Buying a new car is a joyful event, but at the same time it requires attention to detail. Even if the car came off the assembly line fully equipped, there are things without which operation will become less comfortable, safe or even legal. This article will help you navigate the world of car accessories and avoid unnecessary expenses by focusing on what is really useful.
We will look at not only obvious purchases like a first aid kit or fire extinguisher, but also those little things that many people remember only after the first trip. For example, did you know that floor mats Is it better to buy not universal ones, but for a specific model? Or what VIDAR and HEYNER Do they produce glass brushes that don't scratch the coating? We’ll also tell you how to save money on purchases without sacrificing quality.
Important: the article is relevant for owners of new cars produced in 2023–2026, but most of the tips are also suitable for used cars. If you are buying a used car, add a diagnostic scanner to this list (for example, ELM327) and an emergency repair kit.
1. Mandatory things by law: you can’t leave without them
In Russia there is a clear list of items that must be in the car according to traffic rules (clause 7.7). Their absence will result in a fine of 500 to 3,000 rubles, depending on the circumstances. Here's what you need to buy first:
- 🚑 Car first aid kit (corresponds to the order of the Ministry of Health No. 697n of 2023). Please note: Most components have a shelf life of 4-5 years, but bandages and tourniquets may wear out faster. Check the contents once a year.
- 🔥 Fire extinguisher (volume not less than 2 l, marking
OP-2orOP-2(z)). It is better to choose a powder one - it is universal for extinguishing gasoline, oil and electrical wiring. Service life is 5 years, but requires annual inspection. - ⚠️ Warning triangle (reflective, complies with GOST R 41.27-2001). The minimum visibility distance is 100 meters. Do not buy cheap Chinese analogues: they are often not certified.
- 🔧 Sign "Spikes" (if you drive on winter tires with studs). Since 2026, its absence is punishable by a warning or a fine of 500 rubles (Article 12.5 of the Administrative Code). The size of the sign is at least 20x20 cm.
Where to buy? The best option is specialized auto stores (AutoSpecial Center, Auto49, Exist.ru). Avoid markets and dubious online sites: they often sell first aid kits with expired medications or fire extinguishers without certificates. Average budget for must-haves: 2500–4000 rubles.
⚠️ Attention: On March 1, 2026, a new regulation on fire extinguishers came into force. Now they must have holographic sticker with QR code for authentication. Old fire extinguishers without markings are considered to be missing.
2. Accessories for comfort: you can do without them, but it’s inconvenient
These things won't save lives, but they will make your trips more enjoyable. Their purchase depends on your habits: for example, if you often drive at night, then LED lamps in the salon will be a salvation, and if you transport children - without trunk organizer can't get by.
- 🪑 Floor mats. Choose between rubber (cheaper, easier to clean) and textile (warmer, quieter). For new cars it is better to take mats for the model — they fit perfectly and don’t move out. Popular brands: WeatherTech (premium), TopRan (middle segment), Autostyle (budget).
- 🧴 Auto care chemicals: shampoo for contactless washing (Karcher>, Liqui Moly), spray for interior plastic (Sonax>, Grass), glass cleaner without ammonia (Invisible Glass). Don’t skimp on windshield washer—cheap formulations freeze in winter.
- 📱 Phone holder. Best options: magnetic (Nite Ize) or on a suction cup with fixation in the air duct (Kenu Airframe). For large smartphones (eg. iPhone 15 Pro Max) choose models with reinforced fixation.
- ☕ Cup holders or thermal mug. If your car doesn't have standard cup holders, buy removable ones (Drive Auto). For coffee, a thermal mug with an auto-closing lid is better (Stanley, Thermos).
Saving tip: Many accessories (such as floor mats or seat covers) are cheaper to buy at AliExpress, but be prepared to wait 2-4 weeks for delivery. For urgent purchases, offline stores are better.
Before purchasing floor mats, measure the length and width of the interior of your model - even for cars of the same class, the dimensions can vary greatly. For example, rugs from Toyota Camry not suitable for Honda Accord, although the cars are similar in size.
3. Road safety: what will save you in an emergency
In addition to a first aid kit and a fire extinguisher, there are things that will help in emergency situations: from a punctured tire to an accident. Their presence is not required by law, but is critical for your safety.
| Accessory | Purpose | Recommended Brand | Average price, ₽ |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tire repair kit | Sealant + compressor for temporary puncture repair | Slime, Hi-Gear | 1500–3000 |
| Tow rope | For evacuation of a vehicle (length at least 4 m, load capacity from 2 tons) | Truck, Heyner | 800–1500 |
| Battery charger | Will help you “light” a dead battery without outside help | Carku, Berkut | 3000–6000 |
| Reflective vest | Mandatory when getting out of the car on the highway in the dark. | 3M, Reflomax | 300–800 |
| DVR | Recording accidents and controversial situations on the road (resolution not lower than Full HD) | BlackVue, Garmin | 5000–15000 |
Pay special attention tire repair kit. Cheap sealants (up to 500 rubles) often clog tire pressure sensors and damage tire fitting equipment. It is better to overpay for certified compounds, for example, Slime Smart Spair - it is compatible with systems TPMS.
