Ever feel like you could use more car essentials to help make your life easier on the road? These are the best products to keep in your car so that you’ll always have what you need.
We’ve all had those days where we feel like we’ve just lived in our cars, constantly going from one place to the next. If you’re anything like me, then you’ve probably spent some time wishing you had a specific item in your car that would make your life so much easier when you’re on the go.
I am giving you my must-have car essentials that are going to make your car more functional for your life and more enjoyable on those busy days. Think of them as the best “that girl” car essentials you can’t live without.
This post is all about car essentials for the girl on the go.
Best Car Essentials:
1. Car Trash Can
If you’re the kind of person who spends a lot of time in their car, then it’s only natural for little pieces of trash (think straw wrappers, receipts, napkins) to become a problem. I love this cute trash can from Amazon because it fits perfectly in my door cupholder and means that all that clutter is off the floor of my car and contained.
2. Car Vacuum Cleaner
When I moved into my first apartment, I quickly realized that cleaning my car was going to be a little bit more difficult to do as often as I like. Specifically vacuuming. Rather than paying for the vacuums at the car wash every week, I decided that getting a portable car vacuum would be the smartest thing to do, for both my budget and sanity. This cordless handheld vacuum is definitely a car essential because it allows for quick and easy clean-up AND is rechargeable with a USB cord so you can easily recharge as your driving.
3. Coasters for Cup Holders
Here’s the thing about me: if I leave my apartment, you can guarantee that I will have some form of a drink with me (preferably coffee) OR I will be stopping to get one. Over time, cup holders in cars can just get so dirty. I love having these silicone cup holders that make it easy to clean up and crumbs or spills that happen.
4. Mirror Sticker
Okay so this may not seem like a car essential, but who doesn’t want to be told they’re gorgeous every time they open their mirror?? A sticker on your mirror is just one of the ways that you can make your car feel like YOU. I made this exact sticker in Canva and cut it out on my Cricut because I wanted to be 100% sure it would fit my car’s specific type of mirror. I knew exactly what I wanted it to look like and could not find it anywhere else. If you don’t have access to Canva or a Cricut, Etsy has so many cute options like this one. Definitely one of my favorite girl car must haves!
5. Stain Remover Wipes
Have you ever been rushing out the door and accidentally spill your coffee all on your nice work pants? Just me?? Instead of living with that stain all day, keep a pack of on-the-go stain remover wipes in your car. I love anything that The Hate Stains Co. makes, but these wipes are lifesavers for those spills that seem to happen at the most inconvenient times.
6. Car Emergency Kit
This is the most important thing I could put on this car essentials list. A roadside emergency kit is a must-have for us girls. I keep this in my trunk at all times because I always want to be prepared for the worst, rather can be caught unprepared and in a bad situation. This kit includes jumper cables, a tow rope, a safety hammer, and so much more.
7. Grocery Bag Holder
These grocery bag holders will forever be a staple on any car essentials list that I make. I currently live on the third floor of my apartment building and, because of these holders, I no longer have to cut off the circulation in my arms trying to carry up 12 bags of groceries in one trip. I can fit 4-5 grocery bags on each side which means I can comfortably carry 8-10 bags at once without it being too heavy.
8. Car Cleaning Gel
This cleaning gel feels super weird at first, but it is so helpful in getting dust and crumbs out of places that are hard to vacuum. The best part is that it is reusable, compact, and makes cleaning a little more satisfying.
9. Purse Hooks
The absolute worst thing is when I take a turn, my purse falls over, and I can hear all of its contents rolling around on the floor (and I keep A LOT of stuff in my purse). These purse hooks are one of those inventions you didn’t know you needed until you own it. I love how they match the interior color of my car and the fact that they are leather makes it look so nice when hanging on the seats.
10. Travel Umbrella
I have had this umbrella in the trunk of my car since I was 16 and had just started driving. This has come in handy so many times when random rain storms have popped out of nowhere, especially when I lived at the beach. Recently, I also purchased this larger umbrella in the event that I have someone else in the car with me and we need a bigger option. Either way, you will never be unprepared again by making sure you have this car essential!
11. Trunk Organizer
I often have the “out of sight, out of mind” mentality when it comes to my trunk. If I can’t see it, I won’t know how unorganized it is. That’s great until I actually need the trunk space! This trunk organizer has been a game changer for making sure that my trunk is always usable while storing the things I need. I usually keep blankets, my emergency kit, and my umbrella in it at all times, but it is also great for keeping grocery bags contained or any breakable items I get from the store.
12. Phone Charger
One of my biggest fears when traveling is that I will be somewhere unfamiliar by myself and lose service or worse: my phone will die. I may not be able to control cell service, but I can make sure my phone will always be usable with the help of a phone charger. I love how this one has two USB connections so you and a passenger can both charge your phones at once or you can charge any portable car essentials without sacrificing your phone.
