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Amanda Pellegrino

65 weird things for your car that are pure genius

Amazon

You’ll never believe how many weird things are on Amazon that would make pure-genius additions to your car — they’re the kind of things you never knew you needed. There are safety accessories that everyone should have on-hand in case of an emergency, blinged-out decor that adds a fun touch, and clever things to make long drives way more comfortable. Seriously. These are some of the best car products we could find. Sure, they’re weird, but once you get them you’ll wonder how you’ve gone so long without them.

A polarized sun visor extender to block even more glare

This clever visor attaches to your car’s existing visor and features a solid side extension and polarized see-through bottom extension that work to block glare and help make your drive easier. It can be used on the passenger’s or driver’s side and is large enough to cover your entire field of view.

A car charger adapter with retractable lighting & USB-C cords

The greatest part about this car charger is that there are only cords out when you’re using them. It features lightning and USB-C cables that pull out up to 31.5 inches when you need to use them, but retract back into the base when you’re not. This way, your car stays neat and tidy without sacrificing function.

Small sunglasses holders that attach to your sun visor

These sunglasses holders snap onto your car’s sun visor so you have easy access to your accessories when you need them. They come in black or gray to match interiors, and they’re so easy to install — just slip them on and you’re all set. They’re made of high-quality faux leather with an elastic cloth at the end that protects your glasses from being squished.

A windshield cleaner that also removes fog & condensation

This small windshield and glass cleaner is a great thing to keep on-hand in your car when you notice fog, condensation, or film developing on the inside of your windows. It can be used wet or dry and doesn’t require any additional cleaning solutions. It won’t scratch or leave any linty streaks, and you can toss it in the glove compartment until you need it again.

A super soft dust brush that details your interior

Giving your car a quick detail job is a breeze, thanks to this dust brush. It’s outfitted with soft but dense bristles that whisk away dirt and dust from air vents, the seat, the dash, and armrests. It’s non-scratching and can be used wet or dry.

A sleek stone air freshener for a long-lasting smell

Believe it or not, you can make your car smell great without one of those ugly, eye-sore air fresheners. This one is design-forward, for a luxurious look that blends into your car and makes it smell amazing. It’s made of an organic stone blend that evenly distributes scents — available in summery citrus to wintery woods — for about a month before replacing.

A hanging organizer for the side of the passenger’s seat

This organizer hangs off the side of the side of the passenger’s seat and features two mesh pouches and one large zippered pouch to store all your essentials close at hand like headphones, cell phones, water bottles, chargers, and more. It’s made of durable oxford cloth and has elastic bands that secure to the top and bottom of the passenger’s seat.

Sticky car cleaning gel with over 50,000 5-star ratings

Shoppers are obsessed with this cleaning gel because of the way it molds to fit into tough-to-reach spots like cupholders, air vents, door consoles, and other nooks and crannies around your car. It has a sticky surface that attaches to dust, dirt, and crumbs to instantly clean. It’s reusable and comes in a resealable container to store between uses.

A small organizer that hangs from the air vent for easy access

This compact organizer hangs from the air vent to hold your phone, glasses, wallet, and other necessities nearby. The long hook slides between the sides of your vent, and the organizer has three pockets and two elastic hanging loops. It also has a rubber hole in the back so you can charge your phone or plug it into CarPlay while your phone is inside.

A popular cup holder expander so your extra-large water bottles fit

This expander pops securely into your car’s existing cupholder to create a larger one that can fit your favorite 32- and 40-ounce water bottles. The base can be centered or offset so that it doesn’t cover the adjacent cup holder, and you can even fit two adapters side by side. Now, your water bottle can stay put and you can stay hydrated on the go.

Car safety hammers that are a must-have for emergencies

Everyone should have one of these safety hammers in the center console or glove compartment in case of emergencies. They feature a tungsten steel spike to break glass, a sharp blade that can cut your seatbelt off in a dangerous situation, and a flat hammer for everyday use. And they have a contoured grip that’s easy to hold in stressful situations.

A kit that helps restore & protect your headlights

An easy way to make your car washes last longer is by using this budget-friendly kit at home to restore and protect your car’s headlights and taillights. It comes with everything you need — from sanding discs to buffing discs to wax protectant — to remove yellowing and buildup without scratching or damaging plastic lenses. Reviewers noted this kit is easy to use and that it makes a big difference.

