Whether your car is looking dated or you just got yourself a used ride, use this guide to spruce up the car’s interiors on a budget.
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When you’re looking to take your ride to the next level, we tend to focus on the exterior, shelling out big bucks on custom paint-jobs, high-end tires, tinting, and all that fancy stuff. But think about it: wouldn’t upgrading the inside of your car actually have more impact on your enjoyment of it? That’s where you’re spending most (if not all) of your time when using it. Why not consider your interior, right? Whether you’re looking for added luxury, convenience, or style, there are plenty of affordable car interior upgrades that can dramatically improve your car.
1. Custom-Fit Seat Covers
We recommend: FH Group Neoprene Seat Covers ($50-$165 range) — Made from waterproof neoprene material, these covers are perfect for shielding your seats from snow, rain, or spills. They are available in a variety of colours and are designed to fit most vehicle models snugly, making them ideal for Canadian drivers.
2. Heated Seat Cushions
It’s Canada and it’s the 21st century, time to treat yourself to heated seats (if you don’t already have them). If your car doesn’t have these built-in, upgrading with heated seat cushions can bring a whole new level of comfort on those (many, many) winter days ahead. These plug into your vehicle’s 12V outlet, offering warmth during chilly drives.
We recommend: KINGLETING Heated Seat Cushion ($69.99) — Designed for all-season use, this heated seat cushion provides temperature control and fast heating, both essentials in the heated seat game.
3. All-Weather Floor Mats
We recommend: WeatherTech All-Weather Floor Mats ($44-$190 range) — These durable, heavy-duty mats are specifically engineered to withstand the toughest conditions, making them ideal for Canadian drivers. They’re easy to clean and come in a variety of sizes to fit most cars, trucks, and SUVs.
4. Leather Steering Wheel Cover
On top of just looking cool, a leather steering wheel cover can instantly upgrade the feel of your car’s interior while offering better grip and comfort during those long drives. Leather also stands up well to wear and tear, adding a touch of durability as well as elegance to your vehicle.
We recommend: SEG Direct Leather Steering Wheel Cover ($20.99-$44.94) — This high-quality leather steering wheel cover is soft to the touch and offers excellent grip, reducing hand fatigue during extended drives. It’s easy to install and fits most steering wheels, adding a sleek look to your interior.
5. Ambient Interior Lighting
This one is a little radical but hear us out. Adding ambient lighting can transform your car’s interior from ordinary to extraordinary. Many kits allow you to customize the lighting colour and brightness, adding a touch of sophistication and mood lighting to your vehicle’s cabin — and some even allow for music synchronization, so you can always have a party vibe even if you’re just going to work.
We recommend: Govee Interior Car LED Lights ($39.99) — These easy-to-install LED light strips offer 16 million colours and music synchronization, allowing you to match the lighting to your mood or music. They’re perfect for creating a stylish, modern vibe in your car’s interior.
6. Custom-Fit Sunshades
Sure, there are a lot of more novelty or movie franchise tie-in versions of these, but a custom-fit sunshade helps block harmful UV rays from the sun, preventing your car’s interior from fading and keeping it cool during hot Canadian summers, so it’s good to have a solid version of one of these. A quality sunshade is a practical investment that also protects the dashboard and upholstery from sun damage.
We recommend: EzyShade Windshield Sunshade ($22.97-$25.97) — This dual-layer sunshade reflects UV rays and heat, keeping your car’s interior cool and protected. It’s available in various sizes to fit different vehicle models and folds up easily for storage.
7. Dash Cam
We recommend: Rexing V1 Basic Dash Cam ($79.99-$104.34) — This sleek dash cam records in 1080p HD and features a wide 170° field of view, ensuring you capture everything that happens on the road. It’s equipped with loop recording and G-sensor technology to automatically save footage in the event of a collision.
8. Trunk Organizer
We recommend: FORTEM Trunk Organizer ($39.99) — This sturdy, collapsible organizer comes with multiple compartments and pockets to store all your essentials. It’s easy to fold and store when not in use, helping to keep your trunk clean and clutter-free.
9. Wireless Car Charger
We recommend: CHOETECH Wireless Car Charger Mount ($69.98) — This wireless charger doubles as a phone mount and is compatible with most Qi-enabled devices. It offers fast charging and holds your phone securely while you’re driving, ensuring it’s always charged and ready to go.
10. Memory Foam Seat Cushion
Long drives can be hard on your back and hips, especially on older or less comfortable car seats — and especially for those of us who are older and less comfortable in general, right? A memory foam seat cushion provides extra support and comfort, making it an ideal upgrade for drivers who spend a lot of time on the road.
We recommend: Everlasting Comfort Memory Foam Seat Cushion ($44.99) — This ergonomic seat cushion is made from premium memory foam and is designed to reduce pressure on your back and hips. It’s perfect for improving posture and comfort during long trips, making your driving experience more enjoyable.
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