13. Car Jump Starter
I am a big true crime girlie, and too many of the cases I listen to on those podcasts start with someone stranded with car trouble. This portable car jump starter does a little bit of everything, but I love that it can jump-start not just full-sized cars but also SUVs. It gives that extra level of security by not having to ask a stranger for help in the instance where you are alone and need to jump-start your car. It can also inflate your tires and has two USB charging ports. If you travel alone a lot, I highly recommend keeping this car essential with you at all times!
14. LED Vanity Mirror
There are more days than not when I have to finish up my makeup in my car. I love having this vanity mirror on hand that I can just hook onto my visor because it is bigger than my regular mirror and has LED lights around the outside to give that perfect lighting.
15. Seat Gap Filler
This is a struggle that we can all relate to. Whether it be your phone, chapstick, or credit card… we’ve all dropped something in that seemingly bottomless pit that is the gap between the center console and the seat. These seat gap fillers are the perfect solution to that problem.
16. Car Documents Holder
It can be so easy for the compartments in your car to become cluttered with all of the different documents you need while on the road. Using a car documents holder is a great way to keep yourself organized and always be able to find what you need.
17. Diffuser Vent Clips
These vent clips are the perfect way to bring your favorite essential oils on the go with you! All you have to do is put a few drops on the white refill stick and adjust the strength of the smell to your preference. I love how the clips are sleek and blend in with the interior of my car.
18. Electric Car Blanket
I may live in the South but we still get some pretty cold mornings here. This electric car blanket makes my morning commute a little bit better in the wintertime by keeping me warm. The blanket is easy to store and just pops right into your cigarette lighter whenever you want to use it.
19. Snow Brush and Ice Scraper
A snow brush and ice scraper are necessities for those winter months, especially if you live somewhere that gets pretty cold. They save me so much time when I am running late in the mornings because instead of sitting in my car, blasting the heat, and waiting for my windshield to defrost, I can quickly use this tool and be on my way.
20. Emergency Snacks and Clothes
This is a more recent essential that I added to my car and it gives me such peace of mind. It never hurts to be over-prepared and one way I like that to that is to keep a change of clothes (a sweatshirt and sweatpants) and extra snacks. If you travel long distances often, I highly recommend setting a bin up like this in the event that you ever need it.
21. Sunglasses Holder
Nobody likes it when your favorite pair of sunglasses get scratched because they are just rolling around in your purse. These holders fix that problem by attaching to your car’s visor and making it easy to clip your sunglasses in and out. I love how the many different color options make this essential work for any car and still keep it looking clutter-free.
22. Center Console Organizing Bag
I use a bag in my center console to act as a “catch-all” bag for the little items I may need while on the road. Putting them in a makeup bag is just a good way to keep things organized and easy to find. Some ideas of what to put in this include flossers, mints or gum, pens, feminine products, mini nail care kit, hair ties or hair clips, and more.
23. Tissue Holder
This is definitely one of those items that you didn’t know you needed until you have it. The tissue holder can be attached to your car’s visor, passenger seat, or side door pocket and is easy to refill so you’ll always have tissues without a tissue box taking up space on your seats or floors.
24. Magnetic Phone Holder
I absolutely swear by having a phone mount in your car because it makes my life SO much easier. Every single time I drive, I am using this magnetic phone holder. I love how I can use my phone for navigation or skip to the next song on Spotify without having to risk my safety. It clips right into my vent and stays in my line of sight rather than looking down to see my next turn.
25. Window Shades
Summers get HOT here in the South and these window shades are a lifesaver to keep on hand during those warm days. They easily cling to your windows without leaving behind a sticky residue, protect anyone riding with you from harmful UV rays, and help your car not feel like a sauna whenever you get in it.
26. Cup Holder Expander
As a lover of cups, I had to include this cup holder expander on my car essentials list. Some of my favorite cups don’t fit in my car’s cupholders, so instead of having them roll around on my passenger seat, I found this gadget on Amazon. I use it to hold all of my large water bottles and it even has a slit on the side that lets me put a coffee mug in it!
27. Sauce Holder
I’ve had this product for about three years now and I think it is just the smartest invention ever. Every time I have to eat in my car I am reaching for this sauce holder. It attaches right to my car vent for easy dipping and fits tons of different fast food sauce packets (including my beloved Chick-fil-A). If you’re like me and have to eat in your car often, I highly recommend you add this to your car.
28. Portable Air Pump
As far as car essentials go, this one is SUPER important. If you ever feel like your tires need air, but don’t have access to a gas station, this portable air pump will keep you safe on the road no matter where you are. The best part is that it comes with a built-in light so if you have to pull over to give your tires air in the dark, you’ll still be visible to other cars on the road.
29. Wheel Desk
Sometimes in between meetings, I’ll have time to kill, but not enough to go home or back to my office. This wheel desk hooks right onto your car’s wheel and gives you a stable surface to type on a laptop or write in a notebook. It helps to stay productive and maximize my time, rather than just scroll through my phone!
