10 Unique Car Hanging Accessories that aren’t Just Air Fresheners

Key Highlights:

• Regardless of the intent, no hanging accessory should affect forward visibility or cause other distractions to the driver.
• Hanging car accessories are not just limited to those designed for the inside rear-view mirror.
• Good heat resistance or dissipation is a crucial property to have in accessories that are regularly exposed to direct sunlight.

Accessories greatly help in making one’s car unique and fit for the purpose. One of the most common choices among them is hanging types, especially car mirror hanging accessories. While cabin fresheners are the most obvious choices in this category, the market does offer some worthy alternatives (some of which are quite alien to the wider majority). It is worth noting that, no matter how functional an accessory is, it shouldn’t obstruct or disturb the normal operation of a vehicle, especially in terms of forward visibility.

Let us discuss 10 great car hanging accessories to consider, which are not just air fresheners and are not confined to the car’s rear-view mirror:

1. Digital thermometer

In a country such as India, the local weather and temperatures may change drastically on any given day. A multi-function digital thermometer is a handy hanging accessory for those who wish to monitor the cabin temperature of a car. Beyond comfort, it can also be used to determine if something (particularly edible items, temperature-sensitive medication, pets, etc.) is safe to be left in the car. While certain cars display the temperatures inside and outside, a digital thermometer has the advantage of having its own battery power and hence, a permanently ON display.

2. Hanging digital clock

A multi-function digital clock, in addition to showing the time, can be used as a stopwatch, lap timer, timer, world clock, alarm, as well as a thermometer in certain variants. It is rare to find a modern car that doesn’t show the time somewhere on the dashboard. What separates a hanging clock from a digital display is its portability and additional features accessible via just 2-3 physical buttons. 

3. Photo frame

A small hanging photo frame adds a personal touch to the car’s interior as long as it doesn’t cause a distraction to the driver. This car mirror hanging accessory is a popular choice among drivers who stay away from home for extended periods due to work commitments. While there are plenty of design, size and material choices for a photo frame, certain versions offer a few extras, such as a clock, lighting or even a slot for an Apple AirTag or similar tracking devices.

4. GPS tracker

In budget cars with limited connectivity features, a GPS tracker is a great accessory to have. Its purpose is quite obvious, but its integration may vary across products. A multifunction GPS module, as a hanging accessory, is becoming a popular choice among those who own classic cars that cannot blend a modern touchscreen well on their dashboard.

5. SOS button

An SOS button, usually an extension of a GPS tracker, is very helpful in adding an extra layer of security in the car. It is a sad state of affairs that vandalism and road disputes have become an everyday story on social media and news channels. The advent of dashcams has helped bring to light several such cases. Sadly, the damage may have already happened. An SOS button, within easy reach (such as a hanging car mirror accessory), could make a radical difference by bringing help sooner. Fun fact: the term ‘SOS’ does not have a full form, but is the Morse code for ‘...---...’.

6. Sunglass holder

Today, most cars with a price tag above ₹10 lakh ex-showroom integrate an overhead felt-lined sunglass compartment. For cars that do not feature it, aftermarket options are aplenty. It would be illogical to hang them on the IRVM, though pretty nifty suspended tight on the passenger-side sun visor or somewhere on the lower dashboard.

7. Cabin bags

A common sight in smaller cars with limited storage options, such as the centre console and doors, organisers (also called cabin bags, storage pouches, storage trays, etc.) come in multiple formats, including strapable hanging types. In regular cars, these are usually hung behind the front passenger seat. Meanwhile, in SUVs with some off-roading credentials, there would be a passenger-side grab handle on the dashboard wide enough to accommodate an organiser.

8. Boot net

Boot nets can be hooked, velcroed, stuck or hung (onto the rear headrests). In addition to preventing luggage items from moving around, additional accessories could be attached to it for even more practicality. A smaller boot with flexible stowing is often more efficient than a large, square space (a different story in a cargo van or when the luggage is predominantly boxes). 

9. Waterproof bag

Waterproof bags are beneficial on all occasions. It can either protect the content inside from rain (for instance, electronics and wallet) or prevent wet items (used umbrella, muddy shoes, etc.) from soiling the cabin. Unlike a simple plastic bag, a well-designed waterproof bag can be neatly tucked in or hung on any convenient location inside the car without making any rustling noise.

10. Multipurpose pouch

A multipurpose pouch may not have a standard design or size. It is usually hung tightly on the sun visor, with pockets for tissues, parking tickets, ID cards, or more, depending on the product dimensions.

The Best Way to Hang in There

Automotive accessories come in multiple shapes and sizes, out of which, hanging items form a good majority. Regardless of whether it is a personal or functional accessory, care should be taken to ensure that it does not affect the driveability of the vehicle, especially by obstructing the view ahead or causing irritating rattles. Consider choosing accessories that blend reasonably well with the cabin theme or colour patterns. Often overlooked, good heat resistance or dissipation is a crucial property to have in an accessory that is predominantly exposed to direct sunlight.

FAQs

1. What are some ideal places to hang an accessory?
In addition to the rear-view mirror, headrest supports, grab handles, or other built-in hooks are good choices.

2. Are rear-view mirror accessories legal?
Although the Motor Vehicle Act of India does not specify that rear-view mirror accessories are illegal, anything that prohibits clear vision of the road ahead could be penalised.

3. Which materials are best for hanging car accessories?
Good-quality plastics, leather, reinforced fabric and silicone-based composites withstand heat and vibration better than cheaper plastics.

4. Is weight a deciding factor in buying hanging car mirror accessories?
Lighter products reduce stress on the IRVM stem (especially those stuck on the front windshield) while also reducing the chance of damaging surrounding areas when swinging.

5. Does one kind of accessory fit all kinds of vehicles?
No. Size is quite subjective, i.e. a compact accessory in a large SUV with more windshield may still block a large portion of the windshield of a budget hatchback.