can charge up at home and keep in your trunk.
Fanttik V8 Mate Cordless Car Vacuum
Keep those seats and floors free from crumbs, dust, and pet hair with Fantiik’s cordless car vacuum. The compact device gets in all the nooks and crannies and comes with a variety of extension tubes and hoses, as well as two different brush attachments. Weighing in at just over 1 pound, it’s even small enough to be stowed in your glove compartment between uses.
Three Potato Four Poppy Keychain at Ban.do
Ban.do sells all things aesthetically pleasing, so of course that includes the brand’s keychain selection. We’re partial to this retro-inspired one designed by Three Potato Four. It’s double embroidered and features a pretty California poppy. You just might smile every time you open your car door.
Puffworks Four-Flavor Variety Pack
Whether you’re stuck in traffic, picking up a pal from the airport, or just dashing off to run a quick errand, there’s never a bad time to have a snack or two ready to go in your center console. We like Puffworks for this purpose not only because they’re delicious and have up to six grams of plant-based protein per serving, but also because they’re unlikely to melt in the heat or freeze in the cold!
Pura Car Diffusers
We’ve recommended Pura’s home fragrance diffuser before, but the company also makes diffusers for your car, with intoxicating scents from designers like Homesick, Apotheke, and Votivo. They’re made with responsibly sourced ingredients and without harsh chemicals. Blends include Red Rock & Amber, Teak & Leather, and Cucumber & Mint.
Always Prepared Roadside Emergency Kit
The perfect gift for a new driver, but also just a good idea for anyone to have, an emergency roadside kit helps make certain any unexpected circumstances can be handled safely. Always Prepared’s 98-piece bundle comes with just about everything you need — from jumper cables to a flashlight, first aid kit, reflective safety vest, and much more.
Meguiar’s Ultimate Wash and Wax
Summer’s coming, which means you’re going to start seeing far more people washing their cars in driveways. Planning to be one of them? Consider grabbing a bottle of Meguiar’s Ultimate Wash and Wax. Powerful suds lift off dirt and grime while Carnauba wax and synthetic polymer technology gently clean and protect your paint job.
Garmin DriveSmart™ 76 Drive GPS Navigator
These days, GPS navigation is automatically built into every smartphone and many new cars. But if that’s not a feature of your vehicle, and you enjoy having a system permanently in place on your dashboard, turn to Garmin. The company has been in the game for decades — and it’s still manufacturing the handy devices. This model is available in four sizes, from 5 to 8 inches.
Frisco by Chew Dog Car Seat Cover
If you love bringing your pup on adventures but don’t love the journey to get to them — that is, your dog scratching at your car seats and attempting to jump into the front while you try to navigate — this is the product for you. The water-resistant, heavy-duty car seat cover is built with adjustable, reinforced straps for a secure fit, so that you can feel confident your pet is safe and sound.
Denvix Portable Tire Inflator
Tires looking flat but a gas station with an air and water machine nowhere to be found? Fret not should this situation happen to you — a handheld electric air pump like this one will save the day (and get that pesky alert light on your dash to turn off). The innovative device can pump up a standard tire completely in just six minutes.
Munchkin Magnetic Sun Shade
Stay cool as it warms up with Munchkin’s handy magnetic sun shade. It’s easy to use: Just stretch it over your windshield and five magnets will secure it in place. The mesh helps block glare and harmful UV-A and UV-B rays but not the view, so you can drive safely with it on. Plus, it stretches up to 34 inches long to cover even large SUV windows.
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