Car accessories to beat the heat this summer
We’ve curated a list of the hottest (and weirdest) summer essentials for your carThe Black Friday sales may be over, but it doesn’t mean it’s too late to snag a bargain in time to stuff some stockings or treat yourself to some New Year's resolutions for your car.
And, for the car lover, or really anyone who drives, here are some perfect summer accessories to help beat the heat and enjoy those long summer days on the road with or without the family.
Magnetic sunglasses holder
Yes, some cars come with that handy glasses holder already but for those who don’t, or perhaps if you need an extra one for a passenger or a spare set of sunnies, we’ve found just the device.
The CHOSMOYI faux leather sunglasses holder clips onto your sun visor and with strong magnets inside, your sunglasses simply stick straight onto it.
Now, I haven’t tried and tested this but the description says they are super secure so your sunglasses won't fall off mid-trip and with 4.7 out of 5 stars (and 1,022 ratings), this affordable little gadget seems like it might just be a winner.
Plus, the clip comes in a range of colours, won't scratch your car’s visor or your sunglasses, and is out of the line of sight meaning it is safe.
Car boot organiser
Heading off on a holiday or a long road trip?
This car boot organiser would have Marie Kondo smiling because it will organise all your car boot staples (first aid, safety items, spare shoes and hats), so you can utilise the rest of your boot space for more exciting items… did someone say boogie boards?
With eight deep, strong pockets of varying shapes and sizes, that strap onto your back seats, the product is compact, durable and it is easy to install and use (yes please).
Fitting 90 per cent of all car types, this easy to clean set-up is a must-have for organising your car before heading off anywhere.
The SURDOCA Trunk Organiser retails for around $30 on Amazon and has 4.5 stars with 26,203 ratings.
Car hooks
Speaking of getting organised, hats are a must-have for outdoor adventures in summer and these universal rear-seat holders are perfect for hanging your caps in between stops.
They are also quite strong, able to hold up to 20kg, which means water bottles and even purses can be placed on them to keep the items off the ground and stop them rolling under the seat.
User-friendly and easy to install, these hooks go for around $15 on Amazon and have 4.5 stars from 4,185 ratings.
ElfAnt Car Steering Wheel Seat Tray
I am exposing my inner bogan here, but come on, who doesn’t find themselves munching on a meal in the car from time to time?
Unlike planes, cars don’t tend to have tray tables for you to place your food onto but naturally, there is a product to fill that void!
Enter the steering wheel tray which as you’d assume from its name, can be installed on the steering wheel for the driver, as well as the head restraint for those travelling in the rear seat.
While I wouldn't want to use this product on the move (for both safety and practicality reasons), if you’ve pit stopped somewhere and don’t want to get out of the car, it would come in handy and can be folded away afterwards so it doesn’t take up lots of space.
It is pricey though at around $50 but comes with a decent 4.1 star rating (from 2,924 ratings).
Bum cushions
These seat cushions help make long-distance driving much comfier and should help increase stability, so rear seat passengers don’t move around as much on bumpy roads.
But what I most like the sound of, is the breathable ice silk material which keeps your seat cool (no more burning bums).
With a universal fit, the cushions are designed to fit in most cars, and there are front, middle, and back seat cushions in a range of colour options; everything from black to pink.
The cushions come in under $50 on Amazon.
Sunblock fingerless gloves
Okay, so this product gets zero stars in the fashion stakes but given so many people get burned on their driving hand or arm, UV protective driving gloves are a great idea for those battling the Aussie summer.
They are made from cotton, meaning they’re breathable, but they also have a non-slip palm design to help maintain grip on the steering wheel.
At just over $20 a pop, these 4.6-star rated gloves might be the perfect KK gift… but might have to wait until next Christmas.
Related: Five of the hottest summer essentials for you and your car
Related: The best summer road trip activities that don't cost a cent
Related: Five fun accessories to make your car summer road trip ready
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