Visors that attach to your side mirrors to keep the rain off for clear vision

Self-proclaimed “eyebrows for cars,” these visors are actually a brilliant way to keep rain from smudging your side mirrors and hindering your vision while you’re driving. The visors use strong adhesive to mount to the top of your side mirrors — they even bend slightly to mold to the shape of it — and help keep your mirrors clear while you’re driving in the rain.

Window shades to keep your car cooler that come in 3 sizes

Designed to reflect UV rays and block heat, these popular sun shades are easy to slide in front of your dashboard and stay put to be effective. “Easy to place, and they stay in place. I donʻt have to lower the visors to anchor them like with other products [...] They fill entire windshield,” one shopper wrote who added: “Best screens I have ever used, and I have tried several different designs.” They also come in three sizes and seven styles including fun red, hologram, and liquid print options.

  • Available styles: 7

A cute swinging animal that watches over you while you drive

This small animal ornament watches over you while you drive, and helps make commutes just a little friendlier. (Who could be mad at traffic with this guy swinging under your mirror?) It comes in a detailed pig style as well as other animals including a fox, penguin, and frog.

  • Available styles: 11

An essential multi-compartment organizer that attaches to your sun visor

Keep everything you need in your car in one convenient and easy-to-grab place with this organizer. It straps onto the sun visor and offers card slots, a mesh pouch, a glasses clip, and a large zippered pocket with a ton of storage for chargers, aux cords, headphones, important car documents, and more.

A car detailing sponge that buffs rims, wheel wells, windows & more

If you prefer at-home car washes but can never quite get the shine the same, check out these detailing sponges. Each pre-moistened sponge in this three-pack is covered in powerful micro-scrubbers that quickly and conveniently erase grime, grease, dirt, and marks to buff rims, wheel wells, windows, trims, and more.

An essential roadside emergency kit that’s really compact

Emergenices happen, and if one happens to you, you’ll be happy you had this roadside kit in your car. It’s compact enough to fit in your glove compartment or center console, but has essential pieces that you need in your vehicle, including 8.2-foot jumper cables, bandages, a pressure gauge, and rain ponchos.

A mesh pouch that holds your bag between the front seats

This mesh pouch is great for a few reasons. It’s made of strong nylon material that attaches to the head rest of the two front seats first to keeps your bag nearby and elevated off the floor for easy access. It has durable elastic bands, alloy carabiners, and adjustable straps that secure it so well, it also works as a convenient way to keep pets out of the front seat area.

A best-selling heated blanket that plugs into your car’s 12-volt

Who doesn’t want a heated blanket on the go? Great for long road trips, car camping, or tailgating, this blanket plugs into your car’s 12-volt outlet to give you quick, evenly distributed, portable warmth no matter where you are or what you’re up to. Plus it folds neatly to store.

Blinged-out headrest hooks that hold your purse while you’re driving

These headrest hooks not only feature a blinged-out design that makes your car more fun, but they’re also functional and convenient. They secure onto the passenger’s seat headrest — facing forward or backward — and have two sturdy hooks that can hold your purse, reusable tote bags, umbrella, and other everyday essentials up to 44 pounds each.

Australian sheepskin belt covers for a soft & cushioned strap

These belt covers feature 100% genuine Australian sheepskin wool to give you soft and fluffy seatbelt straps around your neck and face. They have a hook-and-loop closure that completely covers that area of the strap to make it comfortable and gentle on your skin. Plus, it comes in over two dozen colors that you can choose to blend into your car or stand out.

App-controlled interior string lights with 16 million color options

You’ve cleaned, buffed, and organized your car, now bring the interior vibes to the next level with these string lights. The four lines plug into a USB port and install easily in the foot area of the front two seats and back seats, creating color that will envelope you while you’re driving. Plus, they connect to an app and have over 16 million colorways to choose from.

Storage pouches that fill the gap between the seats & center console

If things are constantly falling between the driver’s seat and the center console, you have to check out these clever pouches. They nestle perfectly in that unused space to not only keep things from falling but also act as convenient organizers for essentials like your phone, sunglasses, or chargers.

A fry & sauce holder that fits in your cupholder

Exit the drive-thru with a little more confidence once you have this fry holder. It fits in your car’s cupholder, giving you a place to stash the carton, along with a holder for your sauce. If your ketchup comes in a packet, simply squeeze the contents into the included ramekin, which is washable and reusable.

