As someone who spends way too much time commuting, I’m always looking for tech accessories that make my time in the car a little more enjoyable or productive. My car is basically my home away from home, so over the past years, I’ve found these accessories to be must-haves.

1 Car Charger

There’s nothing worse than watching your phone battery drain during a long drive, especially when you’re relying on it for navigation or emergency calls. That’s why a good car charger has become my ride-or-die companion on the road.

These compact devices plug right into your car’s power outlet (or cigarette lighter, for those of us who still call it that), instantly turning it into a charging station for multiple devices. I love the ones that offer more than just one port. In my car, I’ve got a model that gives me two USB slots—one for me and one for my passenger. That way, no one is left fighting over the lone charger when we’re on a road trip.

When buying a car charger, look for one with fast charging abilities so you won’t have to wait forever to charge your phone from 10% to something reasonable.

2 Charging Cables

While having a good car charger is essential, it’s useless without a cable. So, these days, I make sure to have at least two cables for my phone stashed in different spots in my car—one in the glove compartment and another in the center console. This redundancy has saved me more than once when I’ve accidentally left my regular cable at home or a friend has borrowed one.

But here’s a pro tip that can really up your charging cable game in your car: You can also keep a multi-cable charging cord in your vehicle. It comes with different connectors—USB-C, micro USB, and Lightning—all on one cable. It will be a lifesaver not just for you but for your passengers, too. So, whether you’re carpooling with coworkers or on a road trip with friends, you can accommodate different devices without the need for multiple cables cluttering up the car.

3 Phone Mount

I remember the days of wedging my phone into the cupholder or, worse, holding it while driving. Not only is this dangerous, but it’s also illegal in many places. A sturdy phone mount keeps your device secure and within easy reach so that you can keep your eyes on the road and your hands on the wheel.

There are a few different types of mounts I’ve tried: dashboard or windshield mounts, air vent mounts, CD slot mounts, magnetic mounts—the list goes on. Dashboard and windshield mounts are the most common and versatile. They usually come with a suction cup that sticks to your dashboard or windshield. The best part of this type is that you can adjust the angle to get the perfect view.

Whichever type you choose, make sure it’s compatible with your phone model and case. There’s nothing more frustrating than buying a mount only to find out it’s meant for a phone the size of a small tablet when you’re sporting a micro-mini.

4 Tablet Mount

Tablet mounts come in various styles, from dashboard mounts to headrest mounts. I prefer headrest mounts as they are perfect for keeping passengers entertained. If you have kids, you know how restless they can get during long drives. A headrest mount transforms your backseat into a mini-theater. Pop on their favorite movie or educational app, and suddenly, the “Are we there yet?” questions disappear. It’s a win-win for everyone.

5 Aux Cable

While many cars these days boast fancy Bluetooth systems, not all of them work seamlessly, especially with older models. That’s where the aux cable steps in. It’s simple, reliable, and gets the job done without any annoying pairing issues.

I always keep one in the car because, let’s face it, there’s nothing more annoying than driving in silence after your phone mysteriously decides to stop connecting to Bluetooth. Always have your aux cable within reach. I keep mine coiled up neatly in the glove box or center console. That way, it’s easy to grab when I need it, and it doesn’t get tangled with other cords.

Invest in a good quality cable with gold-plated connectors. They might cost a bit more, but they provide better sound quality and are more durable. Also, you can opt for a cable that’s long enough to reach from your phone to the aux input comfortably but not so long that it becomes a tangled mess. A 3-foot cable usually does the trick for most cars.

6 Bluetooth Transmitter

If your car’s a little behind on tech and lacks built-in Bluetooth, but you still want the convenience of streaming music, taking calls, and hearing GPS directions without the hassle of plugging in every time, a Bluetooth transmitter is what you need. It plugs right into your car’s 12V socket (the one I called a cigarette lighter earlier), and you’ve got wireless audio.

To kill two birds with one stone, look for a model that also doubles as a charger. Most options have a couple of USB ports built-in, so you can stream music and keep your phone fully charged at the same time.

7 Dash Cam

Driving can be unpredictable. Even if you’re the most careful driver on the road (which I’d like to think I am, except when I’m trying to parallel park), there’s no shortage of other drivers who aren’t paying attention or, worse, actively making terrible decisions. A dash cam gives you an extra layer of security by recording everything that happens while you’re behind the wheel, especially in the event that you need to file an insurance claim.

But dash cams aren’t just for accidents. They can also capture those unexpected, once-in-a-lifetime moments, like the time a bird casually landed on my windshield wiper for a quick rest! With a dash cam, you can relive these moments and share them with friends and family.

When choosing a dash cam, consider a few features. Look for one with high-resolution video quality so you can capture every detail clearly. A wide-angle lens is also a must, as it provides a broader view of the road. And don’t forget about night vision—it’s essential for recording in low-light conditions.

8 USB Memory Stick

It may not be the flashiest accessory in your car (pun absolutely intended), but a USB stick is a lifesaver in ways you might not expect. Many modern cars have a USB port in their stereo that can read files directly from a USB drive. This means you can load your files onto the USB, plug it into the port in your car (or in a USB port of your Bluetooth transmitter), and have a massive collection of music, audiobooks, podcasts, and even movies (for passengers, of course) ready to go without touching your phone.

The best part? USB sticks are tiny, affordable, and super easy to find. You can pick one up almost anywhere for a few bucks, and can store a ridiculous amount of audio files on it. Honestly, this little device adds a surprising amount of convenience to your car life.