20 Cool Tech Add-Ons for Your Car
Updated: Mar. 02, 2023These accessories are about to make your car a whole lot smarter and cooler.
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Cool Tech: Garmin Dash Cam 55
A dash cam is a great investment to provide you a video record of a wreck, hit-and-run or theft. The Garmin Dash Cam 55 has a compact design and is placed discreetly onto the inner windshield, providing high-quality video. It even lets you sync footage to your phone! The Wolfbox Dash Cam is another great big. Looking for more such products? Here’s our list of the best car innovations.
Cool Tech: Wagan Cooler/Warmer
A great addition for your next road trip is the Wagan cooler/warmer, the closest thing to a mobile refrigerator or oven. It plugs into the 12-volt DC outlet for power or to recharge the battery. You can toggle between hot and cold, but wait — you just want it for drinks? Its 24-liter capacity will hold a 24-pack of 12-ounce cans of soda, no problem! The Coolest Cooler is an all-in-one high-tech must-have. Do you hate keeping track of your vehicle’s maintenance schedule? Here are the best car maintenance apps for you.
Cool Tech: Viper SmartStart
Viper’s remote start system is the top of the line in remote car starters. Use your smartphone to start your car while you’re in a restaurant, at home, a store, or walking toward it. Through the app you can also locate your car, unlock the doors, determine its speed when someone else is driving, receive alerts if the vehicle has been moved without your knowledge, and more. Prices vary per year.
Cool Tech: Valentine One Radar Detector
Speeding isn’t something we condone. Period.
And yet, we know some people like to be warned about speed traps in the area. The Valentine One Radar Detector is the best device for finding them.
Cool Tech: OBD-Link ScanTool
One day, your Check Engine light comes on and you find yourself dreading going to your mechanic to find out what’s wrong. If you drive a car made from 1996 onward, your car has an Onboard Diagnostic II, so your car is eligible to use the ScanTool. This gadget provides you with all sorts of knowledge about your car.
Cool Tech: Yada Wireless Baby Monitor
This is a great device for new parents. The baby camera attaches to your car’s headrest to provide a video view of your little one, without you turning around and risking your safety and that of your passengers. It’s also a great way to remind you that your child is in the backseat when you exit your vehicle. Whether you’re anticipating a new addition to the family or a visit from a little one, it’s important to baby proof your home.
Cool Tech: Wacaco Minipresso
If you must get on the road early every morning and you hate making coffee or stopping at a coffee shop, purchase this mobile espresso gadget. The Minipresso is a coffeemaker specifically made for on-the-go people, working with your preferred coffee grounds or espresso pods. It works great in the car, or anywhere.
Cool Tech: weBoost Drive X Cell Phone Signal Booster
If you spend a lot of time driving and making calls on the road, you might find this weBoost kit useful. The company claims its DRIVE X will dramatically enhance your cell phone reception, making it up to 33 times better. It works with all the major U.S. and Canadian cell phone service providers.
Cool Tech: Macally Cup Holder Tray
Eating in your car can be dangerous, messy and sad, especially if you’re alone. But if you insist on doing it, at least make it as safe and as organized as possible. This car swivel tray is also great for pit stops and passengers. It’s height-adjustable and features a non-slip surface. It even doubles as a useful storage tray.
Cool Tech: Pyle Car Backup Camera
Many new cars have cameras and detectors to protect your car, as well as other cars. If yours lacks this feature, add the Pyle Car Backup Camera to your ride. It comes with a camera you place on the back of your car and a screen that mounts to the dashboard, ensuring you slip into your parking space perfectly.
Cool Tech: nonda ZUS Smart Car USB Charger with Car Finder
It’s all too common to forget where you parked your car in a big lot. Avoid the stress and embarrassment of walking back and forth in a panic by purchasing this smart car locator and USB charger. A Bluetooth tracking device sends a signal to your phone so you can find the car. And once inside, recharge your phone in one of the two USB charging ports.
Cool Tech: Anker Bluetooth Receiver
Anker’s Bluetooth Receiver is a top-notch choice for streaming crystal-clear music from your device. It features a built-in mic for hands-free calling. This is a great way to make an older model car feel up-to-date.
Cool Tech: HONSHOOP Bluetooth Headset
If you can’t make calls through your car, or the people you’re calling complain about the muffled, distant sound, try HONSHOOP’s Bluetooth headset. It lets you make hands-free calls with noise cancellation. This Bluetooth headset with mic supports Siri/Google voice assistant and has a mute button.
Cool Tech: Fobo Wireless Tire Pressure Monitoring System
Before a long road trip, you may find yourself on hands and knees checking your tires. Get off the ground and get smart with these Bluetooth-enabled sensors that attach to your tires’ inlet valves. They notify your phone when the tires need to be inflated, saving you worry, effort and grimy hands.
Cool Tech: Sony Car Play/Android Auto Media Receiver with Bluetooth
Want to update your car’s entertainment and navigation system? Consider investing in a stereo that supports Apple CarPlay or Android Auto so you can use apps for GPS and music from your smartphone. The Sony XAV-AX100 features voice control with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, allowing you to control and view everything with the nearly 6-1/2-in. touch screen. You can create virtual speakers on your dashboard with the Dynamic Stage Organizer. This receiver also features an ergonomic rotary dial for distraction-free operation.
Cool Tech: Anti-Slip Ripple Sticky Dash Grip Mat
Keep your keys, phone, glasses and other small items in sight and in place during sharp turns or quick stops with this anti-slip mat. Made of 3mm-thick soft latex, the pad secures your objects to the dashboard so they won’t slip or fall, while ensuring you know exactly where they are.
Cool Tech: Display Your Force with WipeSabers
Reflective WipeSaber WiperTags attach to your vehicle’s rear wipers and they look super-cool! They’re easy to install — no special tools required. They come in four styles and colors — SkyForce Blue, DarkForce Red, Master Green and Galactic Purple — and they work in rain, snow, sun and sleet.
Cool Tech: Pro Car Adapter
Whether you want to know when you need an oil change, where your car is parked, or why the “check engine” light just came on, you can get the answers with the Automatic Pro Car Adapter and smartphone app. Plug the adapter into your car’s diagnostic port to sync your driving data and vehicle diagnostics with your smartphone!
Cool Tech: Park Zone PZ-1600 Precision Parking Aid
If you’re constantly getting out of the car to check how you parked, consider this parking aid. It’s especially useful in smaller garages because it helps make sure you pulled up far enough. The traffic signal display on the gadget alerts you before you tap your front bumper.
Cool Tech: Car and Driver INTELLIDASH
Distracted driving is right up there with impaired driving. Looking at your phone for navigation takes your eyes off the road and increases the likelihood of an accident. While many newer cars come equipped with a heads-up display (HUD), your car may not have it. Add this technology to your car with the INTELLIDASH. It streams the screen of your smartphone, allowing you to safely use your favorite GPS and other apps.