In 2021, approximately 233 million Americans held valid driving licenses. With this statistic in mind, it’s safe to say that a lot of people would benefit from knowing how to improve their driving experience. This doesn’t just mean making the drive more comfortable, it also means making the journey safer.

Investing in a few car accessories can create a much more positive driving experience. This post outlines four of the best accessories to buy if you want to make driving a more enjoyable event.

Heated Seat Covers

Cars can become very cold during the winter. Many vehicles have now been fitted with heated seats to ensure drivers and passengers are kept comfortable during chilly drives. The temperature of each seat can be controlled separately, and some vehicles even have the option of adding heaters to the backseats in a car, too.

However, if your car does not have heated seats and backrests, then you can purchase heated seat covers. Electric car seat cushions use the car’s power via 12V sockets or similar and can be fitted in most driver or front passenger seats. Some even have the option to cool down, too.

Heated seats, and heated seat covers, can improve a person’s blood circulation, preventing muscle stiffness and tension. Lots of drivers will experience shoulder cramps or back pain when driving long distances, but heat against that area can help to ease any pressure and tension held there. 

Hood Deflector

Although this accessory doesn’t add additional comfort to your driving experience, it can stop your car from frequent bug splatter or damage. Hood deflectors can help to redirect airflow up and over the hood of your car, which ensures debris and insects fly over the top of the vehicle instead of hitting the windshield.

If you drive frequently, a hood deflector is a worthwhile investment. A high-quality deflector will be made of thermo-formed acrylic and attached with rust-resistant fasteners. This might require professional installation, so it is recommended to visit a reputable dealership like Douglass Volkswagen for proper fitting.

Roof Basket

For drivers who regularly have sporting equipment or other gear to cart around, a roof basket will make driving a little easier. Installing a roof basket can increase the cargo-carrying capacity of your car, which means you do not need to play Tetris when transporting bulky or multiple items. It means you and any passengers in your car will have a more comfortable journey.

However, car roof baskets can impact a few other aspects of driving, such as fuel economy and wind resistance. You will also need to check the maximum weight your vehicle can carry before fitting a roof basket to ensure it isn’t overloaded.

Smart Rear-View Mirror

The final item listed is one of the most hi-tech items drivers should buy to ensure a safer driving experience. A smart rear-view mirror allows drivers to have better visibility of their surroundings. It can also ensure there are fewer blind spots, which will help to reduce the risk of accidents.

Many of these devices look like ordinary rear-view mirrors, but the view is provided by a small camera fitted to the car’s rear window. This removes the risk of backseat passengers or bulky luggage items obstructing part of the view, which can also prove distracting to the driver.

With these four accessories, drivers will be safer on the road and have a smoother driving experience.