A long-lasting natural charcoal deodorizer that hangs on a headrest

This deodorizer is packed with 100% bamboo charcoal that works to naturally absorb any lingering odors in your car, trapping and eliminating them rather than just covering them up. It works for up to 365 days, and unlike other car fragrance products, this one is scent-free.

A compact, 9-compartment organizer that clips in the middle of the back seat

If your back seat drivers need a little organization to keep them entertained and out of your hair, check out this clever bin. It secures with the seatbelt to the middle of the back seat bench and features two huge compartments, four cup holders, an inner zipper pocket, and two mesh pockets to store everything they need for a fun and easy drive.

A seat belt for your dog to keep him safe in the car

This “seat belt for your dog” is actually rope that attaches to the in-seat latch system and secures to your dog’s vest or harness to keep him safe and comfortable in the back seat while sill allowing him to wander. It’s made of coated steel so your furry friend can’t chew through it, and it comes in a bunch of sizes depending on your pooch.

A cell phone stand that sits in your car’s cupholder

If you need easy and safe access to a map on your phone but don’t want a stand that obstructs your view of the windshield, check out this phone holder. It installs into the center console’s cup holder and can extend up to 11.5 inches to bring it to the exact height that’s convenient for you to see. It’s super sturdy, doesn’t shake while you’re driving, and has an expandable spring base that fits all sizes of cupholders.

Pretty cylinder tissue boxes made to fit in the cup holder

Square or rectangle tissue boxes are a storage nightmare in your car, so that’s why these round ones were invented. The sleek, cylindrical design allows them to fit neatly into the cup holder in the center console, making it easy to grab a tissue when you need it. They feature an elevated, marble design that’s stunning and looks high-end.

A side mirror wiper with an expandalbe handle

If you need to remove water, mist, or other debris from your side mirror while you’re traveling, check out this adorable mini wiper. it has a rubber brush head that squeegees water off the mirrors so you can see clearly. Plus, it has a comfortable handle that expands up to 38.6 inches so you can wipe the passenger’s window as a driver.

A cordless car vacuum with 2 nozzles for detailing

This cordless vacuum is great for sweeping out your car seats, cupholders, floor — you name it. Unlike other car vacuums, this one is rechargeable via USB-C, so you can hold it in your hand without worrying about twisting around a cable. It comes with two handy nozzles — a brush one and a crevice one — and it has uses far beyond your car.

Ultrasonic whistles that help warn deer of your vehicle

If you frequently drive through remote areas, these ultrasonic whistles are a must — they help warn deer and other animals of your moving vehicle. They’re backed with a double-sided adhesive, so you can simply secure them to your grill or bumper. One reviewer wrote, “They are so very small, I was skeptical at first. But I have come across many deer before purchasing these and they would just stand there, unfazed. Since installing these, they scamper and run away!”

A compartmentalized bin to organize & secure things in your trunk

If you have stuff rolling around your trunk every time you drive, you have to check out this organizer. It has a steel-tipped strap that secures to almost any latch inside the car to keep it secure, and it features adjustable large internal compartments, four mesh side pouches, and two outer pockets. It’s great for storing emergency equipment, groceries, sports gear, and more.

Microfiber cleaning cloths that are safe for all interior & exterior surfaces

Keep these microfiber cloths on deck; they’re great for cleaning all interior and exterior surfaces of your car. They’re designed to absorb water quickly and ring out easily, and can be used to clean spills, grime, or whenever your windows need a nice buff.

Mini trash cans that fit inside your cupholders

Keep the inside of your car tidy by sticking these small and sleek trash cans in the cupholders. They have a simple, low-key look and feature spring-loaded lids that you can open with a press of your hand. Bonus: They come with 30 trash bags to make disposal easy.

A scraper tool for safely removing stickers & decals

If you ever start regretting those bumper stickers and decals you stuck on your car years ago, the good news is they can be easily removed with this nifty scraper tool. It comes with 10 carbon steel blades, while the scraper itself features a non-slip rubber grip. One reviewer shared, “I needed to take some stickers off my car's window that had partially dissolved, but the backing was still on the window. This worked perfectly. No scratches, just nice clean window.”

A tissue holder that secures to your sun visor

Be prepared for any sniffly nose, sneeze, or even spill with this car tissue holder. It has sturdy clips that attach to your sun visor for a secure fit and a front opening for grabbing a tissue when you need it. Just open the Velcro back whenever you need to restock.

