13 products to make your vehicle a useful and welcoming place
Even in an age of work-from-home, you'll want your car to be well-equipped for both utility and comfort
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With spring on the way, there's no reason not to be on the lookout for the little things, be they gadgets, accessories or tools, that can make you or a loved one master of the driving space – or, at least, make it a bit more comfortable. Here are some of our picks for you.
Ainope USB Car Charger
SHOP NOW on Amazon.ca: Later model smartphones’ battery capacity is greatly improved from earlier versions, and if you’ve upgraded, why not upgrade your car charger? That’s likely one of the places you have it plugged in most frequently. This cigarette lighter adapter features two beefy 36W outlets, allowing you and a passenger to fast-charge simultaneously, and it’s compatible with all iOS and Android devices.
Auckly Wireless Car Charger
SHOP NOW on Amazon.ca: If you’d rather dispense with wires altogether and are prepared to spend a little more, many mid and later-model smartphones allow wireless charging, and there are plenty of options out there for that. This option clips neatly into one of your air vents, and features adjustable clamps to fit any phone, though the manufacturer warns it’s not compatible with folding phones, nor with Google phones, With a maximum 15W power, it should suit your needs nicely.
Like what you see? Check out our Shop the Weather articles for more must-have product recommendations.
AstroAI Vehicle Trunk Organizer
SHOP NOW on Amazon.ca: It’s easy for your trunk to descend into a cluttered mess, and you can head that process off with a proper trunk organizer like this one. Its multiple pockets and compartments should hold most of what you need. It also features a non-slip bottom and adjustable securing straps to fit any trunk. Just anchor it where you need it, and you’re golden.
Surdoca Hanging Trunk Organizer
SHOP NOW on Amazon.ca: If you need all the floor space you can get in your trunk and just don’t have room for the caddy above, here’s another option for you: A hanging mesh organizer that should fit most vehicles (though as ever, check with the manufacturer). With eight pockets in total, you should have most of what you need within easy reach.
Joytutus Extendable Snow Brush & Ice Scraper
SHOP NOW on Amazon.ca: We would hope that, by now, you have had the chance to see if your snow brush/scraper is still up to the task. If you’re hoping to gift yourself or a loved one a replacement, here’s one good option. Extendable up to 47 inches, with a brush head that rotates up to 270°, it’s versatile enough to meet your needs, and comes with a carry bag and a pair of gloves – the latter of which were a major selling point for us.
CRC Windshield Spray De-Icer
SHOP NOW on Amazon.ca: One of the most excruciating things about frost season is having to scrape it off your windshield before sunrise when it’s below zero and you’re already late for work. A de-icing spray like this one, specifically made for windshields, will take the edge off that ordeal, making scraping much easier.
Frostguard Windshield Cover
SHOP NOW on Amazon.ca: Another way of avoiding having to scrape the frost is to cover up your windshield first. There are a lot of windshield covers out there that purport to do the job, and we picked this option not only due to its good reviews, but because it includes mirror guards as well, something we found curiously lacking in other windshield guard kits. Comes in standard or XL sizes, and should fit most vehicles.
Overmont Aluminum Snow Shovel
SHOP NOW on Amazon.ca: Most people have at least a snow brush in their cars, but how many forget to pack a small folding shovel also? It can be a real life-saver when you find yourself mildly stranded, and this three-piece collapsible option comes with its own carrying case, as well as an ice-scraper attachment if your passenger wants to pitch in.
Winter Work Gloves
SHOP NOW on Amazon.ca: This one’s from the car maintenance category. If you have to change a tire or top up your oil, that can be a dirty job – you don’t want to ruin your regular gloves or do it bare-handed in wintertime. Mechanic’s work gloves are abundant online, but can be a bit too bulky in most cases, which is why we picked these ones: fleece-lined with a great PVC grip, they’ll be good enough for more finessed tasks while still keeping your digits warm.
AstroAI Digital Tire Pressure Gauge
SHOP NOW on Amazon.ca: When you’re changing your tires or checking your tire pressure, most people have a simple analogue pressure gauge somewhere in their glovebox, but they can be a little imprecise. A digital one, though more accurate, may seem like overkill to some people, but they’re actually really affordable. This one gives clear and accurate measurements in your choice of four different units. They even include the battery to sweeten the pot.
EPAuto Waterproof Car Trash Can
SHOP NOW on Amazon.ca: When you’re travelling with passengers, particularly young children, there’s going to be some litter to deal with in your vehicle (some of it might be yours, too. It’s OK, we won’t tell anybody). Rather than accept the clutter or try to corral it in plastic bags, invest in a proper car trash container. This one can be hung off your car seat, gear stick, glovebox or centre console, and features a waterproof interior and exterior mesh pockets for alternative storage. If you like a clean car interior, this one is your friend.
High Road Car Seat Cooler Bag
SHOP NOW on Amazon.ca: You might call this a companion to the trash container up above. Hangable off the front or back of your passenger seat for easy access, not only does it contain mesh pockets for water bottles and roomy interior, the inner lining is waterproof and insulated, making it a great makeshift cooler for those longer rides.
Car Window Glass Breaker and Seat Belt Cutter
SHOP NOW on Amazon.ca: In the event of a crash, the first thing you should do is attend to your immediate safety. That can mean breaking a side window to exit the vehicle if the door is stuck, or cutting your seatbelt. This tool does both: a built-in high-pressure spring-loaded hammer helps break glass, and it unfolds to reveal a small blade to slash through your belt if it's jammed. Mount it to your dashboard or store it in your glovebox, whichever suits you (and while you’re here, it’s a good idea to check out our comprehensive guide on what to store in your vehicle’s emergency kit).
Like what you see? Check out our Shop the Weather articles for more must-have product recommendations.
Our trusted Product Specialists recommend high-quality items that we think will enhance your experience with Canadian weather conditions. Prices and availability of items are accurate at the time of publication and are subject to change.
