Owning a car is a dream for many, along with owning a home. So, when you finally get a machine with a working motor, you can’t wait to go for a drive. Once you start driving, you might realize you need extras to keep you safe, make driving more comfortable, and improve the look of your car.
That’s why some people opt to have accessories to keep in car compartments. Others maintain the car as it is, since they prefer an empty trunk and empty car compartments. Even if you are a minimalist who prefers a completely uncluttered car space, some accessories are a must-have.
The car accessories market is massive, showing how much car owners value extras. According to Vantage Market Research, the car accessories market is projected to reach $604.1 billion by 2028. We compiled an extensive list of accessories to keep in car compartments that you will find useful as a car owner. You can always choose which accessories you need and which to leave.
What are Car Accessories?
Before settling on accessories to keep in car compartments, you should know what car accessories are. They are extras that aren’t part of the manufacturer’s initial conceptualization but play a critical role in the usability and functionality of your car. The vehicle can operate without them, but their presence greatly improves the user experience. Some are factory-fitted, dealerships fit others, and others are aftermarket.
Why You Need Car Accessories
In the strict sense, your vehicle doesn’t necessarily need accessories to run. However, they play different roles which could change how you experience your car or driving. Others, such as a first aid kit, are a must-have. Here are some reasons people get accessories to keep in car compartments. Which of the following reasons do you think would make you get car accessories?
1. Safety and Protection
One of the most obvious reasons for getting accessories is safety and protection. Car emergencies such as a crash happen even to the most cautious drivers. So having first aid kits in car compartments is for safety. Your vehicle is also prone to risks such as break-ins, too much sunlight, or hails. Having car alarm systems helps protect your car. Seat covers will protect your seat from too much sunlight. So, car accessories have a basic and functional role.
2. Comfort and Convenience</h3
People keep accessories in the car to improve comfort and convenience. They make it easy to eat, drink, call, and do other daily activities. For example, consider the convenience a mobile holder provides. In more than half of all states in the U.S., using a handheld device while driving is illegal and can attract a fine.
Further, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures, an estimated 400,000 people were injured in 2018 because of a phone-distracted driver. A mobile holder helps you avoid putting others at risk while giving you the convenience of a phone call.
3. Aesthetic Appeal
Car accessories also improve a car’s beauty. For example, some car owners overhaul the interior to look a certain way. For example, by having leather car seat covers. Others have bright flashlights, banners, and art on the car’s exterior. So you could keep accessories to make your vehicle stand out.
4. Maintenance and Repair
According to Agero, there’re 69 million car breakdowns in the U.S, with the majority happening on the roadside. So, there’s a high chance your car will malfunction while driving. Maintenance and repair accessories in your trunk will enable you to fix minor malfunctions while waiting for auto services. In other instances, such accessories help you fix the problem immediately.
5. Entertainment
Another common reason car owners get vehicle accessories is to provide entertainment. For example, some people will add a screen to watch videos in their cars. Others add elaborate music systems to have high-quality sound while they drive.
Accessories to keep in Car Compartments
When it comes to accessorizing, your car’s needs matter. While you can’t have every accessory, you can choose some to improve the user experience and keep you and your car safe and comfortable. If you are concerned having multiple accessories will clutter your vehicle, you can get an accessories organizer.
Accessories vary by role, so in this list are accessories to fix and repair, help you survive, and escape emergencies. You might not need to buy most of them because you probably have the extras in your garage. Others might not apply depending on the season. Here are nine accessories to keep in car compartments.
1. Equipment to Fix Broken Windshields
Windshields are the most common type of car glass likely to be impacted by a collision or crash. Unlike having a dent or torn car seat, driving with a broken windshield is difficult. In other states, it’s illegal to drive with a broken windshield. So you might need to do windshield repair before driving again.
You could keep equipment to fix broken windshields, especially if the damage is not extensive. Such windshield repair kits fix chips not more than 6 inches wide. While you may still need a professional to inspect your window, a kit will prevent further damage. It may include a suction pad applicator and resin fluid.
2. Equipment to do Repair and Maintenance</h3
Another good example of accessories to keep in car compartments is equipment for repair and maintenance. So many inconveniences can happen on the road, and waiting for auto services to arrive may cost you time. For example, imagine your tire blowing while you are on a busy highway. A tire jack and iron plus a spare tire will relieve you from the hassle of waiting for auto services to arrive.
Another accessory to consider is a tire sealer in case you have a minor leak. You should also keep your car manual in the car compartments if you have to refer to a specific solution. Equipment for repair and maintenance also includes jumper cables. If your battery dies on the roadside, you can jump-start your car before recharging your battery.