  • Available colors: 4

Coin holder, so you always have change when you need it

Never be stuck without change for the parking meter, laundromat, or drive-thru once you have this coin holder for your car. It fits inside the cupholder and features slots for nickels, dimes, pennies, and quarters. The spring-loaded design makes it easy to add coins and take them out as needed.

A tool set to help you remove trim, fasteners & more without scratches

This set comes with three different tools that get into tight crevices to safely remove trim, door panels, dashboards, fasteners, and more without breaking, scratching, or damaging them. Made from chrome-plated carbon steel, they’re built to last and come with a handy bag to store them in, too.

Blind spot mirrors that add extra (needed) visibility

The dreaded blind spot can be one of the more nerve-wracking aspects of driving. Luckily, these blind spot mirrors help enhance visibility, so you can get a more comprehensive look at what’s behind you before you make a turn or change lanes. Waterproof and resistant to haze, they’re backed with adhesive for easy installation.

A MagSafe charger that mounts to your car’s air vent

This MagSafe-compatible phone charger mounts to your car’s air vent to not only keep your phone in the green but also give you easy viewing access in to maps while you’re driving. It charges quickly by energy efficient technology with less heat production to keep your phone safe. The built-in magnet is very strong to keep your phone sturdy while you drive.

A compact tire inflator that works in minutes

A compact tire inflator like this one is a must-have to keep in your trunk for emergencies. It has a portable design with an 11-foot cord that plugs into your car’s 12-volt outlet and can fill a tire from 29 PSI to 36 PSI in just one minute. It even has a easy-to-read digital screen so you know the air pressure in real time.

Protecitve silicone frames for your license plates

Give your car a perfect finishing touch with these silicone license plate frames. The material is durable and protective, helping to prevent damage, scratches, and dents. Plus, you can choose a color like green, red, or aqua if you want to add a little style to your vehicle.

  • Available colors: 10

Rhinestone rings that decorate around the ignition button

If you want to add some subtle bling to you car, check out these decorative rhinestone rings. They use adhesive tape to stick around your car’s ignition button to add some personality to your ride. They’re dust-proof and waterproof and have a double-lined setting that’s high-end and dazzling. They also come in over two dozen exciting colors.

Best-selling leather cleaner that also protects from UV fading

This spray works on exotic, faux, and vinyl leather of all colors to give your car’s interior a shiny, non-greasy refresh. It not only cleans the leather but also protects it from UV rays, which helps prevent fading, cracking, and drying over time. It’s made of non-toxic ingredients that are safe for people, pets, and, of course, your car.

A mini fan with adjustable speed settings & a 360-degree rotating head

This mini fan has a really strong clip that clamps onto your grab handles, sun visor, headrest, or anywhere else to keep you cool and refresh your air while you’re driving. It plugs into the 12-volt outlet and has a control panel to adjust the speed. Plus, the head adjusts 360 degrees so you can move it around to direct the air exactly where you need it.

A highly rated faux leather holder for registration, insurance cards & more

Keep all your car’s essential documents in one cute place with this faux leather envelope. It has six clear pockets to hold your vehicle registration, insurance, AAA cards, and other important documents. It’s made with high-quality faux leather and comes in a bunch of colors and designs depending on the vibe you’re looking for.

A keychain that can help you get out of your car in an emergency

Attach this keychain to your car keys so you have it everywhere you go in case of emergencies. It has a stainless steel spike on one side that can help break open windows and a sharp steel blade that can cut you out of a jammed seatbelt. It’s just the kind of emergency precaution that’s so easy to have on-hand to help you stay safe.

A seat cushion filled with cooling gel & memory foam

This seat cushion is packed with high-density memory foam and a cooling gel that can help improve posture, relieve back aches, and offer leg and hip support to keep you comfortable on long drives. It has a carrying handle to easily move it around, and the cover is removable and washable.

This hanging “plant” that freshens your car with essential oils

Add some fragrance and a fun decor element to your ride with this crochet air freshener that looks like a hanging plant. It hangs from the rearview mirror and comes in a variety of styles, including a fern, wisteria, and clover. Just add a few drops of essential oil or fragrance to the interior to make your car smell (and look) amazing.

