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16 Budget-Friendly Car Essentials You Can Find at the Dollar Store

While shopping at dollar stores used to be something few people would admit to in public, these retail outlets are the go-to places for people seeking deals. You might be surprised by how many things you can get for your car at a discount on the shelves at dollar stores. 

Here are 16 car essentials available for bargain-basement prices at a dollar store near you.

Automotive Oil Drain Pan

Image Credit: Setta Sornnoi / Shutterstock.com

Do you change your engine oil independently? If so, you need something to catch the old oil. Fortunately, you can get an automotive oil drain pan from a dollar store for a buck and a quarter.

Windshield Washer Fluid

person adding washer fluid to engine
Image Credit: Evgenius1985 / Shutterstock.com

It can be frustrating to activate the washer fluid nozzle and see nothing come out. But that can happen if you don’t periodically top up the windshield washer fluid reservoir. You don’t want a situation where you need to clean your windshield on the road or highway and can’t do so. The next time you’re at a dollar store, do yourself a favor and buy a few bottles.

Steering Wheel Cover

Pink fluffy car steering wheel cover
Image Credit: Ruslan Krosh / Shutterstock.com

Steering wheel covers come in various sizes, colors, styles, patterns, and materials. Whether you’re looking for a way to spruce up your vehicle’s interior or to enjoy more comfort behind the wheel, you have it your way with a steering wheel cover at a dollar store. 

Car Wash Sponge

Person washing car with sponge and soap
Image credit: Roman Zaiets / Shutterstock.com

One online source recommends washing your car every two weeks, waxing it at least twice a year, and giving the interior a once-over every several months. If you want to be hands-on with cleaning or detailing your car, you’ll need lots of car wash sponges. The price is right.

Microfiber Auto Cleaning Towels 

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You won’t need as much soap to clean your ride when using microfiber towels. Microfiber towels also absorb more water than cotton towels, so you can dry your vehicle faster after an exterior detail. 

Auto Funnel

Car mechanic pouring engine oil into vehicle
Image credit: Jacktamrong / Shutterstock.com

When tackling any automotive task requiring the addition of engine oil or transmission oil, you should use a funnel. It’ll simplify filling the reservoirs rather than getting the fluids on the floor. And, as you probably already guessed, you can get auto funnels at a dollar store near you.

Scented Car Air Fresheners 

Scented Car Air Fresheners 
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Even if you buy a brand-new vehicle for that new car smell, that aroma will eventually fade. But after the new car smell is gone, another aroma may take it’s place. And it might not be pleasant to your nostrils. You’ll want scented car air fresheners when your vehicle smells musty or stinks so bad your eyes water. You’ll have plenty to choose from at a dollar store.

Microfiber Chenille Washmitt

Microfiber Chenille Washmitt
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If you like to clean and detail your vehicle hands-on, get a microfiber chenille washmitt. It combines the convenience of a microfiber cloth with the function of a mitt. You might want to toss one into your cart the next time you visit a dollar store.

Armor All Extreme Tire Shine

Armor All Extreme Tire Shine
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When detailing the exterior of your ride, don’t forget the tires. Washing them with soap and water will remove some of the dirt and grime, but you need something extra to make them shine. That’s where Armor All Extreme Tire Shine comes into the picture.

Power Steering Fluid

person adding power steering fluid
Image Credit: SURAKIT SAWANGCHIT / Shutterstock.com

You should change your vehicle’s power steering fluid every two years or 80,000 miles. But check your owner’s manual for the proper intervals. One thing to remember is that power steering fluid isn’t universal. Ensure compatibility before buying any at a dollar store. 

Armor All Original Protectant

man using cleaner spray and wiping with paper towel the car dashboard
Image Credit: Alicia Fdez / Shuttedrstock.com

Do you want your car’s interior to shine like the day it rolled off the assembly line? Consider getting some Armor All Original Protectant. You can use it to clean and protect plastic, vinyl, wood, rubber, and plastic. It’ll safeguard against fading, cracking, and aging.

Detail Wire Brushes

Detail Wire Brushes
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When detailing your vehicle and doing various DIY automotive maintenance and repairs you might need wire brushes. They’re cheap and can make DIY projects easier.

Full-Synthetic Motor Oil

Full-Synthetic Motor Oil
Editorial credit: ZikG / Shutterstock.com

You might be surprised to learn you can get full-synthetic motor oil from a dollar store near you., Stock up if they sell the right type for your vehicle’s engine.

Rain-X Glass Water Repellent Aerosol

Rain-X Glass Water Repellent Aerosol
Editorial credit: Ivelin Mitev / Shutterstock.com

Do you want to give your windshield wipers a break? You can do so with some Rain-X Glass Water Repellent. Simply spray some of it on the windshield and watch it repel rain, sleet, and snow on contact. That’ll make for better visibility when you’re behind the wheel.

Car Shampoo

Photo of a Professional Car Wash Specialist Using a Big Soft Sponge to Wash the Rims of a Beautiful Red Sportscar with Shampoo Before
Image Credit: Gorodenkoff / Shutterstock.com

When ready to give your vehicle a bath, get some inexpensive car shampoo from a dollar store. It’s something to have on a shelf in your garage.

2-in-1 Snow Brushes with Scrapers

lady scraping snow from winshield with brush
Image Credit: Krasula / Shutterstock.com

Winter is on its way. Whether you don’t have a snow brush-scraper in your trunk or want a backup, you can get one for a steal at a dollar store. You’ll be glad you have it when the white stuff starts to fall.

Get These Car Essentials at a Dollar Store Near You

Family Dollar Stores Inc
Editorial credit: Around the World Photos / Shutterstock.com

Owning a car isn’t an inexpensive undertaking. But you can get things you need without paying an arm and a leg. Find these and other car essentials at a dollar store in your neck of the woods.

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