18 Dashboard Accessories Everyone Had

Car dashboards used to be personal shrines, packed with quirky accessories that made every ride feel like a statement.

Sophia Zapanta
March 31, 2025
6 min read

18 Dashboard Accessories Everyone Had — Mike Bird on Pexels

Before sleek, minimalist car interiors took over, dashboards were cluttered with personality. From bobbleheads to fuzzy dice, these accessories turned cars into moving extensions of their owners. Let’s take a drive down memory lane and revisit the dashboard decorations everyone used to have.

1. Fuzzy Dice

Alexandra Folster on Pexels

Hanging fuzzy dice from your rearview mirror instantly made your car cooler. They came in every color, making you feel like a high-roller from the ‘50s. Sure, they blocked your view slightly, but style over safety, right? These days, they’re more nostalgic than trendy, but they still bring a retro vibe.

2. Bobbleheads

Gusti Mega on Pexels

A good bobblehead was a dashboard essential, nodding in agreement with every bump in the road. Whether it was a famous athlete, a cartoon character, or a lucky charm, it added personality. Some even had solar-powered heads that moved non-stop in the sunlight. Now, they’ve mostly disappeared, replaced by phone mounts and touchscreens.

3. Dashboard Dolls

Samiran Halder on Pexels

Tiny figurines on the dash brought personality to every ride. Whether it was a hula girl, a lucky cat, or a bobblehead, they swayed and nodded along the road. Some were glued down, while others slid around during sharp turns. Touchscreens took over, but these little icons of nostalgia still have a place in classic cars.

4. Dreamcatchers

Asya Cusima on Pexels

Some people believed dreamcatchers could catch bad dreams, while others just thought they looked cool. Hanging from the mirror, they added a bohemian touch to any car. Feathers and beads swayed with the wind, making every ride feel a little more mystical. Modern cars are all about tech, leaving little room for these spiritual decorations.

5. Compasses

ROMAN ODINTSOV on Pexels

Before GPS, a tiny floating compass on the dash made you feel like an explorer. It was supposed to help with navigation, but half the time, it just spun wildly when you made a turn. Still, it added a rugged, adventurous feel to your ride. Now, we rely on maps that actually work, and the dashboard compass is just a memory.

6. Radar Detectors

JAI on Pexels

If you had one of these, you were probably speeding. It beeped like crazy whenever it detected a police radar nearby, giving you a chance to slow down. Sometimes, it went off for no reason, causing panic over an imaginary cop. Now, apps and built-in tech have made them less common, but they were once a rebel’s best friend.

7. Mini Fans

revac film’s&photography on Pexels

Before air conditioning was a standard, a tiny fan clipped to the dashboard was a lifesaver. It barely helped on scorching days, but at least it felt like you were trying. The whirring sound became part of every summer road trip. AC took over, and dashboard fans faded into history.

8. CD Visors

Bindydad123 on Wikimedia Commons

Having a visor stuffed with CDs meant you were always prepared with the perfect road trip playlist. The challenge was flipping through them while driving without causing an accident. Scratched discs and lost cases were just part of the experience. Streaming killed the CD visor, but nothing beats the nostalgia of picking the right album on the go.

9. Beaded Seat Covers

Erik Mclean on Pexels

Technically, it’s not a dashboard accessory, but if you had one of these, you probably had a decked-out dash, too. Taxi drivers swore they helped with back pain, even if they left weird imprints on your skin. They made every ride feel slightly more exotic as if you were driving in a meditation retreat. Now, memory foam has taken their place, but they had their moment.

10. Garfield Window Clings

Fumikas Sagisavas on Wikimedia Commons

A lazy Garfield sticking to your window made your car feel instantly more fun. He was usually paired with a smug expression, perfectly capturing Monday morning traffic vibes. Some versions even had suction cups for extra durability. They’ve mostly disappeared, but their impact on car culture is undeniable.

11. Solar-Powered Waving Cats

Karen Laårk Boshoff on Pexels

These little lucky cats waved endlessly, bringing good fortune and mild distraction. They were usually found on the dashboards of taxis, restaurants, or anyone who liked a little extra luck. Watching them wave at every red light became oddly hypnotic. Digital displays have taken over, but these golden cats still have their fans.

12. Dashboard Clocks

Olena Bohovyk on Pexels

Some cars didn’t have built-in clocks, so drivers stuck one to the dash. They were often cheap, battery-powered, and constantly falling off. Half the time, they weren’t even set to the right time. Now, every car has a digital clock, making dashboard clocks a thing of the past.

13. Tissue Box Holders

Dmitry Zvolskiy on Pexels

A tissue box wedged onto the dashboard was a classic move. It was practical and weirdly comforting, always there for unexpected sneezes or snack emergencies. The only downside? It slid across the dash every time you made a sharp turn. These days, cars have storage for everything, making the loose tissue box less common.

14. Steering Wheel Covers with Fur or Rhinestones

Lucas Pezeta on Pexels

If your car had personality, your steering wheel needed an upgrade, too. Fur-covered or rhinestone-studded steering wheels made every drive feel glamorous. They weren’t always practical—furry covers got sweaty in summer, and rhinestones could be scratchy. Still, they added a level of flair that modern cars just don’t embrace.

15. Hanging Air Fresheners

Maksim Goncharenok on Pexels

Trees, dice, smiley faces—whatever the shape, a scented air freshener was a must. New car smell, vanilla, or something vaguely called “ocean breeze” filled every ride. Some smelled great; others were overpowering enough to give passengers a headache. Today, built-in air purifiers have made them less necessary, but they’re still a road trip staple.

16. Velcro Sticky Pads for Phones and Sunglasses

Johnygoryden on Wikimedia Commons

Before proper phone mounts existed, drivers used sticky Velcro pads. They worked great at first, but over time, they lost their grip and sent your phone flying during turns. Sunglasses were safer, but good luck getting the sticky residue off the dashboard. Modern mounts are better, but those old Velcro pads were a true DIY solution.

17. GPS Devices

Nfgusedautoparts on Wikimedia Commons

Before smartphones took over, standalone GPS units were a must-have for road trips. They stuck to the dashboard with suction cups and constantly fell off mid-drive. The robotic voice often mispronounced street names or led you straight into traffic. Now, built-in navigation and phone apps have made them nearly extinct.

18. Sticker Collections

Selvin Esteban on Pexels

Some dashboards were covered in stickers, showing off everything from band logos to funny slogans. Each one told a story—concerts attended, road trips taken, or just a love for questionable puns. Once they were stuck, they were nearly impossible to remove without leaving a mess. Nowadays, car interiors are all about clean lines, but sticker-covered dashboards before had real character.