Car accessories have come a long way from basic seat covers and steering grips. Today’s affordable gadgets offer tech-inspired solutions for better visibility, neat interiors, improved hygiene, and even enhanced safety. But not all cheap car accessories are worth the money. That’s why hands-on testing, as done in the review, is crucial.
This blog breaks down each accessory, offering insightful tips for usage, installation, and care. From blind spot mirrors to miniature dustbins, here’s your complete low-cost upgrade guide.
1. Convex Mirror (Blind Spot Mirror)
Price: ₹236
What is it?
Convex mirrors, also known as blind spot mirrors, are small, curved mirrors you stick onto your car’s side view mirrors. Their main job is to expand your field of vision, helping you spot vehicles and objects in your blind spot—the area your regular mirrors can’t show.
Why is it important?
A frequent cause of city fender-benders and highway scares is the inability to see motorcycles, cycles, or overtaking cars in your peripheral vision. The convex design bends light to give you a wider viewing angle, reducing this risk.
There are two mounting methods:
- Simple stick-on: Peel off the adhesive and fix it onto your existing mirror.
- Adjustable mount: This design allows angle adjustment, offering versatility for different driver preferences.
We noticed that it takes some time to adjust to the new view, but the safety improvement is appreciable. “You get a much wider area of view, reducing your blind spot, so you’re always more aware of your surroundings,” the host comments. For just ₹236, this adds a significant layer of safety.
Pro Tips
- Place on the outer lower corner of the side mirror for best visibility.
- Practice before high-speed drives—getting used to the expanded reflection takes a short learning curve.
2. Headrest Hook (Back Rest Hanger)
Price: ₹199 for a set of 4
What is it?
A headrest hook is a simple accessory that hooks onto the metal posts of your car’s headrest. It transforms unused space behind seats into storage for bags, groceries, water bottles, or anything you’d rather not have rolling on the floor.
Why is it important?
How many times have shopping bags tipped over or water bottles rolled under the seats? This accessory lets you utilize vertical car cabin space, keeping the footwell clutter-free and your essentials secure and within reach.
The team was impressed by the value—a set includes four hooks, which can be split between the front seats depending on your needs. It can carry everyday items such as:
- Shopping bags
- Backpacks and purses
- Grocery bags
- Water bottles or umbrellas
Install by simply sliding the hook down the headrest rod. The review points out that “this allows you to utilize space better, and you won’t need to put bags on the floor near your feet.”
Pro Tips
- Avoid overloading hooks beyond manufacturer’s limit, usually around 3–5 kg per hook.
- Detach if not in use to avoid poking knees or passengers when seats are folded.
3. Tissue Holder
Price: ₹300
What is it?
Having tissues handy is a lifesaver—whether it’s spills, sneezes, or quick wipes. Basic tissue holders mount with velcro or clips on your dashboard, sun visor, or even the center armrest, keeping tissues accessible and organized.
Why is it important?
Loose tissue boxes tend to slide around or fall under the seats when the car is in motion. A sturdy, mounted tissue holder keeps things clean and accessible, especially during long drives, meals on the go, or when travelling with kids.
The tissue holder reviewed felt sturdy, and installation was straightforward. The convenience factor is high—mount it anywhere you find handy, and you’ll never be left searching for tissues in a messy bag. You can cry, or just wipe your hands at a moment’s notice!”
Pro Tips
- Refill with soft, two-ply tissues—cheaper brands may jam in compact holders.
- Ensure mounting doesn’t interfere with airbags or instrumentation.
4. Dustbin
Price: ₹145 for 2
What is it?
A car dustbin is a compact, spring-loaded container for collecting wrappers, tissues, and other daily junk. It typically fits into the door pocket or cupholder.
Why is it important?
Indian roads and habits often mean paper wrappers, tickets, and old receipts quickly clutter the car. A dedicated bin keeps things more hygienic, and prevents you from tossing trash out the window—a civic and legal offense.
For just ₹145, you get a pair of mini-dustbins—one for the front, one for the back. “It’s a little plasticky, but usable for this price,” the host notes. The spring-action lid snaps shut, keeping odors and crumbs contained. “You can easily throw tissues or wrappers in, so both tissue holder and dustbin are a great combo.”
Pro Tips
- Empty frequently, especially during summer; moisture can cause odor.
- Place a small plastic liner for easier cleaning.
5. Car Mat (Anti-Skid Mat)
Price: ₹22
What is it?
This anti-skid mat is a rubberized or silicone sheet placed on your dashboard or side shelves. It keeps lightweight objects, like keys or phones, from sliding off during sharp turns or sudden stops.
Why is it important?
