Car gadgets……Let’s just say I didn’t always love driving.
Like, sure, I appreciated the freedom and all that. Road trips, singing like an off-brand Beyoncé, pulling through Chick-fil-A drive-thru at 9:58 PM with seconds to spare—classic. But daily commutes? Traffic? My car randomly beeping for no apparent reason? I was one flat tire away from swearing off highways forever.
Then I stumbled on this black hole of “car gadgets” one night while doomscrolling instead of sleeping (don’t judge me). Fast forward to now, and my car is basically a spaceship. Minus the lasers. Sadly.
Some of these gadgets made driving safer, others made it funnier, and a few just made me feel like that person who actually has their life together.
Spoiler: I’m still not that person.
1. Dash Cam — Because People Drive Like It’s a Video Game
I didn’t want to be a dash cam person. I used to think it was only for conspiracy theorists or people who watched way too many YouTube crash compilations.
Then some guy sideswiped me in a parking lot and sped off while I was inside grabbing a $4 donut. (Yes, FOUR. DOLLARS. For a donut.)
I installed a $60 dash cam the next day. Now I’ve got 24/7 front-and-rear video. Feels very “Mission: Impossible,” except I mostly just catch squirrels doing parkour on my hood.
Pro tip: Look for one with parking mode and loop recording.
Brand I Use: Viofo A129 Plus Duo (fancy name, solid camera)
2. Bluetooth Tire Pressure Monitor — Because I Don’t Trust My Eyes (or That Light)
You ever see that low tire pressure light pop on and think, “Nah, that can’t be right.” Spoiler: It’s almost always right.
This gadget has four little sensors that screw onto your tire valves and send real-time pressure data to a tiny screen on my dash. It also beeps angrily if a tire is losing air—kinda like my mom when I don’t answer her texts.
It once saved me from driving 200 miles with a literal screw in my tire. Worth every penny.
Cost: Around $40–$70.
Bonus: It’s like a Fitbit for your car’s shoes.
3. HUD Display (Head-Up Display) — Straight Outta Sci-Fi
Okay so, this one feels super fancy but actually costs like 30 bucks.
It’s a little device that projects your speed, GPS directions, and other info onto your windshield like you’re driving the Batmobile. No more squinting down at your dash. Just… look ahead like a normal human.
I once had a passenger ask if I was in the CIA. I said “maybe,” and let the mystery hang.
4. Alexa for Cars — Because Arguing With Siri Was Getting Old
So you know that Echo Auto thing? It’s like bringing Alexa along for the ride, but she doesn’t complain about your playlist.
I use mine to ask for directions, weather updates, and to add stuff to my grocery list when I remember mid-drive. Like “eggs” after my 3-year-old yelled “NO MORE PANCAKES EVER!” on a Monday morning.
Also, she once reminded me to pick up my dry cleaning and I felt like Oprah.
Downside: It needs a solid phone signal. Sorry, cornfield roads.
5. Magnetic Phone Mount — Simple, But Game-Changer
Not sexy. Not high-tech. But absolutely essential.
I had one of those spring-loaded phone holders for a while. You know, the ones that launch your phone across the car if you take a hard left? Yeah. Those days are gone.
This one sticks to my vent, and my phone snaps on like it was born there. No more juggling Google Maps in my lap like a sweaty magician.
Life tip: Don’t cheap out. A good one costs ~$20 and won’t fall off when it’s 105°F.
6. Backseat Organizer — AKA The Anti-Kid Meltdown System
So, if you’ve got kids—or messy adults, no judgment—get this. It’s like a travel backpack that hangs off the back of your seat with spots for tablets, water bottles, snacks, tissues, crayons, random rocks, etc.
I once pulled out a granola bar mid-drive and tossed it back like a hero quarterback. My daughter called me “Snack Man” for a week.
Also handy for: Uber drivers, road trippers, messy gremlins
Cost: $15–25, and worth it
7. Blind Spot Mirrors — Small Circles, Big Confidence Boost
Tiny mirror. Giant safety difference.
You stick these little convex mirrors on your side mirrors and bam—you can actually see that sneaky car hiding next to you. Or the motorcycle. Or the raccoon dragging a sandwich across the shoulder (yes, I saw this).
These things made me way more confident on the highway. Plus, they kinda make me feel like a pilot. Minus the altitude.
Price: Like, $10. Seriously. Go get ‘em.
8. Car Fridge — Because Warm Soda Is a Crime
I got one for a road trip and never looked back. It plugs into the 12V socket and keeps drinks cold or food warm.
There’s something magical about pulling out a chilled Gatorade in the middle of nowhere Texas and not feeling like your throat’s made of sandpaper.
Also helpful for storing leftovers when you leave a party with “just a plate.” (Which is never just a plate, let’s be honest.)
Tip: Measure your center console space first. I almost bought one that would’ve blocked my shifter.
9. Emergency Escape Tool — The “Hope I Never Need It” Gadget
Okay, not fun. But important.
This little hammer-looking thing sits in my door pocket. If you crash and need to cut your seatbelt or break a window? Boom. Done.
I also got one for my mom. She told me, “I already have an umbrella in the car.” So… not quite the same.
Pro tip: Get the kind that glows in the dark. Because duh.
10. USB Charger With Voltage Display — Nerdy and Awesome
I got one of these without even realizing it shows the voltage of your car’s battery. Then I became obsessed with checking it.
“12.4 volts… okay, that’s healthy.”
Three hours later: “Why is it 11.7 now???”
Anyway. It also charges your phone super fast and doesn’t overheat like those sketchy ones you find in gas station bins.
Fun Fact: It told me my alternator was dying before my mechanic did. Felt like Iron Man for a sec.
Bonus Gadget: Car gadgets: Disco Lights for the Footwell (Because Why Not?)
Okay okay—zero safety benefits. But tell me you don’t smile when the beat drops and your footwell starts glowing like a club in 2004. https://motorscrazy.com/long-term-car-leasing-vs-buying-which-is-right-for-you/.
My niece calls my car “The Party Wagon.” I accept the title with pride.
