10 Must-Have Yet Overlooked Tech Gadgets to Enhance Your Driving Experience

Car manufacturers are persistently incorporating new integrated features into their latest models to keep pace with contemporary technology. Therefore, if your vehicle is an older model, you could be missing out on numerous innovative and supportive features that can significantly enhance your driving experience. Nonetheless, purchasing a new car isn’t always feasible for everyone. Thankfully, there’s an array of wallet-friendly smart gadgets and accessories you can install in your car independently.

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However, these devices aren’t exclusively for older vehicles. Even if you operate a newer model, there’s continually space for extra accessories. Some assist with your car’s operational requirements, while others simply enhance the convenience or comfort of your driving journey. With that in mind, here are 10 underrated smart gadgets and accessories that you should consider adding to your car.

Dash cams are an excellent addition to have in your automobile. Whether for protection, emergencies, or insurance claims, they can prove invaluable even when least expected. Considering one for your gadget collection, the 70mai Dash Cam Omni is likely to be a worthwhile investment.

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The 70mai Dash Cam is produced by a renowned brand that claims to be a front-runner in 360-degree camera coverage, providing a comprehensive view of your vehicle without any blind spots. It features a 140-degree FOV camera, minimizing distortion and showcasing full HD videos on its 1.2-inch display.

While this device might be one of the most aesthetically pleasing dash cams available, its primary advantages lie in its array of smart functionalities, courtesy of its Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS). Among these features is the AI collision detection mode, activating when the camera identifies a collision. In such events, the camera automatically pivots towards the direction of impact, capturing footage for up to 30 seconds.

Additionally, this dash cam is equipped with 24-hour AI parking surveillance and AI motion detection, offering real-time monitoring of your vehicle while also identifying suspicious activities. It is available for $199.99 on Amazon.

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If you frequently transform your car into a mobile office — an increasingly familiar situation with the rise of remote work — a steering wheel desk could be a major improvement. These portable tools can support your laptop, food, and other items needing placement on a flat, stable surface.

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The EcoNour desk is one of these tools that is genuinely underrated yet incredibly useful. It is a 2-in-1 tray designed with a flat surface on one side for your laptop and pen, and on the reverse side, a deep cup holder and surface for food and beverages.

Constructed with ABS plastic, the desk is designed to be lightweight yet durable. It is available in up to seven different colors, including a unique wooden pattern to suit various vehicle aesthetics. Furthermore, it is straightforward to use with a portable and adjustable design. Simply rotate the wheel to a 180-degree angle and attach it to the steering wheel when your vehicle is safely parked. The EcoNour 2-in-1 steering wheel desk is also quite economical, priced between $12 and $26, based on the design.

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At SlashGear, we have already recognized the Easy One Touch 6 as one of the premier car phone mounts available. It’s hardly surprising that it is also one of Amazon’s best-selling car phone mounts. This mount is engineered with a robust suction cup that attaches to your dashboard and windshield surfaces. Once secured, you can effortlessly place your phone into the clamp mechanism, which keeps it secure and stable during driving.

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One significant advantage of The Easy One Touch 6 is its broad compatibility. The cradle accommodates smartphones and cases of varying sizes. Accessibility is another benefit — the telescoping boom arm permits you to adjust the distance between you and your phone, extending up to 8 inches. It also provides both vertical and horizontal viewing modes. The arm features a spring pin and locking mechanism for enhanced security.

The standout feature of this phone mount, however, is its “one-touch” capability, a distinctive mechanism that secures your smartphone in place upon contact with the trigger button. This design aims to make the mount extremely user-friendly. The Easy One Touch 6 is currently listed at $26.95 on Amazon.

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The Bluedriver OBD2 scanner is a portable vehicle diagnostic instrument and among the most practical yet underappreciated gadgets you can possess as a car owner. This tool encompasses numerous smart and assistive features that provide insights into your vehicle’s condition and even repair recommendations.

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The Bluedriver connects to the car’s OBD II port using Bluetooth and operates through its dedicated app, which is compatible with both Android and iOS. It is devised as a comprehensive tool, equipped with various smart features. Upon opening the app, you are presented with numerous display options like Freeze Frame, Read & Clear Codes, Mode 6, Live Data, and Smog Check, each showcasing different automotive data.

Read & ClearCodes, for example, enable you to read and erase ABS, airbag transmission, SRS, TPMS, and other engine codes, while Freeze Frame provides a snapshot of your vehicle’s status the instant your check engine light illuminates. With Live Data, you receive immediate health monitoring of your vehicle. The application additionally offers various repair videos with comprehensive instructions on how to address a vehicle issue.

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Bluedriver draws its repair assessments from expert automotive technicians based on the particular make and model of your automobile, ensuring you receive dependable data at your fingertips. The Bluedriver OBD2 scanner is compatible with all gasoline-powered vehicles manufactured post-1996 and is available on Amazon for $99.95.

A heads-up display is one of those devices that can easily transform your old vehicle into something contemporary and luxurious. If you seek one of the advanced options, Hudway Drive is an excellent starting point. This intelligent gadget features a flexible design that suits most automobiles. It rests on your car’s dashboard and collaborates with the Hudway Drive application to show various statistics such as temperature, time, car speed, and GPS directions to assist you in navigating easily without diverting your attention from the road.

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While configuring this HUD, you can conveniently pair it with your smartphone or the supplied OBD II scanner. Connecting to your smartphone allows easy access to calls, music, notifications, and other pertinent information with minimal distraction. It can also sync with your chosen navigation application, like Google Maps, through screen mirroring.

