50+ Must-Have Accessories For Different Types of Cars

Car accessories are more than just beautiful add-ons. There truly are unsung companions for safety, comfort, and style on the road. In 2024, the Indian car accessories market size was USD 2,202.33 million. Today, IMARC Group is expecting the market to reach USD 3,565.79 Million by 2033.

Since car ownership in India is showing no signs of slowing down, drivers are investing in accessories that improve comfort, safety, and vehicle aesthetics.

This comprehensive guide outlines 50+ must-have care interior and car exterior accessories. Wondering if those will go well with your car or not? Worry not, whether you own a hatchback, sedan, SUV, or off-road vehicle, the accessories listed below can surely elevate your driving experience.

Mandatory Car Interior Accessories (For All Car Types)

As the saying goes, “A well-equipped car interior is more than just comfort”.

In this hustling era, drivers spend an average of 60–90 minutes per day on the road, which is why the demand for car interior accessories has surged across all car segments.

Here are some mandatory ones that should be in every car:

Seat Covers (PU Leather/Fabric/Nappa Leather): Protects OEM upholstery, improves seating ergonomics, and enhances cabin aesthetics.

Did You Know 🤔?:

73% of Indian buyers prefer waterproof and easy-to-clean materials when it comes to seat covers.

All-Weather Floor Mats: Made from TPE/TPR rubber polymers that resist moisture, dirt, and corrosion. Essential for monsoons and dusty terrains.
Sunshades/Magnetic Curtains: Reduce cabin temperature by up to 15 °C, improving AC efficiency and slightly increasing fuel economy.
Dashboard Non-Slip Mats: Dashboard mats are used to keep phones and small items secure during high-G acceleration or force brakes.
Steering Wheel Cover: It is great for grip, which reduces hand fatigue. It is mostly useful for long-haul drivers.
Car Organiser (Backseat/Boot): Enhances storage management, crucial for families and SUV owners.
Phone Mount/Mobile Holder: It helps with safe navigation and can reduce driver distraction by up to 40% (as stated in a few global road safety studies).
Ambient LED Lighting Strips: Energy-efficient LED accessories enhancing cabin ambience. Popular in premium sedans.
Car Vacuum Cleaner: 12V-powered motor with HEPA filter for dust-intensive regions.
Wireless Charger: It typically supports Qi-enabled mobile phones and reduces cable clutter in a car.
Air Purifier/Ioniser: Mostly helpful for car enthusiasts living in metro cities with AQI above 150. Its main purpose is to improve breathing quality inside the cabin.
Neck and Lumbar Support Cushions: Recommended for highway riders; reduces lower-back stress by 30–35%.
Rear Seat Entertainment Screens: Ideal for long trips with children; comes with HDMI/USB/Bluetooth.
Cupholders and Trash Bins: Supports waste segregation and is mostly found among Uber/Ola drivers.
Smart keyholder or Anti-Theft Pouch: RFID-blocking material prevents relay signal attacks (increasing globally).

Must-Have Exterior Accessories

Must-Have Accessories For Different Types of Cars

The exterior of a car also creates an impression while on the go. Plus, a well-equipped and maintained exterior is important for protection, aerodynamics, and overall driving safety in unpredictable weather conditions or parking challenges.

This section includes some must-have car exterior accessories for every car owner:

Car Body Cover (UV-Resistant): Protects a car’s paint from UV rays, bird droppings, and other sorts of pollutants.
Bumper Guards/Crash Guards: These are made from ABS/steel to lower the impact force during minor to heavier collisions.
Rain Visors: Prevent rainwater entry, improve ventilation, reduce fogging.
Door Edge Guards: Protect edges from chips and scrapes. Mostly useful in tight parking spaces.
Mud Flaps/Splash Guards: The flaps or guards help prevent mud splashes from reaching the underbody and other vehicles.
Alloy Wheels: These wheels are made from a blend of metals. In most cases, there is aluminium combined with other elements like magnesium or nickel.
Tyre Inflator (Portable): Maintains optimal PSI, improving fuel efficiency by up to 3%.
Roof Rails and Roof Racks: They carry items that wouldn’t otherwise fit inside the car. Overall, these increase cargo capacity and are essential for SUVs and off-roaders.
Number Plate Frames: Rust-proof frames with anti-vibration clamps for durability.
Chrome Garnish Kits: Enhance visual premium appeal for sedans and compact SUVs.
Body Side Mouldings: Adds protection against superficial dents from car doors.
Spoilers or Wings: Improves aerodynamics at high speeds. These are mostly employed in performance sedans.
Fog Lamps and LED DRLs: Lamps are useful to increase visibility in foggy or low-light regions.

