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Picking up a new Model Y is exciting, but that excitement can fade fast once you realise how little actually comes in the boot. Tesla keeps things minimal, so the job of making your car comfortable, protected and genuinely useful falls to you. If you've been searching for model y accessories that are actually worth buying, rather than just another gadget cluttering your glovebox, this guide sorts the essentials from the nice-to-haves.
We've split everything into two groups: things to buy in your first week of ownership, and extras you can add once you've settled in. Each section links to a more detailed guide if you want to go deeper on a particular topic.
1. Floor Mats
Floor mats are the single most useful accessory you can buy for a Model Y, and they should be top of your first-week list. Tesla's carpets pick up dirt, mud and water quickly, especially in an Irish climate where rain is never far away. A good set of all-weather mats protects the carpet underneath and makes cleaning the car a five-minute job instead of a weekend project.
Look for mats that cover the front, rear and boot area, and check they're designed specifically for the Model Y rather than a generic fit. Our complete guide to Tesla Model Y floor mats covers the different materials, how they fit around the unique footwell shapes, and which styles hold up best over time.
2. Screen Protector
The central touchscreen is the control centre for almost everything in the car, from climate to navigation to media. It's also a magnet for fingerprints, dust and the odd accidental scratch from a phone case or a child's shoe. A screen protector is cheap insurance against all of that.
Beyond scratch protection, some protectors also reduce glare, which makes a real difference on sunny days when you're trying to read the map. Fitting one takes a few minutes and is worth doing before the screen picks up its first mark. Our guide to Model Y screen protectors walks through the different types and how to apply them without bubbles.
3. A Proper Look at What's Already Included
Before you buy anything else, it's worth checking exactly what Tesla includes as standard, because this varies depending on when and where you bought your car. Some owners are surprised to find a charging cable isn't included, or that certain small items they expected are missing from the boot.
Knowing what you already have stops you from buying duplicates or, worse, missing something you actually need. Our breakdown of what comes with a new Tesla Model Y is a handy first stop before you start adding items to any shopping basket.
4. Boot Organiser or Liner
The Model Y's boot is generous, but it's also one big open space with nothing to stop shopping bags sliding around on every corner. A boot liner protects the carpet from spills and scratches, while a simple organiser with compartments keeps loose items like charging cables, umbrellas and reusable bags from rolling about.
This is a small purchase that pays off almost daily. If you regularly carry shopping, pets or sports gear, a liner with raised edges is particularly useful for catching mud and water before it reaches the carpet.
5. Sunshades
Tesla's glass roof lets in a lot of light, which is lovely in winter but can turn the cabin into a greenhouse on a warm day. Sunshades, whether for the front windscreen or the rear glass roof, help keep the interior cooler and protect the dashboard and seats from UV fading over time.
They're inexpensive, easy to store, and make a noticeable difference to cabin temperature when the car has been parked in direct sun. For anyone who parks outdoors most of the day, this is a first-week buy rather than an afterthought.
6. Centre Console Organiser
The space under the central armrest and around the cupholders in a Model Y is awkwardly shaped, and loose items tend to slide around or get wedged somewhere annoying. A console organiser insert tidies this area up, giving you defined spots for phones, sunglasses, cards and small bits you'd otherwise lose down the side of the seat.
It's a minor accessory in terms of cost, but it's one of those things that makes daily driving noticeably more pleasant. Once it's fitted, you'll wonder how you managed without it.
7. A Tow Bar (If You Need One)
Not every Model Y owner needs a tow bar, but if you're planning to tow a caravan, trailer, or bike rack, it's worth sorting early rather than as an afterthought. Towing capacity and fitting options vary, and getting the wrong setup can mean a return trip to a fitter.
Irish regulations and typical uses differ slightly from other markets, so it helps to read up before committing. Our Model Y tow bar guide for Irish owners covers compatible tow bar types, fitting considerations and what to check before you buy.
8. Roof Rack
If you cycle, ski, or just need extra carrying capacity occasionally, a roof rack opens up a lot of options that aren't possible with boot space alone. The Model Y's roof rails make fitting one straightforward, but not every rack is designed with this car's roof shape and glass panel in mind.
Getting the right roof rack matters more than it might seem, both for safety and for protecting the roof itself. Our complete owner's guide to the Model Y roof rack explains the main types available and how to choose based on what you'll actually be carrying.
9. Roof Rack Noise and Protection Accessories
Once you've fitted a roof rack, two common issues tend to crop up: wind noise at speed, and the risk of scratches on the glass roof from the rack's mounting points. Both are solvable with the right accessories, but they're easy to overlook until you've already had an annoying motorway drive or spotted a mark on the glass.
A few simple additions, like wind deflectors or protective padding, sort both problems quickly. We've got dedicated guides on stopping roof rack wind noise and whistling and on protecting the roof glass from a roof rack, both worth reading before your first long trip with gear on the roof.
10. Kayak or Surfboard Carrier
If your idea of a weekend involves water sports, a dedicated carrier for kayaks, canoes or surfboards makes a real difference compared to improvising with straps and towels. These carriers are designed to sit securely on a roof rack and keep long, awkward loads stable at motorway speeds.
Getting the loading angle and strap positions right matters for both safety and keeping the roof scratch-free. Our guide on carrying a kayak or surfboard on a Model Y covers the setup step by step, including which carrier styles work best with Tesla's roof rails.
Conclusion
Not every accessory on this list belongs in your first week of ownership, and that's fine. Floor mats, a screen protector and sunshades are the sort of model y accessories most owners will want straight away, since they protect the car from everyday wear. Roof racks, tow bars and water sports carriers are more about expanding what the car can do, so they can wait until you actually need them.
The good news is that none of this needs to be rushed. Start with the basics that protect your investment, then add extras as your lifestyle and driving habits make the case for them.
FAQ
Which Model Y accessories are must-haves?
Floor mats, a screen protector and sunshades are the most commonly recommended first-week buys. They're inexpensive, protect the car from everyday wear, and make a noticeable difference almost immediately.
Which Model Y accessories are actually worth the money?
Floor mats and screen protectors consistently rank as worth buying because they prevent damage that's otherwise expensive or impossible to reverse. Roof racks and tow bars are worth it specifically if you need the extra carrying or towing capacity, but they're not essential for every owner.
Do I need a roof rack for a Model Y?
Only if you plan to carry bulky items like bikes, kayaks or skis that won't fit in the boot. The roof rails make fitting one simple, but it's an accessory to add when you have a genuine need rather than by default.
What comes included with a new Model Y?
This varies by order and region, so it's worth checking the specifics rather than assuming. Our guide on what comes with a new Tesla Model Y breaks down what to expect in the boot and cabin on delivery.
Are screen protectors necessary for the Model Y?
They're not strictly necessary, but they're a cheap way to prevent scratches and fingerprints on a screen that's central to how you control the car. Most owners find it worth fitting one in the first week.
What should I buy before towing with my Model Y?
Start by confirming the right tow bar type for your needs and checking local regulations, since these can affect what's legal and what fits properly. Our Irish owners' tow bar guide covers the main points to check before fitting anything.
