Whether it’s for safety, entertainment, or to protect your car, the right accessories can make a huge difference to your driving experience (and to the sale price when you come to sell it). From keeping interiors clean and tidy, to charging your devices on the go, these easy to find and relatively low-cost accessories will give you the most value for your money.
Here are our top 5 practical car accessories that will improve your day-to-day time on the road and keep your car in great condition.
Charging Phone Mount
Let’s be honest, our smartphones are rarely out of arm’s reach, and that’s no different in the car.
A phone mount in your car will reduce safety risks by keeping your hands on the wheel, and a phone mount that also has functionality to charge your phone will ensure you never get caught out by a dead battery when you’re on the go.
Depending on your car’s dash, there are a few different types of phone mounts you can choose from, such as suction mounts that attach to your dashboard or windscreen, or mounts that clip onto your air vents. Most basic phone mounts have a low price point, but if you’re looking to invest a bit more there are mounts that come with amazing added features such as a built in car-locator (so you never get lost in the shopping mall car park again!).
Floor Mat Set
Floor mats are an absolute must for your car, and investing in good quality mats is the best way to give longevity to your car floor’s upholstery. From mud to crumbs to spilled coffee, your car floor is going to have a lot thrown at it, and there are a few options of mats you can choose from:
- Carpet floor mats are especially good at trapping debris and absorbing water.
- Rubber floor mats are highly durable, and might be a better fit if you’re regularly hopping in the car with muddy shoes.
As well as protecting your car from unpleasant stains, they’ll also protect against general wear and tear from foot friction. Standard fit car floor mats are easy to remove and clean, and give added safety by increasing slip resistance.
One more thing to consider is that floor mats are not just functional - they can improve the look of your car too and there are plenty of stylish options out there to enhance your car interior. Suzuki have a range of floor mats including those branded with the model name such as this coloured Vitara Set or this one for Jimny with raised rubber edges. They are customised to fit perfectly into the shape of the footwell, and the driver's and front passenger's mats clip in so they don't move under your feet when you are driving.
Bonnet Protector
Just like floor mats are excellent for protecting your interior, a bonnet protector helps prevent stones or road debris damaging your exterior paintwork. There’s nothing worse than hearing the crack of a flying stone from another vehicle hitting your car and wondering what damage it has caused.
The bonnet and front windscreen are the most vulnerable areas to stone chipping as they face and follow traffic constantly on the road. It’s common to see used vehicles with bonnets resembling the surface of the moon with multiple impact marks. Once the paint is chipped it exposes the metal surface which can lead to corrosion and unsightly rust marks.
Paint condition is one of the major influencers on resale value so the fitment of a simple bonnet protector can end up saving you a lot when it comes to upgrading.
While they cannot stop every stone from hitting your car, they can ensure your front bonnet line is free from marks and they might even stop some of those low flying stones from connecting and cracking your windscreen.
You can choose from a clear colour for a more subtle look or make more of a statement with the more popular black smoked bonnet guard. Suzuki have a range of bonnet guards with most including branding like this one for the S-Cross. They are specifically designed for each model to fit the front bonnet line and make an attractive accessory highlighting the shape of the vehicle.
Cargo Organiser
Umbrellas, shopping bags, netballs, drink bottles, muddy boots… your car boot is probably home to a huge range of different items that represent your life on-the-go.
Instead of all these things rolling around in the back of your car, a cargo organiser is going to stop your car boot from becoming an absolute tip. You might be surprised at just how much abuse your car boot endures - groceries alone can cause significant spills and stains if they aren’t loaded well.
The separate storage compartments or a cargo organiser will keep things like wet umbrellas, dirty shoes or sandy beach towels from making a huge mess in the boot, and it will stop things from sliding around and stop groceries spilling everywhere.
There are plenty of different options for cargo organisers and you’ll want to choose a storage solution that’s right for you. You can get foldable, fabric organisers if you need to make space to load large items into the boot or just need light storage for your shopping bags, or alternatively you can find more sturdy and rigid organisers if you rely a lot on your car storage. You’ll also want to consider the material, as plastic or rubber cargo organisers will be easier to wipe down if you’re protecting your car from muddy boots or wetsuits.
Like car floor mats, a cargo organiser comes with the benefit of being removable and easy to clean, keeping stains away from your car’s upholstery. So you’re not just keeping all of your items clean, tidy and secure - you’re keeping your boot looking good as new.
Sun Shades
Sun shades are a must-have accessory for all cars, especially in our hot kiwi summers. Sun shades prevent fading and cracking of your dashboard, they keep your car cool, and they lessen the effects of sun on your passengers.
Getting a sun shade for your windscreen comes with a range of benefits, from protecting your dash from UV damage, to reflecting sunlight and preventing your car from becoming an oven when you can’t find a park in the shade. Side and rear sun shades are important for protecting you passengers, especially if you have a baby on board - you need to protect their eyes from damaging sun glare.
For a small price tag, an accessory as simple as a sunshade will offer a huge amount of protection to your car. And they aren’t just functional - a sun shade can be a stylish addition to your car, or you can make a statement with a fun design.
So be proactive in the short term and try some or all of these must-have car accessories. They are inexpensive ways to protect your car from unnecessary damage, and may ultimately improve your car’s resale value when you come to trade it in or sell it later on.
If you’re thinking about buying a new car, we’ve got you covered. Check out our Complete Guide to Buying a New Car.
