10 accessories that can plug into your car's USB port

Tucked away in your car, often overlooked and rather unassuming, is a USB port . But don't let its unassuming appearance fool you; that tiny slot is actually the access point to a surprising array of accessories that can enhance your driving experience.

 

10. USB Drive

 

What better way to plug into your car's USB port than a regular USB drive? It's one of the simplest and most reliable ways to take your favorite music, podcasts , or audiobooks on the go without having to fiddle with Bluetooth , AUX cables, or playing music from your phone. And luckily, most car stereos can play MP3 , WMA , or even FLAC files directly from the drive.

To keep things organized (and safer for browsing on the go), organize your files by artist, genre, or mood. Better yet, create a few separate drives, like one full of road trip songs, one with your favorite podcasts for work, and maybe a third with kid-friendly content.

9. USB to USB-C Adapter

 

With more and more devices switching to USB-C while most cars still use the traditional USB-A port, a USB-C adapter is one of those small but essential accessories that is worth keeping in your car. It allows you to use a USB-C to USB-C cable to charge or connect your smartphone, tablet, and other USB-C devices via the USB-A socket in your car with ease.

8. Dash cam

While most dash cams are powered via a 12V outlet or are wired directly to the vehicle battery, some models can operate via the vehicle's USB port, depending on the power output. Whether or not the dash cam continues to operate when the vehicle is off depends on how the USB port is wired. In most cases, power is only provided when the ignition is turned on.

 

7. Car fan

Driving in the summer can be incredibly uncomfortable as your car's air conditioning struggles to keep up, especially in older models or in those first few hot minutes when the cabin feels more like an oven than a car. That's where a USB-powered car fan really comes in. Just plug it into your car's USB port, and before you know it, you've got a steady stream of cool air working to keep things comfortable.

6. Humidifier or essential oil diffuser

 

Between the stuffy air in the car, the distinct smell of fast food fries, and the overworked air conditioning system working overtime, your car's interior can start to feel less inviting. In this case, you can plug in a USB-powered essential oil diffuser or humidifier to freshen the air with a fine mist or a light scent of essential oils.

5. Air purifier or ionizer

Driving in the city often comes with invisible contaminants such as exhaust fumes, dust, pollen, and all sorts of airborne contaminants that you don't want to be breathing in. That's why car air purifiers are an increasingly useful accessory. They typically consume around 5 to 10 watts, making them perfect for continuous use via a car's USB port.

4. Tire pressure monitoring signal receiver

 

This device is especially useful if your vehicle does not come equipped with a TPMS (Tire Pressure Monitoring System) or if the system is malfunctioning and starting to lose accuracy. Replacement TPMS kits typically include external sensors that attach to the valve stem of the tire and wirelessly transmit real-time pressure data to a small display on the dashboard, keeping you aware of the pressure under your tires.

3. Handheld vacuum cleaner

Car interiors can quickly become cluttered, with crumbs, dust, pet hair, and nasty stains in the cup holders. In situations like these, you'll appreciate a USB-charged handheld vacuum cleaner. Compact and convenient, these mini vacuums are designed to reach tight spaces like seat crevices, footwells, and glove compartments – and since they're USB-charged, you can easily charge them in the car.

2. LED interior decoration lights

These lights are one of the easiest and most fun ways to give your car's interior a cool, almost sci-fi look, and all you really need is a USB port. These compact light strips or fiber optic cables often have an adhesive backing, so you can easily attach them along your dashboard, footwells, door trims, or center console without any permanent modifications. When you're done, simply plug the controller into your car's USB port and you're good to go.

 

1. Mosquito Repellent

Summer road trips are full of sunshine and music, until a swarm of mosquitoes spoils the party. Luckily, your car's USB port can power a surprisingly effective defense against those persistent little winged menaces.

Look for a USB powered mosquito repellent.

These compact devices work by gently heating a mosquito repellent pad, releasing active ingredients into the air inside the car without the need for sprays, strong scents, and certainly no repellent. They contain virtually no DEET and are safe to use around children and pets, so you can just plug it in and let it do its thing quietly.