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Road trips mean a lot of time behind the wheel. Fortunately, there are plenty of options to upgrade your ride and enhance your experience on the road by making it safer, smoother, and much more enjoyable.
Whether it’s keeping interiors clean and tidy, charging your devices on the go, connecting your smartphone to your vehicle, or saving your life, these cool car gadgets and accessories will have you covered on your motorized travels.
If you own a new, high-end car, chances are you won’t be needing most of these gizmos, but if you don’t, a touch of modern functionality can be crucial for your safety and comfort along the way.
Once installed into the OBD II port, the Vivint Car Guard lets you monitor your car’s performance, status, and location. It’ll even send vehicle maintenance alerts, notify you of potential mechanical problems, and let you know how much gas is in the tank.
What sets this hi-tech car gadget apart from other GPS trackers on the market is its integration into the Vivint Smart Home platform, which means it can turn the lights on when the car arrives home, trigger outdoor security cameras and record video if someone disturbs the car while it’s in your driveway, or automatically open/close the garage door. The Car Guard is definitely not cheap, but it may be one of the best car gadgets you’ll ever buy.
Award-Winning 4K Dash Camera
Feeling safe at all times is essential to your experience on the road, which is why a dashcam is one of the best car gadgets you can buy. In addition to capturing fun videos of you and your friends on a road trip, they can be decisive in the event of an accident, being capable of providing evidence to law enforcement and insurance companies.
With the NextBase 622GW, you get stellar 4K UHD day and night captures in a small package that’s easy to install and use. The dash cam offers Alexa voice control, automatic emergency notifications, and parking mode, and features a large and accurate touchscreen display that attaches over your current rearview mirror so you can check what’s happening around you in traffic. Pair it with Nextbase’s rear, interior, and interior telescopic camera modules (sold separately), and you’ve got the best dash cam system on the market.
Portable Electric Tire Inflator
Say hello to our favorite portable electric tire inflator! Equipped with an easy-to-read OLED display, intuitive buttons, internal cooling fans, and a 2500mAh lithium battery, the Hoto Portable Electric Tire Inflator/Air Pump is one of the best car accessories you can get your hands on.
Not only is this sleek, smart air pump able to inflate anything, from car to bike tires to balls, but it automatically stops when the desired pressure is reached. And when it’s time to recharge, you can easily do so on the go via a Type-C port.
Automatic Car Tent
One of the coolest car gadgets we’ve come across lately, the Lanmodo Pro Four-Season Automatic Car Tent not only protects your vehicle from the elements but also keeps your devices charged while on the move thanks to an in-built lithium-ion battery. Made of fiberglass and triple-layer PU Oxford cloth, this portable car canopy withstands winds of up to 30 miles per hour, acts as a shield against snow, acid rain, fallen leaves, and bird droppings, and it’s a great product to keep your car cool in summer.
It’s easy to set up and take down with one click on the included remote and fits most vehicles, from motorcycles and sedans to dune buggies, SUVs, mini-vans, and trucks. Lanmodo also offers a range of compatible accessories, such as additional flaps to create a roomy camping tent for 7 persons or a stand to transform it into an umbrella for sunny/rainy days out with friends and family.
Car Air Purifier
Remove odors and clean the air inside your vehicle with Philips GoPure Compact. Sleek, modern, and easy to install, this high-end car air purifier uses a three-layer filtration system to eliminate up to 99% of the harmful bacteria, gases, smoke, and odors inside the cabin. It also has an integrated air-particles sensor that shows current air quality.
Head-up Display
Who says those of us who don’t necessarily own a new, high-end automobile can’t keep up with the latest in automotive technology? A really useful car gadget, Arestech 5.5 inches A8 OBD2 Windshield is a head-up display (HUD) for your vehicle designed to project essential information onto a transparent screen in front of you. Equipped with 3D reflection technology, it gives you instant access to crucial trip data like fuel consumption, battery voltage, and oil temperature, as well as a series of warnings for things like over-speed limit and engine fault.
