These days, car manufacturers aren’t hesitant about adorning their latest models in every conceivable piece of technology they can get their hands on. Whether it be Tesla’s insane screen-only center console and autopilot features or Mercedes’ next-level automatically adjusting suspension, it’s easy to feel a bit envious when you’re still driving your 2008 model Honda.
But worry not, as even your analog ride can welcome a few helpful accessories. These clever gadgets will transform the way you perform your daily commute and can also act as a great gift for loved ones, as everyone can do with a bit of added safety. In this list, we’ll look at three essential accessories that every driver can benefit from owning.
A Good Dash Cam
When it comes to car tech, a dash cam should be the number one priority on everyone’s list. Gone are the days of these dollar-saving gadgets being reserved for cops and taxis. These days you can pick up a good dash cam for as cheap as $100. They usually come with everything you need to get started in the box. This includes the connection and charging cables, an SD card for storage, the camera itself and a display for you to browse and manage your videos.
Modern dash cams even feature Wi-Fi connectivity and can sync up with your smartphone through the manufacturer’s app, allowing you to preview footage, manage settings and share your recordings. Having proof of your innocence in car accidents can save you thousands of dollars in the future and decrease your insurance premiums, making dash cams a worthy investment for any driver.
A Heads-Up Display
There’s nothing cooler and more futuristic than a transparent glass panel showing you key information while you drive. Navdy’s Head-Up Display is essentially that. You can prop it up in front of your steering wheel, allowing you to view navigation, incoming calls, speed, and a variety of other information without having to look away from what’s ahead of you. It doesn’t come cheap though and is vastly pricier than anything else mentioned in this list, but if you can afford it, it’s a great investment.
Magnetic Car Mount
Ever owned a car where you have to put your phone in the cup holder or some other awkward position in the center console, resulting in it being flung into the doors every time you take a sharp corner? Drivers with vehicles that don’t have satnav are usually lucky enough to use their phones, but if you have a vehicle where there’s no good position to put your device, it can be a headache.
Magnetic car mounts are a great solution to this issue. There are tons to choose from these days, so be sure you’re using the best magnetic car mount. Simply stick one somewhere convenient, place the corresponding piece on your smartphone and, voila, an easy way to keep your smartphone in view while you drive.
This is just a small selection of the best car tech. Got any more great suggestions? Let us know!