A 4-pack of cargo nets that secure to your seat backs instantly

Add instant storage to your cargo space with this four-pack of mesh cargo nets. They secure to your seat backs with sturdy Velcro-like panels, so they don’t require any complicated or permanent installation. They come in a variety of sizes, allowing you to stash anything from sports gear to camping equipment to roadside supplies.

  • Available sizes: 4

This digital tire pressure gauge for fuss-free maintenance

Keeping an eye on your tire pressure is easier than ever, thanks to this digital gauge with a built-in light and glowing display. It has an ergonomic grip and you can toggle between four settings to get the measurements you need. It comes loaded with a battery and automatically turns off after 40 seconds to conserve power.

A plastic scraper tool for cleaning nooks & crannies

Dirt and crumbs are bound to build up in the small crannies and nooks of your car. So invest in these plastic scraper tools which allow you to get in there and unearth years-old dust and dirt. Your car has never looked this clean.

A steering wheel try for eating & working in your car

With this versatile steering wheel tray, you can pretty much live in your car. It hooks over the steering wheel, then unfolds to provide a flat surface for eating or working on your laptop. It features a built-in cupholder as well as holders for pens and a compartment for papers, your tablet, or napkins. When you’re not using it, it folds down flat for storage.

A wireless CarPlay adapter for cars from 2015 & up

“This adapter has completely upgraded my driving experience,” wrote one Amazon shopper of thise wireless CarPlay adapter. “The setup is incredibly simple—just plug it into the USB port, and it connects to my iPhone via Bluetooth in just a few seconds. No more messy wires or having to plug in my phone every time! [...]” It works with cars from 2015 and up, and doesn’t involved any cords. Plus, reviewers assure that the sound quality is great.

A smart air freshener for your car

Upgrade your driving experience with this portable smart air freshener that’s designed to fit into your car’s cup holder. It’ll turn on and off automatically when you start/shut off the car, has three different mist settings, and has three different light settings, as well. Choose from an assortment of scents, including relaxing lavender.

The road flare kit that belongs in every car

A must for any car in case of emergencies, this road flare kit gets you a pack of four and a storage case to keep in your trunk. They’re designed to be both waterproof and crush-proof, and have nine different lighting modes for various road safety needs. All you need is a few AAA batteries, and you’re good to go.

A giant container of car cleaning wipes

Ensure you’re prepared for any potentially messy situation with this giant container of car cleaning wipes. A number-one bestseller on Amazon with thousands of five-star ratings, they can be used on all sorts of interior materials and leave behind an instant matte finish.

Car detailing brushes made of super-soft boar bristles

These car detailing brushes have already amassed thousands of five-star ratings and reviews on Amazon. With your order, you’ll get one exterior wet brush, one interior wet brush, and a fine dust brush, all made of ultra-soft boar bristles and water-resistant handles.

An interior rearview mirror that rotates 360 degrees

Ideal for those who often have kids or dogs in the back of their car, this interior rearview mirror can be clipped onto your sun visor and rotates 360 degrees for visibility from any angle. “Definitely a necessity if you have children, you can see them in the back without having to turn around,” wrote one Amazon shopper. “The mirror doesn’t take up much space and is very versatile. You can use it at many different angles and move it anywhere you need so you can see all the way to the third row of your vehicle [...]”

An automotive funnel that shoppers call a “spill saver”

“A nice funnel with a wide mouth to catch spills before they happen. The extension is a definitely a plus. Good for all your vehicles draining needs,” summed up one Amazon shopper of this automotive flex funnel. Designed to resist cracking and shattering, the funnel has a screw-on hose, an extra-wide mouth, and built-in mesh filter to remove unwanted debris.

Magnetic LED lights for emergencies & looking under the hood

These magnetic lights are game-changers for when you need to take a look under the hood of your car. These stick to the top of your hood to illuminate the area you’re looking at in the dark. Tuck all three of these lights in your glove box for when you need them, or put one in your car and disperse the rest in your house. The uses are really endless.

A mini detailing brush to remove pet hair from your car

This tiny pet hair remover can make a huge difference in your car if you frequently transport furry friends. A simple wipe of this tool over the lint, pet hair, and dust in your car will lift them off of your upholstery. It’s also reusable and super portable, so you can use it indoors or on your clothing, you name it.

A versatile car charger that you’ll get so much use out of

Plug this car charger into your lighter socket in your car, and you’ll have access to so many charging options. This comes with three USB-A charging ports, and one USB-C port. It can charge up to four devices at a time.

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