⚠️ Attention: If you have a car with run-flat tires (for example, BMW, Mini Cooper), standard sealant may not work. In this case, you need a compressor with a function emergency sealant (for example, Ring Automotive RAC630).
4. Winter set: preparing for cold weather
If you bought a car in the summer, it’s easy to forget about winter accessories until the frost hits. We have put together a list of things that are best purchased in advance so as not to overpay during the season.
- ❄️ Glass scraper + brush. The best option is a telescopic brush with soft bristles (VIDAR, HEYNER). Avoid metal scrapers - they will scratch the glass.
- 🔥 Auto blanket (to cover the hood at night). Helps save time on warming up the engine. Best materials: isosoft or spunbond.
- 🔋 Starting device (booster). Useful if the battery is discharged in the cold. Models with lithium polymer batteries (Carku E-Power-3) are lighter and more powerful than lead.
- 🧤 Gloves with touch coating. To operate your phone or navigator without taking off your gloves. Brands: The North Face, Black Diamond.
Critical nuance: if you have a diesel engine, be sure to buy antigel (for example, Liqui Moly Diesel Fliess-Fit). Modern diesel fuels are already waxed at −15°C, and the car will not start without the additive.
Buy a scraper and glass brush |
Check the condition of the battery (voltage must be at least 12.6 V)|
Replace summer tires with winter tires (remaining tread depth - at least 4 mm) |
Buy anti-gel (for diesel cars) |
Check the operation of the stove and heated windows -->
5. Organizers and storage systems: order in the car
Clutter in the cabin is not only annoying, but also distracts from the road. The right organizers will help you keep things at hand and save space.
For trunk:
- 📦 Organizer bag with compartments for tools, first aid kit and small items (Drive Auto>, Carpoint). It is better to choose models with a hard bottom.
- 🧳 Trunk net (fixed on the backs of the front seats). Suitable for shopping or baby items.
For the salon:
- 📄 Under seat organizer (for documents, umbrella, small things). Popular model: TeslaShop Underseat Storage.
- 🔌 Wire holder (so that the chargers do not dangle under your feet). For example, UGREEN magnetic clips.
For families with children:
- 👶 Headrest organizer (for toys, wet wipes, bottles). Brands: Skip Hop>, Munchkin.
Tip: if you often transport large loads (for example, bicycles or skis), pay attention to luggage baskets (Thule, Hapro). They are mounted on the roof and increase the trunk volume by 2-3 times.
How to choose a trunk organizer?
1. Measure the width and depth of your car's trunk.
2. Determine what things you will store: if you have tools, you need hard compartments; if you're shopping, fabric pockets are enough.
3. Modular systems are suitable for crossovers and SUVs (for example, Dee Zee), and for sedans - compact bags (Carpoint).
4. Check if there are fasteners to secure the organizer (Velcro, straps).
6. Electronics and gadgets: modern assistants
Modern gadgets make driving safer and more convenient. But not all of them are really needed. We have selected only proven solutions.
- 📡 DVR with radar detector. The best models of 2026: BlackVue DR900X (4K, cloud storage), Garmin Dash Cam 67W (compact, with voice control).
- 🎵 Music system. If the stock radio is weak, consider replacing it with Pioneer SPH-DA130DAB (with support
Apple CarPlayandAndroid Auto). - 🔋 Powerbank for car (capacity from 20000 mAh). Useful for long trips. We recommend Xiaomi Mi Power Bank Pro 2 or Baseus 65W.
- 🚗 Bluetooth adapter (if the car does not have standard hands-free). For example, Anker Roav SmartCharge F0 — connects to the cigarette lighter and transmits music/calls via Bluetooth.
Warning: cheap radar detectors (up to 3,000 rubles) often catch false alarms and do not see new fixation complexes (AutoHurricane, Chris-P). If your budget is limited, it is better to buy a good DVR without a radar detector.
The DVR must record in at least Full HD (1080p) format and have a viewing angle of at least 140°. Cheap models with an angle of 120° or less miss important details in the event of an accident.
7. Things for long trips: what to take on the road
If you are planning to travel by car, this section is for you. Here are collected things that will be useful on a long trip, but are not needed for daily city routes.
