Whether you're a daily commuter, a weekend road tripper, or a dedicated car enthusiast, the right gadgets and accessories can significantly enhance your driving experience. From safety enhancements to convenience features, here are the top 10 useful items for your car.
1. Add Apple CarPlay/Android Auto to Any Car
You don't need to buy a new vehicle to enjoy the latest tech features. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto can instantly modernise your car's infotainment system, offering seamless smartphone integration for navigation, music, and more.
Retrofitting these features into your existing car is easier than you might think. I highly recommend checking out Carpuride. Their add-on product is quick and simple to install, providing top-of-the-line iPhone and Android connectivity with full functionality. Best of all, it’s reasonably priced.
It’s a straightforward plug-and-play solution, with no need for re-wiring. You can position it perfectly within your line of sight, and just like that, you’ve got an upgrade that rivals or even surpasses many built-in manufacturer options.
2. Play Music from Your Phone/Streaming Services in Older Vehicles
If your car is even just a few years old, playing music from your phone through the car stereo can be a bit tricky. But don’t worry—here are some easy solutions. Start by figuring out what connectivity options your car already has.
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Aux-In Socket If your car has an aux-in socket, you’re in luck—this is one of the simplest options. You’ll need just two items:
To set it up, plug the USB power adapter into the 12V cigarette lighter port. Then, connect the Bluetooth receiver to the adapter for power, and plug the other end into the aux-in socket. Finally, pair your phone with the Bluetooth receiver and switch your car stereo to aux mode.
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Check for Bluetooth Capability Sometimes it’s easy to overlook that your car’s built-in Bluetooth might also support audio streaming, not just phone calls. Double-check to see if this is an option in your vehicle.
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Use a Bluetooth FM Transmitter If all else fails, a Bluetooth FM transmitter is a great fallback. This device plugs into the 12V cigarette lighter socket and connects to your phone. It then rebroadcasts the audio on an FM frequency that you can tune your car radio to. While the sound quality might not be perfect, it’s certainly good enough for most uses. Buy here
3. Dash Cam
A dash cam is a small investment that can save you a lot of hassle. By recording everything that happens on the road, it provides crucial evidence in the event of an accident. Many modern dash cams come equipped with features like night vision, parking mode, and GPS tracking.
When choosing a dash cam, you have a few options: front-only or front-and-rear recording, and whether to mount it on the rearview mirror or as a standalone unit. Keep in mind that if you opt for a rear camera, you'll need to route wires into the boot to connect it.
The key benefits of a dash cam are its ability to support you in the event of an accident and enhance security when your car is parked.
Here’s a list of affordable options to consider: Dash Cam Options
4. Portable Jump Starter
A flat battery can catch anyone off guard, and waiting for roadside assistance can be a hassle. A portable jump starter lets you quickly and safely start your car without needing help from another vehicle.
I've always kept one in my car and have lost count of how many times it has come in handy. No matter the age of your vehicle, I highly recommend having one on hand. And just so you know, even if you drive an EV, a portable jump starter is still valuable. EVs also rely on a 12V battery, and if that fails, it can prevent the entire car from functioning, regardless of the charge in the main battery.
Check out these options: Portable Jump Starters
5. Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)
Maintaining the right tyre pressure is essential for both safety and fuel efficiency. A TPMS monitors your tyre pressure in real-time, alerting you to any issues before they escalate.
These add-on kits are typically easy to install, with sensors that replace your existing tyre caps and transmit pressure data to a receiver inside the car. Many people overlook the importance of correct tyre pressure, but it’s key not just for safety, but also for maximizing fuel efficiency.
There are plenty of options available, with higher-end models offering app connectivity for added convenience.
Check out these options: TPMS
6. Portable Tyre Inflator
Whether you're on a long road trip or just running errands, a portable tyre inflator can be a real lifesaver. Compact and easy to use, it allows you to quickly inflate a flat tyre and get back on the road. With many modern cars lacking a spare tyre and the frequent frustration of out-of-service air stations at petrol stations, having the ability to inflate your tyres anytime is incredibly handy.
Check out these options: Portable Tyre Inflators
7. DIY Tyre Repair Kit
A new and handy innovation on the market is the DIY puncture repair kit. These kits are a game-changer, allowing you to repair a puncture right on the roadside. Gone are the days when a puncture meant a costly recovery to a tyre shop—especially frustrating for those of us without spare tyres.
I was sceptical at first, but after watching a few YouTube demonstrations, I decided to try it myself. When one of my tyres got a screw lodged in it, I gave the repair kit a go. I’m happy to report that it worked flawlessly—I’ve driven 1,000 miles on my repair without any issues!
Check it out here: DIY Tyre Repair Kit
8. Emergency Kit
I’ll be honest, when France introduced legislation requiring every vehicle to carry an emergency kit—including a high-vis vest, warning triangles, and breathalysers—I initially thought it was health and safety gone mad. But after learning about the number of people struck by cars when broken down on the roadside, I’ve changed my mind.
These kits are inexpensive and incredibly useful. How comprehensive yours is comes down to personal preference, but I’d definitely recommend covering the basics. It’s something you hope you’ll never need but will be grateful for if you do.
Check out these options: Emergency Kits
9. Smart Car Device Charger
A smart car charger offers much more than just charging your devices. Many models feature fast charging, multiple USB ports, and built-in voltage meters to monitor your car’s battery health. While some of these chargers may be bulkier than standard USB chargers, they can be incredibly useful for keeping an eye on your car's electrical system. If the voltage drops below 12.4 or fluctuates significantly, it could indicate a problem with your vehicle’s charging system—potentially leaving you stranded.
Check out these options: Smart in-car device chargers
10. Car Seat Gap Organizer
If you’ve got a family like mine, you’re probably all too familiar with the chaos of cables, toys, and other small items floating around the car—and the inevitable cries of “Who’s got my charging cable?” How often have you dropped something between the seats, only to find it nearly impossible to retrieve? A car seat gap organizer fits snugly between your seat and the console, providing extra storage and preventing items from vanishing into those frustratingly hard-to-reach gaps.
Check out these options: Car Seat Gap Organisers
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