One Amazon review stated that it is “Definitely getting your money’s worth, best in class for the price, hands down”.
Travel Mug
Another must-have car accessory, Fellow’s Carter Move Mug + Slide-Lock Lid is the most practical way to enjoy coffee while driving. An advanced version of the Carter Move Mug with Splash Guard, it fits perfectly into the cup holder of any vehicle and has a uniquely angled lid that slides open with the flick of a thumb. Thanks to its double vacuum-sealed wall, it retains your drink temperature for six hours and sports a sleek design, which makes it a nice, thoughtful gift for the driver in your life.
Roof Box
When it comes to cool car gadgets, an innovative roof box certainly has its place. At 16 cubic feet, the Yakima GrandTour 16 is sure to accommodate all your family’s belongings on the next big road trip, including snowboards and skis up to 185 cm.
The hardshell roof rack is stylish, easy to mount, and features a dual-side opening for easy access to your gear from either side of the vehicle. Its flattened floor makes packing more efficient, and integrated interior tie-down points help keep your items from shifting while in transit.
Wireless Air Vent Charging Mount
Hold your phone in place and charge it wirelessly while on the go with the Velox Mini Wireless Air Vent Mount. Designed especially for MagSafe-compatible iPhones and cases, this stylish magnetic car mount from iOttie makes it easy to insert and remove your phone with one hand and comes with a built-in ventilation system designed to dissipate heat and maintain airflow. Though compact, it offers fast wireless charging up to 7.5W.
Smart Tire Safety Monitor
With ZUS, Nonda’s latest in-car gadget, you can track the tire pressure in real time from your mobile phone. The smart tire safety monitor detects slow leaks before it’s too late thanks to its innovative AccuTemp Algorithm. It also comes with an anti-theft locking system and a built-in USB port for charging other devices.
What would you do if you were trapped in a disabled car after an accident? While the thought of this can be terrifying, being prepared for it could make the difference between life and death. In worst-case scenarios like this one, the WONDER POINT Premium Car Glass Breaker is your way out. Made of strong aluminum alloy and complete with a sharp hidden cutter, this 2-in-1 car escape tool serves as a window breaker and seatbelt cutter – both of which can be vital in desperate situations.
Personal Alcohol Tester
While we greatly discourage the idea of drinking and driving, we do believe it’s beneficial to have a device that lets you know whether or not you’re legally capable of getting behind the wheel. Equipped with police-grade sensor technology, the BACtrack S80 Pro is one of the best portable breathalyzers you can buy these days.
Aside from producing the most accurate test results, this top-notch personal alcohol tester is extremely easy to use & read and comes with disposable mouthpieces for hygiene.
Radar Detector
With its intelligent features and outstanding long-range detection ability, Escort Redline 360c is a trustworthy companion for travelers who are often on the road. The device is one of the most technologically advanced radar detectors on the market, and – if you have a lead foot – your best bet for avoiding annoying speeding tickets on the highway.
3-in-1 Car Battery Jump Starter
Upgrade your experience behind the wheel with NOCO Boost Plus GB40, a powerful battery booster that doubles as a LED flashlight and portable power bank for USB gadgets. The 1000-amp device features a rugged, compact design and comes with a patented safety technology that provides spark-proof connections and reverse polarity protection. Rated for gasoline engines up to 6 liters and diesel engines up to 3 liters, it can also be used for boats, lawnmowers, and more.
A multi-tool is a must-have car accessory. We love the Leatherman Surge for its fantastic build quality, full-size tools, and endless functionality. Made from 100% stainless steel, this workhorse has it all, and then some – namely extra-large scissors, full-size knife blades, replaceable wire cutters, sturdy pliers, and a mix of small and large screwdrivers.
Car Mini Fridge & Warmer
AC/DC power adapters and a thermoelectric system that allows it to switch from cooling to heating make this Cooluli Electric Cooler and Warmer an ideal companion for road trips, camping, and any other on-the-go adventures. With room for six 12 oz. cans, the mini-fridge is compact enough to fit on top of the armrest in your backseat, but powerful enough to keep your snacks and beverages chilled (or warm) all the way to your destination – while plugged into the cigarette lighter.
