Editor-loved car products quick picks
So you don't lose your phone under your seat: Drop Stop Car Seat Gap Filler
A tool you hopefully never have to use: Sinsen Car Safety Hammer Set
So your car doesn't fill up with garbage: Hotor Car Trash Can
Our favorite phone mount: ESR Qi2 Car Mount Charger
So you can stop paying for air at the gas station: AstroAI Portable Tire Inflator
Whether you’re a daily commuter, a weekend road tripper or even just a passenger princess, the right car products can make your ride a whole lot smoother. Our editors have tested dozens of gadgets and accessories over the years, so we asked them to share the products they think are actually worth buying.
From durable phone holders for keeping your GPS in view to essentials for your emergency car kit, we’ve got tried-and-true picks to cover every corner of your car. And if you’re in deep-cleaning mode, don’t miss our full guide to the best car cleaning products.
Car products for organization
This product is a life changer when juggling a toddler’s snack demands while navigating city traffic. No more distracted digging around for loose animal crackers or, worse, my cell phone, when everything goes flying out of the center console. — Marc Wiesyk, director, data analytics
Garbage piles up so quickly in the car, especially when you have a long commute or go on a road trip. This small trash can hooks onto the headrest so that you have a dedicated place to put all of your straw wrappers, used napkins and more. It definitely saves my husband and me from having constant fights about the car being messy. The same small garbage bags that I use in my bathroom trash can fit in here, so I don’t need to add anything else to my Subscribe & Save order. — Amina Lake Patel, home and gifts editor
Before we got this organizer, the trunk of our car was so messy that it was impossible to find anything in there. It easily fits car cleaning supplies, emergency tools, hiking shoes, grocery bags and more. And since it comes with straps to tie it down, it always stays in place (even on bumpy rides). — Amina Lake Patel, home and gifts editor
If some of your favorite reusable water bottles are too big for your car’s cup holder, then you need this gadget. This cup holder expander allows me to keep my wide, 40-ounce water bottles (from brands like Hydro Flask and Owala) within arm’s reach, whether I’m driving or being a passenger princess. It fits right into your existing cup holder, and it’s surprisingly secure and easy to install. — Amina Lake Patel, home and gifts editor
I was gifted the WeatherTech Cargo Liner a few years back, and it remains my most useful car accessory. It fits into my trunk seamlessly and has protected my interior while moving to Texas and Northern California and taking countless road trips with an overstuffed trunk. Most recently, it saved me from the never-ending task of cleaning up sand after testing beach wagons and beach umbrellas. I just pulled it out of the trunk, gave it a rinse and placed it back inside. WeatherTech offers this liner for multiple makes and models, so you can find one to fit your vehicle exactly. — Gareen Puglia, associate testing writer
Car products for cleaning
If you have a dark interior, you’d be surprised at just how dirty it can get. I’ve been using these wipes for 20+ years, and they’re an affordable way to keep your car clean. They easily and quickly wipe away all kinds of dirt and grime. I also appreciate that they don’t leave my hands feeling sticky or gross. — Lindsey Smith, newsletter editor
After moving and a few trips to the beach, I felt like my car needed a refresh. This Smell House Anywhere Freshener in the scent Paper Wrapped does the trick. It’s a powerful fragrance that actually smells good, unlike other air fresheners that emit an artificial scent. — Gareen Puglia, associate testing writer
The majority of my time spent in the car is stuck in traffic, so I like to decorate it with things that make me happy. This handmade vent clip never fails to put a smile on my face. Plus, it’s not just for show. Put a few drops of essential oil on it and you’ll make your car smell great. — Lindsey Smith, newsletter editor
Car products for preparedness
If you’re like me and get anxious when your tire pressure drops while you’re away from home, a portable air compressor can come in clutch. Skip paying to add air to your tires at a gas station and keep this easy-to-use machine in your trunk. It pays for itself after just a few uses. Bonus: It’s also great for bikes, lawn mowers, balloons and more. — Lindsey Smith, newsletter editor
When I got my first car 20 years ago, the first thing my parents put in it was one of these. Thankfully, I haven’t had to use it yet, but it makes me feel better knowing it’s there. I keep it within arm’s reach in case of an emergency. It's affordable and should be in everyone’s car. — Lindsey Smith, newsletter editor
I sometimes go backpacking and camping where you aren’t allowed to dig cat holes, so I’ve gotten very familiar with using Wag Bags. And while I haven’t had to use one in this context yet, I always keep one or two in my car just in case of an emergency. — Kai Burkhardt, outdoors, sustainability and pet editor
If you load gear on top of your car on any sort of regular basis, this door step is a game changer. I’m often climbing on top of my car, whether I’m strapping up a kayak, rooftop tent or crash pads for climbing. Every time I need to get up there, I break out this little gadget and it makes accessing the roof so much easier. — Kai Burkhardt, outdoors, sustainability and pet editor
During the warm months, I love to drive on dirt roads and do a little offroading, but if there’s one rule to offroading, it’s that you need to be able to rescue yourself if you get stuck. I have more gear to help me do that, but one tool I think everyone should keep in their car is a foldable shovel. I have this one from Rhino USA, and I really like it because it folds up into a tiny bag that’s easy to stash. — Kai Burkhardt, outdoors, sustainability and pet editor
Car accessories
I don’t have GPS or Apple CarPlay in my car, so my phone is my only method of navigation. After testing 14 car phone holders, this one emerged as the best because it mounted my handheld in the perfect position, kept it charged and even actively cooled it with a built-in fan. If you have an iPhone 16, this identical, slightly pricier model has updated firmware optimized for the newer phone. — Joe Bloss, associate testing writer
As a self-proclaimed “sauce queen,” I consider my sauce holders a can’t-drive-without car essential. No matter the origin of the sauce, the adjustable sizing ensures your ranch, honey mustard or sweet and sour sauce has a safe, accessible home in your car, ensuring many miles of delicious, drivable delights. –– Hayley Kinne, senior manager, business development
My car’s name is Steven, and he has a very specific style. This furry steering wheel cover from Amazon has to be one of my favorite accessories. It’s worn over time but still has a fuzzy feel I love holding onto. And yes, it’s easy to drive with. The texture might not work for everyone, but we must make sacrifices for fashion. — Gareen Puglia, associate testing writer
I love this adorable stuffed penguin because it can help me process my emotions while driving. If I’m having a good day and I’m driving to a hike, he’s happy. But if I’m stuck in traffic and it’s raining, he’s sad. Is it life-changing? No. But it brings me joy whenever I hop into my car. — Kai Burkhardt, outdoors, sustainability and pet editor
Why trust CNN Underscored
CNN Underscored has a team of skilled writers and editors who have many years of experience testing, researching and recommending products, and they ensure each article is carefully edited and products are properly vetted. We talk to top experts when applicable to make certain we are testing each product accurately, recommending only the best products and considering the pros and cons of each item. For this article, our editorial intern Chelsea Collier asked fellow CNN Underscored staffers to share the car essentials they love driving with.
