If you spend a lot of time in your car, whether you commute to work every day, run a lot of errands, or go on a lot of road trips, having some gadgets, high-quality audio tech and accessories for your car can help make all the driving a bit safer, easier, and more entertaining.
No matter what type of car you have, you can find accessories to give it a little upgrade. Here is a list of the best must-have car accessories.
Blindspot Mirrors
Most new cars will come equipped with blindspot detectors, but if you’re driving an older car that doesn’t have this helpful feature, why not add it on yourself? There’s no need to take your car to a dealer and spend a small fortune to get it added on; instead, you can grab some blind spot mirrors that attach right onto your side-view mirrors. They’re much more affordable and are extremely useful.
Smartphone Mount
Need to use your phone while in the car? Having your phone in your hand while you drive is against the law, but if you need to use maps or make hands-free calls while driving, the solution is a phone mount.
You can get an affordable phone mount that attaches to the windshield, on the dashboard, or onto the air vents. This gives you easy access to your phone without forcing you to take your hands off the wheel or eyes off the road for too long.
Head-Up Display (HUD)
HUDs are great because they mirror your phone’s screen right onto your windshield, so you don’t need to take your eyes off the road at all while driving and using your device. HUDs operate wirelessly and allow you to perform functions like making phone calls, change the music, use a map, or share your location. They come at a higher price point, but if you need to use your phone a lot while driving, it’s a perfect tool to make your phone more accessible and safe to use.
Dashcam
One of the best car accessories you can get is a dashcam. They’re incredibly useful in case an accident happens while you’re driving as it provides video proof of what happened and can help determine fault.
You can also get a rear-view mirror dash cam to record what’s behind you as well. This can be helpful in case you need to provide proof to your insurance company. In some cases, you could even lower your insurance with a dashcam.
Stinger
Nobody wants to think about getting in an accident, but being prepared for the worst can provide you with a sense of security. Keeping a stinger in your car where it’s easily accessible can make all the difference during an emergency.
A stinger is a small and handy tool that can break through your windshield or windows in case your car doors are jammed after an accident. It can help you exit your car quickly if need be. There’s also a small blade that can help slice through a seat belt if it gets jammed. At a price point of around $30, it’s an affordable way to have peace of mind.
Bluetooth Transmitter
Older cars don’t typically have Bluetooth capabilities, so if you want to bring your car into the present, a Bluetooth transmitter is what you’re looking for. You can connect your smartphone to play music and make hands-free calls.
Jump Starter
Another good piece of auto tech to keep in your car is a jump starter. Jumper cables are handy to have, but they’re only useful if there’s another vehicle around to help you out and give you some juice. Keeping a portable self-powered jump starter in your car can get you out of this jam no matter where you are. Some models even let you test your alternator or battery, so you can diagnose the problem.
Hydraulic Jack
Having a hydraulic jack in your car at all times is another excellent way to stay prepared. If you get a flat tire, you will be able to change it easily with your jack. Newer models of hydraulic jacks are small, easy to store, and are lightweight, making it an easily accessible tool.
Toolset
Keeping a car toolkit in your vehicle is just as important as having a jack. Having the right tools to fix your vehicle when something goes wrong, including changing a tire or fixing a puncture, is a good way to stay prepared.
