Many people say you can learn a lot about someone from their car. For many drivers, their ride embodies their inner child. Cars can help relieve stress. For someone who experienced a bad day, a scenic drive or highway ride with your favorite tunes blaring does the trick.
Whether bouncing around town, taking a pleasure cruise, or enjoying a long road trip vacation, many activities involve spending a lot of time in our vehicles. Since that’s the case, upgrading it with the necessary accessories, comforts, and gadgets makes sense.
Enjoying oneself while spending all that time in the car is good. Here are 15 gadgets and accessory ideas to take your ride to the next level.
1. Smart Dashcam
Imagine you were involved in an accident, or were pulled over and harassed by police. How would you convince anyone that it happened the way you’re telling it? Do you have any witnesses?
A smart dashcam will save your skin more times than you can think possible, so it should be first on the list—it is first in ours! But why?
The dashcam can provide valuable evidence in the case of a police report or an insurance claim. Need to improve your safety on the road? The dashcam can help you monitor your driving by recording for later review.
Pick one that records in high-definition video, offers night vision capabilities, and comes equipped with motion detection sensors to capture any incidents, even when your car is parked. Many dashcams now feature cloud storage, which means you can access your footage remotely and securely store it for future reference.
2. Wireless Charging Pad
It’s now unimaginable to live without our phones or other handhelds! They’ve become an extra limb to most of us, and it’s convenient that they stay charged.
A wireless charging pad for your car is another must-have accessory to keep your devices powered up on the go. Wireless because you want a clean and convenient cabin, of course!
Look for a charging pad compatible with the latest smartphones and devices, fast charging speeds, and a sleek, integrated design. Some models even come with additional USB ports to charge multiple devices simultaneously.
3. Phone Mount
And because our phones have become a vital part of our lives, it goes without saying that a car phone mount is atop the list of the must-have accessories to upgrade your vehicle.
With a phone mount, you can answer calls, use navigation, and change music while remaining hands-free. Most are designed to provide the best visibility to your phone without straining your neck or eyes. They keep your phone physically secure and reduce vehicle clutter.
4. Portable Jump Starter
One of the scariest scenarios is getting stranded alone in the middle of unfamiliar territory. A portable jump starter helps restore your car immediately so you don’t get stranded somewhere.
A reliable portable jump starter should pack enough power to boost your battery and get you back on the road quickly and safely. Many jump starters also have additional features like built-in flashlights, USB charging ports, and air compressors. You might be surprised at the electrical power packed by a modern jump pack, which is small enough to fit in your pocket, purse, or glove box.
5. Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)
While on the topic of becoming stranded, every device that helps prevent that is a must-have.
A tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) takes the guesswork out of keeping your tires in top shape. It uses sensors to continuously monitor the air pressure in each tire, providing real-time updates on your dashboard or through a mobile app.
6. Portable Car Air Compressor
So, what do you do when the tire pressure monitoring system shows one of the tires is low on pressure? That’s where the portable air compressor comes in.
The air compressor allows you to quickly and conveniently maintain the proper air pressure for the tires, reducing the risk of accidents and improving fuel efficiency.
The compressor can also be used on sports equipment and other inflatables—it’s a handy tool to have in your car.
7. Backup Camera with Intelligent Parking Assist
Reversing and parking your car can be a real challenge, especially in tight spaces or with limited visibility. It leaves you prone to collisions.
Upgrade your ride with a backup camera and intelligent parking assist system to make these maneuvers a breeze. These accessories use a rearview camera and advanced sensors to provide a clear, real-time view of what’s behind your vehicle while offering AI-powered guidance to help you seamlessly slide into even the tightest parking spots.
8. Car Seat Covers
One of the first things your passengers notice when they enter the cabin is the quality and appearance of the car seats. Quality car seat covers have sufficient padding for extra cushioning, especially on long rides.
Investing in good quality car seat covers improves the appearance and feel of seats. They protect the seats against wear and tear, stains, spills, and fading—perfect for parents and pet owners. Another benefit is that these covers allow you to customize the seats to your liking.
9. Car Vacuum Cleaner
A clean and well-organized cabin is a sanctuary for car owners. It’s one thing that makes the cabin so welcoming and comfy. It would help to have a car vacuum cleaner to keep the interior looking immaculate.
The money you save from using a portable vacuum cleaner instead of professional cleaning services can quickly add up and help with the expenses. It’s always the little things!
10. Customizable LED Interior Lighting
With customizable LED lighting, you can add a touch of personalized style and ambiance to your car’s interior. These nifty accessories allow you to transform the look and feel of your vehicle with a wide range of color options, brightness levels, and lighting modes.
Whether you want to set the mood for a relaxing road trip or create a vibrant, energetic vibe, LED interior lighting can help you achieve the perfect atmosphere.
Many products even offer remote control via a mobile app for more effortless lighting adjustment.
11. Augmented Reality Heads-Up Display (HUD)
Imagine having all the critical driving information you need right in your line of sight without ever having to take your eyes off the road. That’s the magic of an augmented reality (AR) heads-up display (HUD) for your car.
These cutting-edge accessories project vehicular information, such as speed, navigation, and alerts, directly onto your windshield, creating a futuristic, heads-up experience that enhances both safety and convenience.
With customizable display options and intuitive controls, an AR HUD will make you feel like you’re piloting a high-tech spacecraft rather than just driving a regular car.
12. Touchscreen Infotainment System Upgrade
If your car’s factory-installed entertainment system is starting to feel dated, consider upgrading to a touchscreen infotainment system.
The larger displays, graphics, and other advanced features of the infotainment system upgrade can transform the in-car experience.
13. Rear Seat Entertainment System
A rear-seat entertainment system makes long road trips and family drives a breeze. It transforms the back of your car into a mobile theater, complete with built-in screens, multimedia playback, and even gaming capabilities.
Passengers can enjoy their favorite movies, TV shows, or video games, all while you focus on the road ahead. With wireless connectivity and headphone support, the rear seat entertainment system ensures the driver remains distraction-free, making for a more pleasant and safer journey.
14. Smart Parking Sensors
Parking can be a hassle, especially in tight spaces or situations with limited visibility. Upgrading with smart parking sensors can make your life easier. The parking system uses sensors around your vehicle to detect obstacles and provide audible and visual alerts, guiding you into even the tightest spots.
With a discreet, low-profile design that blends seamlessly with your car’s exterior, smart parking sensors offer a valuable safety feature that can help you avoid costly collisions and damaged bumpers.
15. Aftermarket Suspension Upgrades
For the true driving enthusiast, aftermarket suspension upgrades can transform the handling and performance of your car.
From adjustable coil-overs to performance shocks and air suspension systems, these accessories allow you to fine-tune your vehicle’s ride height, dampening, and overall responsiveness.
A suspension upgrade can significantly impact the way your car feels and drives, whether you’re looking to improve cornering, enhance comfort, or achieve a more aggressive, race-inspired look.
Conclusion
Upgrading your car with the right accessories can elevate the driving experience, making it more convenient, comfortable, and fun. From cutting-edge technology to practical upgrades, the 15 must-have accessories we’ve covered in this guide offer a wide range of ways to personalize and enhance your vehicle.