Every great thing can be made better, and that’s especially true for your car. Whether you're driving the latest and greatest model or an old-faithful, the right aftermarket accessory could assist in an emergency or just make life a little bit easier. Here are eight worth adding to your shopping list.
Dash cam
If you’re unlucky enough to be involved in a traffic incident, visual evidence could be vital. For peace of mind, a dash cam is a sound investment. Top of the range models can record vision from each side, not just the front and back, and some even have night-vision technology for crystal-clear imaging 24 hours a day.
Rooftop box
Packing a whole family's belongings into the car can be tough, but a bigger car isn't always the answer. These roof-mounted storage receptacles essentially give you a second boot to fill, which could make all the difference. Plus, it can be removed and stored when you don’t need it.
12V USB adaptor
Having a generous supply of in-car USB outlets is one way to keep the peace on long family trips. If your car doesn’t have USB outlets, an adaptor can turn the 12V outlet into a single, double or quad USB bank.
Escape tool
In car terms, an escape tool is something that allows you to cut a seatbelt or break a window in the event of an emergency. Mini versions can be attached to your key ring, while a larger model could be a valuable addition to your glovebox. Some also feature a torch, whistle or device charger.
Car desk/table
These attach to your car's steering wheel when you're parked, giving you a flat, stable surface for writing, eating or using a small laptop or tablet. A very handy invention if you use your car as a mobile office.
Portable head-up display
Head-up displays (or HUDs) project navigation and other information from your smartphone to a display mounted on the dash, so everything is in your forward line of sight. This is a great safety innovation and a legal way to get navigation assistance if your car doesn’t have an integrated system.
12V car air purifier
No-one likes a smelly car. Unlike air 'fresheners' that simply cover up the smell with an overpowering scent, these purifiers plug into your car's 12V outlet and banish odours with ionic air-treating magic.
Key tracker
If you spend five minutes looking for your keys each morning, this is an accessory for you. These devices attach to your keychain and work with a smartphone app, allowing you to 'ring' your keys using your phone or locate them via a location checker. You can also use the keychain tracker itself to ring your phone from your keys – handy if you tend to misplace your phone, too.