- 🗺️ Paper map or road atlas. Yes, even in 2026. In case there is no connection or the navigator is discharged.
- 💧 Supply of water and food. Minimum 2 liters of water per person and energy bars (Clif Bar, PowerBar).
- 🛏️ Overnight kit: folding blanket (Decathlon Quechua), neck pillow, sleep mask.
- 🔧 Multitool (for example, Leatherman Wave+) - will replace a screwdriver, pliers and a knife.
- 🚿 Portable shower (for camping). Heated models: Zodi Hot Tap, Nemo Helio.
If you are traveling abroad, add to the list:
- 📄 Green card (insurance for traveling abroad).
- 🔌 Socket adapter (if the country has a different type of plug).
- 🚨 Set of country labels (for example,
RUS,KZ).
Tip: useful for off-road trips winch (if you have an SUV) and folding shovel (Fiskars). Don't forget about the spare tire - even if you have run-flat tires, its absence can become a problem on the track.
8. Savings without loss of quality: where you shouldn’t overpay
Not all accessories require purchasing premium brands. Here's what you can save on without sacrificing safety and comfort:
| Accessory | Budget brand | Premium brand | Price difference, % |
|---|---|---|---|
| Floor mats | Autostyle (1500 ₽) | WeatherTech (5000 ₽) | ~70% |
| Glass brush | Alaska (300 ₽) | HEYNER (1200 ₽) | ~75% |
| Trunk organizer | Carpoint (800 ₽) | Thule (3500 ₽) | ~77% |
| DVR | Artway MD-9 (4000 ₽) | BlackVue DR750S (20000 ₽) | ~80% |
Where exactly not worth saving:
- 🔋 Battery - cheap models (Titan>, Zubr) last 1–2 years, whereas VARTA or Bosch have been working for 5+ years.
- 🩹 First aid kit - cheap kits often lack critical drugs (for example,
nitroglycerinfor cores). - 🔥 Fire extinguisher - non-certified models may not work at a critical moment.
Life hack: many accessories (mats, covers, organizers) can be found on Avito or Yule in “like new” condition with a 30–50% discount. The main thing is to check before buying.
You cannot skimp on a first aid kit and a fire extinguisher - these are matters of life and death. But you don’t have to overpay for rugs, brushes and organizers: budget brands are often not inferior to premium ones in quality.
FAQ: Frequently asked questions about shopping for a new car
Do I need to buy seat covers outright?
Not necessarily. Modern seat materials (e.g. Alcantara or high-quality leather) last for years without protection. Cases are worth buying if:
- You have a light interior (higher risk of contamination).
- You often transport children or animals.
- The car is parked in an open parking lot under the sun (covers protect against fading).
For new cars it is better to choose covers without heating — they do not interfere with the operation of standard seat heating systems.
Which DVR is better: with one or two cameras?
It depends on your needs:
- One camera (front) - sufficient for recording accidents and controversial situations on the road. Suitable for city driving.
- Two cameras (front + rear) - needed if you often park in tight yards or drive off-road. The rear camera records rear impacts and helps in the analysis of accidents.
For taxi drivers or couriers, a better option is with two cameras + microphone (for example, BlackVue DR900X-2CH).
Can summer rugs be used in winter?
It is possible, but not advisable. Summer rugs (usually textile) absorb moisture and dirt, which leads to:
- Unpleasant smell in the cabin.
- Floor corrosion (if water seeps under the rug).
- Feet slipping on a wet surface.
Better to use in winter rubber mats with sides (for example, WeatherTech or TopRan). They do not get wet and are easy to clean.
What documents should always be in the car?
According to the traffic rules (clause 2.1.1), the driver is required to have with him:
- Driver's license.
- Vehicle registration certificate (or PTS, if the car is new and not yet registered).
- MTPL policy (possible in electronic form).
From 2023 not necessary carry with you:
- Registration certificate (if there is an electronic version in the application Public services).
- A diagnostic card (an electronic record in the EAISTO database is sufficient).
The fine for lack of documents is 500 rubles (Article 12.3 of the Administrative Code).
Is it worth buying an alarm for a new car?
It depends on the region and parking conditions:
- Yes, if you live in a large city with a high rate of thefts (Moscow, St. Petersburg, Yekaterinburg). The best option is an alarm with auto start and a GPS tracker (Pandora DXL 4710, StarLine A93).
- No, if the car is always parked in a secure parking lot or garage. Modern cars (especially premium brands) are equipped with standard immobilizers that reliably protect against theft.
The average cost of installing an alarm system is 15,000–30,000 rubles. If your budget is limited, buy at least mechanical steering lock (Multilock) for 2000–3000 rubles.