Fun Fact: As per the industry reports, since DRLs improve daytime visibility, they can bring down the accident probability by 6–10%.

Technology and Safety Accessories

The automotive industry is no exception from technological advancements. Since road accidents and on-road uncertainties are growing with each passing day, smart devices are required. They not only improve driver awareness but also help with better response time.

Here are some of the amazing technologically refined safety accessories:

Dash Camera (Front + Rear): Necessary for insurance claims and legal safety.

Stat:

1 in 4 accidents gets resolved faster with video proof provided by a dash camera.

GPS Tracker: It enables real-time vehicle tracking with geo-fencing alerts. Today, GPS trackers are popular in commercial cars.
Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS): TPMS detects under-inflation and heat buildup to stop tyre bursts.
Parking Sensors and Reverse Camera: You can’t deny their usefulness in everyday situations. A reverse camera provides drivers with a visual clue when manoeuvring a car, and parking sensors gauge the distance from objects and other vehicles on the road. Overall, they reduce blind spots and rear collision risks, especially in tight Indian streets.
Blind Spot Mirror: It is a wide-angle convex lens that promotes visibility during lane shifts.
Fire Extinguisher: Mishappening can occur without any warning. Given that, a fire extinguisher is a mandatory safety equipment which is now essential, especially in cabs and corporate vehicles.
First Aid Kit: Recommended under AIS safety standards.
Anti-Theft Steering Lock: Physical deterrent against car theft.
Car Alarm System: Advanced sensors detect vibration, glass break, or forced entry.
Jump Starter: Portable lithium battery that can start engines up to 3.5L–5.0L.

Accessories for SUVs and Off-Road Vehicles

SUVs (Sport Utility Vehicles) are made for passenger comfort. These are equipped with off-road vehicle features like higher ground clearance, four-wheel-drive (4WD), and low-range gearing.

Although they are built for challenging terrains, these accessories can elevate their capability and reliability:

Underbody Protection Plate: Shields the engine, transmission, and fuel tank from stones and debris.
Recovery Tow Strap/D-Shackles: These are rated for high tensile strength and are important for off-road recoveries.
Snorkel Kit: Improves water-wading capacity by raising the engine’s air intake.
Off-Road Lights/LED Light Bar: Offers high-lumen output for night trails.
Tyre Deflator: Helps decrease tyre pressure for better sand or slush traction.
Winch System: A mechanical device important for self-recovery during off-road expeditions.

For Sedans and Highway Cruisers

Sedans are designed for comfort, stability, and refined long-distance travel. Due to this, sedan cars are perfect for highway cruising. Now, to further enhance their road efficiency and passenger comfort, the accessories listed below are must-haves:

Cruise Control Add-ons: Supports steady engine RPM, improves long-distance comfort.
Noise-Deadening Material: Reduces road noise by 30–40%, improving NVH (Noise, Vibration, Harshness).
Trunk Storage Nets: Ideal for organising small luggage items.
Car Sunroof Wind Deflector: Reduces wind buffeting while keeping the sunroof open.

For Hatchback Cars

Hatchback cars are engineered for efficiency, agility, and ease of navigation to pass by crowded streets and tight parking spaces. Hatchback cars are practical and affordable for daily use.

Here are the must-have add-ons specifically to upgrade the practicality and comfort of hatchbacks:

Compact Rear Parcel Tray Organisers: Maximise limited cabin storage.
Compact Vacuum Cleaner: More suitable for smaller cabins.
Magnetic Parking Number Plate: Essential in urban areas for temporary parking situations.
Small Footprint Air Inflator: Designed for compact glove box storage.

Final Words

In a nutshell, car accessories are practical additions to a car. They work in tandem to enhance a vehicle’s aesthetics, functionality, comfort, protection, safety, and resale value. However, investing in car interior or exterior accessories can transform a vehicle into a comfortable and functional one.

So go ahead, explore, customise, and let your vehicle do more than move you. Therefore, let it support you, protect you, and elevate every mile along the way.