This device also allows you to attach a camera to its video input socket. The Hudway Drive Camera set includes rear-view and side-view cameras that activate automatically and cover your blind spots. These cameras operate in conjunction with their parking distance sensors so you can maneuver through narrow areas with reduced risk of colliding with vehicles or other objects. Although the Hudway Drive is not available on Amazon at the moment of writing, it is priced at $329 on the company’s website.

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Removing ice from your windshield is frequently inevitable during snowy weather. Today, numerous vehicles are equipped with built-in defrosters to aid in melting ice, but having an ice scraper simplifies the task significantly. Ice scrapers are useful for addressing thick layers of ice as well as frost on side mirrors and windows.

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The Karcher Scraper is distinct from the conventional manually operated ice scraper. It is much more convenient to use, powered electrically, and features six rotating plastic blades. Its smart, automotive functionality is its primary highlight; when in standby mode, you simply need to place it on your car window and apply slight pressure for it to begin rotating. Likewise, removing it from the window will halt the blades automatically.

The scraper is powered by a 2,500 mAh battery, which can last up to 15 minutes and can complete a few sessions of ice removal before requiring a recharge. Overall, this is a practical and portable device, designed for convenient, compact handling, accompanied by a protective cover for proper storage.

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Driving frequently exposes you to exhaust, smoke, chemicals, and other airborne contaminants, which can make the driving experience less enjoyable. If you are worried about air quality while traveling, a car air purifier should certainly be on your list of considerations.

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The LUFTRUM car air purifier is among the finest options available, boasting certifications from the California Air Resources Board (CARB) and Electrical Testing Laboratories (ETL) for its safety and performance standards. Despite its compact dimensions, it delivers robust functionality, setting it apart from ordinary portable air purifiers.

This air purifier incorporates a four-stage filtration system, capable of eliminating up to 99% of toxic chemicals from the air. It features a high-efficiency fan and offers up to 60,000 hours of operational lifespan. Moreover, it boasts a clever design, enabling it to activate automatically when you start your vehicle and turn off when the ignition is deactivated.

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In spite of its high efficiency, the device is designed to function with minimal noise. While it may not be the most economical choice, priced currently at $109.99 on Amazon, the LUFTRUM car air purifier is a valuable investment if air quality matters to you.

Digital assistive technology has witnessed a surge in popularity in recent years, prompting car manufacturers to incorporate it into their latest models. This isn’t surprising, given the increasing adoption of generative AI across different sectors. If your vehicle lacks an integrated assistant, the Chris digital assistant serves as an excellent alternative to Alexa — akin to having the latter specifically tailored for your automobile.

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The Chris digital assistant is designed to minimize physical interaction with your smartphone while driving, featuring various intelligent functions. Positioned on your dashboard, it allows you to access notifications, manage calls, control music, and more — all of which synchronize with your smartphone. It also aids in navigation, utilizing your phone’s GPS in conjunction with the pre-installed Here Maps for directions.

Unlike many comparable devices, Chris operates solely on voice commands and gestures. It is equipped with five microphones and a speaker for communication, while its 2.1-inch LCD display provides information without requiring any physical input.

Overall, this assistant certainly has its advantages. Its compact design causes minimal obstruction and integrates seamlessly into your driving experience. However, it may not be a significant enhancement if you own a newer car. Instead, it is best suited for older vehicles lacking more advanced smart features. This device is currently not available on Amazon U.S. but can be purchased in the U.K. and Germany.

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Car seat gap fillers are useful accessories that address one frustrating issue many vehicle owners encounter — items slipping between seat gaps.

It’s always frustrating to reach for keys and credit cards or to battle with cleaning crumbs and leftover food from those cramped areas. Beyond the apparent hassle, it frequently leads to distractions while driving, and as reported by the NHTSA, this results in thousands of accidents and fatalities.

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The Drop Stop filler boasts an innovative, patented design that addresses this issue quite effectively. Constructed from premium neoprene, this car seat filler features a slim yet adaptable design to suit nearly any automobile. It is also intentionally manufactured in black to seamlessly integrate with your vehicle’s interior.

Drop Stop guarantees 100% gap coverage, and customer feedback confirms its efficacy. A purchase includes two drop stops, a complimentary LED credit card light, and a non-slip pad. You can currently acquire a Drop Stop filler for $25 on Amazon.

Owning an air compressor is invaluable when you encounter a flat tire, but traditional tire inflators often necessitate lugging around cumbersome equipment in your trunk. Contemporary solutions, like the Syncwire Tire Inflator, provide a significant advantage — compact enough to fit in your glove compartment and much simpler to transport.

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Measuring about 5.3 inches in height and weighing merely 1.2 pounds, the Syncwire is even more compact than many current inflators. Nonetheless, this compressor inflates your tires in mere minutes and is compatible with various types of vehicles, including cars, motorcycles, and bicycles. You can even utilize it for your footballs and basketballs.

With this gadget, you can choose to pump air for as long as you require or set it to automatically stop once it reaches the desired pressure. However, to some extent, the device sacrifices portability for performance when compared to larger alternatives. Nonetheless, it comes with some extra useful features that give it an advantage — it functions as a power bank and includes a built-in flashlight. The Syncwire Tire Inflator is currently priced at $48.99 on Amazon and includes a 36-month warranty.

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