3. Touch-Up Tools in Case Your Car Gets Scratched
Car scratches are pretty common. You are rushing through traffic, and a motorbike rider makes a scratch on your car. Or a tree branch scratches your car when you are parking. If it’s a minor scratch, you can use touch-up tools to cover it. If the scratch is big and quite visible, you can consider looking for car coating companies.
Your toolkit will typically have a primer, paint, and an applicator. You can do the touch-up pretty easily by following the manual. However, if DIY is not your thing, you might want to wait until you get to an auto-paint shop instead of doing a less-than-par job.
4. Cables and Pins for Towed Attachments
In some cases, your vehicle might incur serious damage; you can’t drive it to the nearest auto mechanic. In other cases, you have tried all the hacks and tips, and your vehicle isn’t budging. Other drivers could help tow your car to the nearest auto shop. But if you don’t have any equipment or tools for towing, such as cables and pins, they might not help.
You might need to stock up on tools for towed attachments regardless of the size of your vehicle. If you have a non-motorized vehicle, such as a trailer, and you have a breakdown requiring trailer repair, having towing attachment tools will make towing much more convenient.
5. First Aid Kits and Other Survival Accessories
Most people have an emergency kit in their car compartments. If you travel frequently and away from home, you may opt to increase and equip your safety and survival kit with other accessories. You might want a flashlight if you are involved in a collision and can’t access an auto collision repair shop immediately.
Have fire lighting tools in your survival kit and a power bank if your phone dies. If you are driving through remote roads, it will help to have water bottles and high-energy snacks. An emergency kit will help you survive and keep safe before getting a car collision repair.
6.Car Accessories for Winter and Warm Weather
Winter requires special accessories you might not use in other seasons. So you could stock them during winter only. Apart from an emergency kit, you could also have a bag of sand or salt ready. It will help you gain traction if you get stuck in an ice blockage. An extra change of warm clothes will keep you warm should you dash out of the car.
An ice scraper will be handy when your windshield is packed with snow, while energy crackers keep your stomach from rumbling from hunger pangs. You might also need emergency contact if you are stuck in a deserted place with your battery dead.
Moreover, you will need accessories to keep in car compartments in anticipation of warm weather. For example, you might need a sun hat and sunscreen spray. You could also keep an umbrella handy in case a storm brews without warning. A mini-fridge will keep all your drinks cold for a hot afternoon.
7. Gear to Help Out Other Drivers
If you ever had an incident on the road, you probably appreciated it when other drivers stopped to help you. In many instances, other motorists are the first responders before auto services, and emergency responders arrive in car accidents. You can get accessories to keep in car compartments to help other drivers.
For instance, you should have towing tools to pull other drivers from ditches. In addition, you could have a well-packed first aid kit. Other gear types are tools to change a wheel or inflate one. The good thing is that such equipment could be useful for you too. Valuable information such as truck rental equipment stores and locations or nearby auto shops will also come in handy when a vehicle breaks down.
8. Insurance and Legal Information
No one ever sets out to cause or be involved in accidents. But car accidents are a stark reality in the U.S, where they’re a leading cause of death. According to Safer America, there were about 38,000 deaths caused by car accidents in 2019. If you are involved in an accident, you might need a car accident attorney to represent you.
You should always have insurance and legal information handy. You can have it in a cover to prevent damage from coffee spillovers. In your information kit, have family or closest friend contacts and your car accident injury attorney for easy access.
9. Accessories for Comfort and Convenience
According to News Room, Americans spend, on average, 294 hours per year behind the wheel. Maybe you spend more time than that or less. So you might need the little conveniences and comforts of life. Comfort and convenience are good reasons to get accessories to keep in car compartments.
For example, having a USB charger can help you keep your phone charged even on long-distance travel. A mobile phone holder will help you keep making calls, while a coffee holder will prevent spillage. There’s no shortage of accessories you could keep in your car to improve comfort and convenience.
You now have an extensive but in-exhaustive list of accessories to keep in car compartments. Your vehicle doesn’t need every accessory on the market. But you can go through the list and consider your needs. For example, will you be driving in winter? You may need winter-specific accessories.
Other car accessories, such as a first aid kit, are mandatory regardless of the type of vehicle you drive. You may also want to learn how certain accessories affect your warranty. If you are adding an elaborate accessory to your car, ensure it’s legal and won’t affect your driving experience or the safety of other users.
