Best Car Accessory Brands in the UK
Best Car Accessory Brands in the UK
Blog Article
While functionality is everything when it comes to improving, keeping, or upgrading your car, quality is equally important. The UK car industry is saturated with brands supplying everything from cutting-edge detailing products to game-changing in-car technology, trusty maintenance tools, and sleek add-ons. With so many choices, however, which are really worth considering for British motorists?
In this article, we break down the Best Car Accessory Brands in the UK, ranked by product performance, customer satisfaction, reputation, and product range.
1. Halfords
Overview:
Halfords is both a store and a brand in the UK, being one of the most recognised motoring retailers. They sell their own-brand accessories, from sunshades and seat covers to roof bars and cleaning kits. Halfords has established a strong track record over the years for providing dependable, value-for-money car gear.
Best Known For:
Car cleaning products
In-car technology accessories (dash cams, chargers)
DIY equipment and tools
Roof boxes and racks
Why UK Drivers Trust It:
Halfords products are available online and in-store, have good customer support, and frequently feature optional fitting services.
2. Autoglym
Overview:
Autoglym is the UK's premium car care brand. Their industry award-winning car wash, detailers, and cleaners are the choice of professionals and enthusiasts and are even used by the royal households, for whom they have a Royal Warrant to supply.
Best Known For:
Car shampoos and waxes
Interior cleaners
Tyre and trim care
Complete detailing kits
Why UK Drivers Trust It:
Autoglym's reliable performance, high-quality feel, and durable protection make it the go-to choice for anyone who takes vehicle appearance seriously.
3. Nextbase
Overview
When it comes to dash cams, Nextbase is the unchallenged market leader in the UK. Their offerings are generally considered to be the most feature-rich and reliable in the market, and they're typically recommended by insurers and auto clubs.
Best Known For:
HD and 4K dash cams
GPS and Wi-Fi enabled models
Emergency SOS response
Rear and cabin-view modules
Why UK Drivers Trust It:
Nextbase dash cams are designed to cope with UK roads, weather, and legal demands, providing drivers with peace of mind and insurance fraud protection.
4. Thule
Overview:
Thule, a Swedish company with excellent UK availability, is a specialist in car racks, roof boxes, and outdoor equipment transport solutions. It's the brand of choice for families, sports enthusiasts, and road trippers.
Best Known For:
Roof bars and boxes
Bike racks and ski carriers
Travel bags and cargo systems
Why UK Drivers Trust It:
Thule's dedication to safety, its stylish looks, and simplicity of fit mean it's a brand drivers can rely on to carry everything from camping equipment to cycles.
5. Ring Automotive
Overview:
Leeds-headquartered Ring Automotive has been serving the UK car market for more than 40 years. It provides a wide variety of lighting, battery maintenance, and electronic accessories.
Best Known For:
Jump starters and battery chargers
LED and halogen bulbs
Tyre inflators and testers
Dash cams and in-car power solutions
Why UK Drivers Trust It:
Reckoned for affordable dependability and sturdy product design, Ring Automotive is a trusty brand in the mechanic's as well as DIY driver's toolset.
6. Bosch
Overview:
As a worldwide company, Bosch enjoys deep roots within the UK car industry, particularly in parts and accessories. Professionals and DIY enthusiasts alike rely on their wiper blades and spark plugs.
Best Known For:
Wiper blades
Car batteries
Bulbs and spark plugs
Diagnostic tools
Why UK Drivers Trust It:
German engineering from Bosch provides performance and longevity, and their accessories are suitable for a broad range of UK vehicles.
7. Michelin
Overview:
Best recognized for their tyres, Michelin also manufactures a range of motoring accessories like tyre inflators and breakdown kits. Their branded kits are regarded as premium and trustworthy choices for drivers.
Best Known For:
Tyre inflators and compressors
Jump starters and emergency kits
Tyre pressure gauges
Why UK Drivers Trust It:
Michelin's history of dedication to automotive performance and safety is evident in the excellence of their accessories.
8. Armor All
Overview:
Armor All is a worldwide leader in vehicle care and has built a loyal UK customer base with its successful cleaning and protective products, particularly for interiors.
Best Known For:
Dashboard and leather wipes
Tyre foams and protectants
Glass and screen cleaners
Full detailing kits
Why UK Drivers Trust It:
Their easy-to-use, ready-to-fit products are perfect for fast clean-ups and long-term maintenance, and are particularly favored by regular car users.
9. Osram
Overview:
Osram is a global leader in lighting production and a prominent force in the UK automotive aftermarket. Their headlight upgrades and interior lighting kits are used extensively for improved visibility and fashion.
Best Known For:
Halogen, LED, and HID bulbs
Headlight upgrade kits
Interior ambient lighting
Why UK Drivers Trust It:
Osram's automotive bulbs are high in brightness, long-lasting, and energy efficient, supported by robust OEM relationships.
10. Streetwize Accessories
Overview:
Streetwize is a British brand popular for its extensive collection of affordable car accessories and travel gear. They provide everything from warning triangles to in-car kettles.
Best Known For:
Emergency kits and warning triangles
Seat cushions and organisers
Car cleaning tools and vacuums
12V travel appliances
Why UK Drivers Trust It:
Cheap, readily available (including on eBay and Amazon), and ideal for occasional use or as part of an emergency car kit.
Honorable Mentions
Meguiar's – High-end detailing products, particularly polish and wax
Garmin – Sat navs and navigation technology for UK and Europe
Valeo – Spare parts such as wipers and bulbs
TomTom – UK-centric GPS and real-time traffic accessories
Turtle Wax – Cheap car care products, ideal for beginners
Final Thoughts
In 2025, UK motorists are spoiled for choice when it comes to quality car accessory brands. Whatever you're looking for - performance, style, cleanliness, or convenience - there's a brand name to suit your needs and budget.
For cleaning and care of cars, Autoglym and Armor All are at the forefront.
For dash cams and security, Nextbase is the top dog.
For car technology and batteries, Ring and Bosch are unbeatable.
For everyday upgrades such as roof racks and boot space storage, Thule and Streetwize offer function and design.
Spending money on a well-established brand guarantees that you receive quality, long-lasting performance, safety guarantees, and security of mind. Always examine reviews, compatibility, and warranties prior to a buy