20 Car Gadgets That Make Driving Safer
From backup cameras to LED road flares, these smart auto accessories can make driving safer—and more enjoyable.
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Car Gadgets For a Safer Drive
Backup camera dashcam
Rear backup cameras are quickly becoming standard on new vehicles, but with this brilliant car gadget, you can upgrade any car with the ability to park safely, back up with ease, and even record in HD what’s happening in front of and behind you. The backup cam images appear on your rearview mirror so your eyes will be able to stay focused on the road ahead.
Heads-up display speedometer
Compatible with all vehicles, this handy speedometer will help keep you safe on the road. Instead of glancing down at your dashboard’s spread-out displays, the TIMPROVE T600 delivers your vehicle speed, driving direction, voltage, driving distance measurement, driving time and over speed alarm all at eye level on top of your dash.
Can you decode what your car is trying to tell you? Take our dashboard light quiz to find out.
Magnetic phone holder
Of course you shouldn’t be using your phone while driving, but whether you’re switching songs, firing up a new podcast episode, or following Google Maps, this magnetic phone holder will place your smartphone closer to eye level, thus making those glances shorter and safer, sending your eyes back to the road up ahead more quickly.
Here’s why you should stop charging your phone in your car.
Portable car battery boost
A dead car battery is awkward at best because you need to rely on the kindness of strangers to take time out of their day to pop their hood and give your car a boost. At worst, it could put you in an unsafe position if it happens late at night in a parking lot with no one else around. Bid adieu to those fears with the NOCO Genius, a portable car battery jump solution. Safely jump start a dead battery in seconds on most gasoline engines up to six litres and diesel engines up to three litres, and never have to ask a stranger for help in a parking lot again.
Teen Driver Mode
Slap a reflective New Driver magnetic bumper sticker onto the back and sides of the car to help keep your teen driver even safer on the road.
Surprise—this is the safest seat in your car.
GPS tracker
This magnetized GPS tracker will give you peace of mind when your teens take your car for a spin.
Protect your ride with these car anti-theft devices.
Dog seat belt
Driving with your pup can be fun, but it’s also challenging to keep them in the back seat—where they’re safest—while you’re paying attention to the road. This dog seat belt is a must-own car gadget, whether you’re going around the block, or across the country with your furry friend.
Here’s what you need to know before bringing your dog on a road trip.
Emergency escape tool
Few car gadgets are as affordable and as essential as this escape tool. Sold as a two-pack, each contains a seat belt cutter and double-tipped emergency car window hammer made of high-grade carbon steel to safely and quickly crack the glass to escape in an accident.
Here’s exactly what to do if your car starts sinking underwater.
Smart car charger
This smart car charger doesn’t look like anything special, but it’s actually several car gadgets in one. It can charge your phone with lightning speed while also monitoring your car battery’s health, and also gives you the ability to find your car using GPS.
Did you know your car key fob could do this?
Portable air compressor pump
Imagine never having to frantically search for a gas station with a functioning air pump (or quarters to feed that air pump!) ever again. Using your car’s own power, this air compressor pump lets you quickly and safely refill your tires no matter where you are. The digital display and auto-shutoff means you’ll always inflate your tires to the perfect PSI for safe driving.
Here’s how to check tire pressure like the pros.
Tire pressure monitoring system
Freeing up a cigarette lighter input for another car gadget, this clever tire pressure monitoring system to keep you up to date on the safety and status of your tires PSI and temperature data.
Follow these maintenance tips to extend the life of your tires.
Car vacuum
You may think, “how will a vacuum keep me safe on the road?” The answer is simple: a clean and tidy car is one less distraction for you as a driver. Using your car’s power, the strong suction of this handheld car vacuum will help keep your ride spotless.
Check out more car interior cleaning tips.
Sunglass visor clip
Sometimes being safe on the road comes down to the small details. Having your sunglasses clipped and within easy reach serves to keep your centre console that much tidier. What’s more, when you round a bend and find your car pointing directly into the setting sun, grabbing your shades couldn’t be easier.
Find out why you should never follow a friend while driving.
First-aid kit
Every vehicle should probably come standard with a first-aid kit, but because they don’t, you should invest a few bucks in a ready-made kit to have handy in the case of minor scrapes in and out of the car. This comprehensive first-aid kit includes everything from a whistle to tweezers.
Assembling your own from scratch? Here’s what every first-aid kit should include.
Car air freshener
Containing no fragrance, plastics or chemicals, this 100 per cent bamboo charcoal air freshener is ideal for drivers and passengers with asthma as well as those suffering through the stuffy noses standard with seasonal allergies. Bonus: They’ll keep your car fresh for up to two years.
Find out the scary truth behind that new car smell.
LED road flares
Flares are one of the most useful car gadgets to keep you safe in the event of a breakdown or accident. These LED road flares are safe and easy to use, and highly visible with a bright red flashing light to signal your emergency and warn approaching vehicles to slow down. Sold in a three-pack and featuring a magnetic base for mounting to the exterior of your vehicle, road flare discs are a must-have.
Find out if your car is ready for a road trip.
Baby car mirror
A baby car mirror provides you with a crystal clear view of your precious cargo in the backseat while you drive safely to your destination. A good baby car mirror to ensure your baby is happy and safe in the car, and remind you that they are back there when you park—a must-own car gadget for every new parent.
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Car visor extender
There are times when the sun will outsmart and outmanoeuvre your car’s sun visor. That’s why this car gadget is so handy. A car visor extender will work overtime by providing more coverage downward and to the sides, to block more of the sunshine from your field of vision while driving, keeping you and your passengers safer in the process.
Find out the winter driving mistakes that could put you in danger.
Bluetooth adaptor
The introduction of Bluetooth technology in cars has surely made us safer drivers. Think about it: no more fumbling for CDs or frantically changing the radio station when a song we hate comes on. But many older cars don’t have Bluetooth, which makes this Bluetooth adaptor so great. Using an FM signal and a cigarette lighter input, you can add a Bluetooth connection no matter what car you drive.
Here are 13 things you should never do to your car.
Check Engine light diagnostic tool
Oh no, the dreaded check engine light is on… No worries! This clever, affordable check engine scanner is a diagnostic tool that can quickly tell you what’s wrong with your ride, and help you resolve the issue ASAP.
After you’ve added these car gadgets to your wish list, check out 20 essential tools every home mechanic should have.