Electric Car Kettle
For real tea enthusiasts, it can be difficult to get a decent brew while driving around the country. That’s where the Sunsbell Electric Car Kettle comes in handy. Just plug it into your vehicle’s lighter outlet and boil your water from the comfort of the driver’s seat. Designed to fit most vehicle cup holders, this 750ml travel boiler comes with a safety lid to prevent spills and can also be used every time you fancy a hot cup of coffee or a steamy bowl of soup on the go.
Inflatable Car Bed
Add extra comfort to your extended car journeys with Luno Air Mattress. Suitable for over 1,800 vehicle types, this inflatable bed allows you to turn the rear seat of your automobile into a plush bed on camping trips, or whenever you feel tired. The package also includes 2 base extenders, a repair patch, a 12V air pump, and a carrying case.
Sunglasses Visor Clip
If your car doesn’t come equipped with a built-in sun visor sunglass holder, it may be worth the cost to add one yourself. Wrapped in leather and equipped with a built-in sponge, the Dualshine Car Visor Sunglasses Holder does an excellent job of keeping your sunglasses/eyeglasses scratch-free, within reach, and safely stored on the road. Its elegant, minimalist design and one-hand maneuverability will delight even the most discriminating car owner.
Hardshell Roof Tent
With the iKamper Skycamp 3.0, travelers on the road can pitch their tent on top of the car roof wherever their adventures take them.
As the largest and most comfortable hardshell rooftop tent on the market, this innovative car add-on takes less than a minute to set up on SUVs and other large vehicles, and can comfortably sleep two adults and two children in all weather. Plus, it comes with quilted insulation, a redesigned high-density polyfoam mattress, and its signature Skyview window, which provides natural light by day and a view of the twinkling stars by night, ensuring a unique camping experience.
Car Swivel Tray & Storage Bin
If you spend a lot of time in your car, chances are you’ll also need to eat, drink, and work on the run. Pivoting back and forth between driver and passenger, the Car Swivel Tray and Storage Bin makes it easy for everyone to have a snack in a moving vehicle, or to keep their necessities at hand.
Portable Car Vacuum Cleaner
Keeping things spick and span on a road trip is no easy job, but a portable vacuum like ThisWorx can do wonders for the cleanliness of your vehicle. Lightweight, compact, and easy to use, this handheld device plugs into your car’s 12-volt outlet and can pick up both wet and dry debris. Designed especially for the interior of your automobile, it comes with an extension tube for hard-to-reach corners, as well as a brush head for carpets and upholstery.
Car First Aid Kit
Whether it’s a leisurely drive to the beach or a prolonged journey to another country, it’s absolutely mandatory to have a first aid kit in your car in case of an emergency. This comprehensive kit from My Medic, in collaboration with Popular Mechanics, packs both medical supplies and survival gear into a compact, durable carrying case weighing 2.4 pounds. Expect antiseptic cleansing wipes, a window breaker seatbelt cutter, medication, and all bandage types you can think of.
Portable EV Charger
Electric car? No problem! Pack up this cool car accessory in your trunk and hit the road! Compatible with all plug-in EVs, the portable 32A level 2 EV charger from MUSTART can charge your car up to 4X faster than the 16A level 1 EV charger available on most electric vehicles. All you need is a 220 Volt or 240 Volt NEMA 14-50 outlet to plug it into.
Alexa-Enabled Car Charger
Bring Amazon’s intelligent voice service into your car with Anker’s Roav VIVA. The first Alexa-enabled car charger, this dual-port USB device plugs into your cigarette lighter, juicing your staff while also offering access to over 25,000 Alexa skills. In addition to voice-controlled navigation, hands-free calling, and music streaming, it also offers you the opportunity to control smart devices in your home remotely.