Smartphones, sunglasses, and small coins easily slip on smooth car surfaces; the anti-skid mat makes a huge difference in keeping them put, minimizing distractions while driving.
At just ₹22, Despite bumps and turns, nothing fell, except one key. For this price, it’s a decent product.” The mat has limitations with heavier or metallic items, but for day-to-day odds and ends, it works well.
Pro Tips
- Clean with soap and water every few weeks to restore grip.
- Avoid keeping it in direct sunlight for long—some materials may warp.
6. Dust Cleaning Gel
Price: ₹139
What is it?
Dust cleaning gel is a sticky, putty-like substance designed to pick up dust and dirt from hard-to-reach nooks—air conditioner vents, dashboards, gear knobs, and around buttons.
Why is it important?
Cabin dust build-up not only looks unsightly but can also trigger allergies and affect air quality. The gel promises to reach places a regular cloth can’t.
The verdict here was mixed. “It smells nice, but frankly, whatever you can do with a cloth, you can do here too. Cleaning inside AC vents wasn’t as effective as expected, and usage is a bit tricky.” It works, but you don’t need it unless you’re obsessed with a dust-free dashboard.
Pro Tips
- Store in an airtight container after each use to prevent drying.
- Don’t use on sticky or wet surfaces—may leave residue.
7. Anti-Fog Film
Price: ₹10
What is it?
Rainy seasons and early mornings are notorious for fogging up car mirrors. Anti-fog film is a transparent stick-on sheet applied to mirrors, intended to repel water and reduce fog/splatter.
Why is it important?
Enhanced visibility, especially in rain or mist, is critical for safe driving. Anti-fog films purport to keep your vision clear and reduce the risk of accidents.
Installation is simple: clean the glass with the supplied alcohol swab, stick on the film, and run water to check hydrophobic effect. The result: “Water droplets slide off, visibility remains high. It’s also anti-glare and anti-fog.” For ₹10, it’s worth trying before a monsoon road trip.
Pro Tips
- Clean surface thoroughly before applying for maximum adhesion.
- Replace every monsoon season for best effect.
8. Blinking Warning Lights
Price: ₹365
What is it?
Blinking warning lights are small, battery-powered modules you place on a car door. When the door opens, the light activates, warning oncoming traffic at night—akin to the hazard lights found in luxury cars.
Why is it important?
Unlit car doors are a major safety hazard at night or on highways. Adding conspicuous, automatic warning lights can alert passing vehicles, preventing accidental knocks or scrapes.
This feature often lacks in mass-market and affordable cars. Installation is quick, with the lights activating upon door opening via a magnetic sensor. “It starts blinking as soon as the door opens, and switches off when the door closes.” The team recommends buying a slightly larger model for better visibility if possible.
Pro Tips
- Check battery life monthly and replace as needed.
- Position the light where it’s clearly visible from the rear and side.
9. Scratch Removal Wax
Price: ₹300
What is it?
Scratch removal wax is a polish formulated to lessen or remove shallow car paint scratches. Use a microfiber cloth to buff it over surface blemishes.
Why is it important?
Minor scratches are part of city commuting—parking lot dings, roadside bumps, etc. A quality scratch remover can delay repainting and keeps your car looking fresher.
Here, the product underwhelmed: “We tried removing a scratch or two, but it didn’t really work. For better results, you may need a higher-end product.” This serves as a caution—ultra-cheap scratch removers often don’t deliver visible results.
Pro Tips
- For deep scratches, see a professional detailer.
- Always check on an inconspicuous spot before full application.
10. Windshield Wiper Detergent
Price: ₹78 for 10 sachets
What is it?
Windshield wiper detergent tablets dissolve in your car’s washer fluid reservoir, boosting cleaning power for better visibility during rain, dust, or bird droppings.
Why is it important?
Dirty windshields decrease visibility and are a safety risk. These inexpensive tablets offer a convenient replacement for expensive branded fluids.
Just drop a tablet in during your next refill; the cleaning effect is immediate with each wiper sweep. “It improves cleaning, enhances visibility, and benefits you in the long run.”
Pro Tips
- Use with distilled or RO water if possible—hard water may reduce cleaning efficiency.
- Avoid touching with wet hands; tablets dissolve quickly.
Final Words: Are Cheap Car Accessories Worth It?
We demonstrates that with under ₹500, you can:
- Increase safety (blind spot mirrors, warning lights, anti-fog film)
- Improve daily hygiene (dustbins, tissue holders)
- Keep your car uncluttered (headrest hooks, car mats)
- Boost comfort and preparedness (wiper detergent, anti-skid mats)
Not every product is perfect, particularly in areas like scratch removal or fancy cleaning gels. However, small investments in car accessories often pay dividends in convenience, safety, and peace of mind on Indian roads.