Long drives don't have to leave you stiff, thirsty and surrounded by clutter. Small changes to your car can make hours behind the wheel or in the passenger seat a lot more comfortable. Here are eight easy upgrades for your next long drive or daily commute.
1. Support your neck
Many car headrests leave a gap behind your neck. A headrest pillow fills it with a soft cushion, so your head has something comfortable to rest against. It comes in eight colors to match your interior.
2. Soften the armrest
A hard center console lid gets uncomfortable fast. An armrest cushion straps on to add padding, plus a side pocket for your phone. If the seat itself feels hard after an hour, a memory foam seat cushion adds a layer of padding and works on an office chair too.
Want all three? The Long Drive Comfort Set bundles the headrest pillow, armrest cushion and seat cushion for less than buying them separately.
3. Set up your seat properly
General driving-position advice: sit so you can reach the pedals with a slight bend in your knees, keep your back against the seat, and position the steering wheel so your wrists can rest on top with your shoulders against the seat. Adjust the mirrors after the seat.
4. Keep drinks cool and within reach
An insulated seat back organizer keeps drinks and snacks within reach of the back seat, and a 2-in-1 cup holder expander gives the front seat room for both a coffee and a water bottle.
5. Get your phone off your lap
A dashboard phone holder keeps navigation at eye level. Set your route before you set off, so you're not touching the phone while driving.
6. Make your breaks better
Commonly recommended advice is to take a break about every two hours on a long drive. A steering wheel tray turns a parked car into a table for lunch or a quick bit of laptop work. Always remove it before driving.
7. Keep the car cool when parked
Returning to a hot car after a stop is draining. A windshield sun shade helps keep the inside cooler while you're parked. We have more tips in How to Keep Your Car Cool in Summer.
8. Stop clutter building up
Wrappers and bottles pile up quickly on a long trip. A hanging car trash can and headrest hooks for bags keep the floor clear.
Heading out soon? Download our printable Road Trip Car Checklist (PDF), read the Road Trip Car Organization Checklist, or browse all our car comfort accessories.