Home Accessories
Sheri KazUpdated: Jul. 21, 2023
Thanks to these car tech accessories, your vehicle will be a whole lot smarter and safer.
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No matter how much time you spend in your car, you’ll appreciate these useful car tech accessories. From dash cams to diagnostics, these handy gadgets will make your drive time safer and more fun. Long work commutes and road trips, we’re ready for you.
In this list
- Dash Camera
- Cooler and Warmer
- Remote Start System
- Radar Detector
- Bluetooth Scanner
- Wireless Baby Monitor
- Portable Espresso Maker
- Cell Phone Signal Booster
- Swivel Tray
- Backup Camera
- Smart Car Hub
- Bluetooth Receiver
- Bluetooth Headset
- Tire Pressure Monitoring System
- Media Receiver with Bluetooth
- Dashboard Anti-Slip Pads
- Lightsaber Windshield Wipers
- Tracking and Safety Adapter
- Precision Parking Aid
- Touchscreen Multimedia Player
1/20
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Dash Camera
A dash cam is a smart investment to provide you with a video record of a wreck, hit-and-run or theft. The Garmin Dash Cam Mini 2 has a compact design and is placed discreetly onto the inner windshield, providing high-quality 1080p video. With the Garmin Drive app, you can even monitor your parked car. The Wolfbox dash cam is another quality option.
2/20
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Cooler and Warmer
A convenient addition for your next road trip is the Wagan cooler/warmer, the closest thing to a mobile refrigerator or microwave. It plugs into the 12-volt DC outlet for power or to recharge the battery. You can toggle between cold and hot, and its 24-liter capacity holds a 24-pack of 12-ounce cans of soda.
3/20
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Remote Start System
Compustar’s remote start system is the top of the line in remote car starters. This remote start and alarm bundle comes with two-way remotes, allowing you to lock and start your vehicle. You’ll also be alerted if an intrusion is detected.
4/20
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Radar Detector
Speeding isn’t something we condone, 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. It comes with a cigarette lighter power adapter, visor clip and windshield mount.
5/20
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Bluetooth Scanner
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 OBDLink scan tool. This gadget provides you with all sorts of knowledge about your car.
6/20
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Wireless Baby Monitor
A must-have device for new parents, this baby monitor attaches to your car’s headrest to provide a video view of your little one without needing to turn around. The 4.3-inch display screen with night vision will come in handy every time you get behind the wheel.
7/20
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Portable Espresso Maker
If you must get on the road early in the morning, there’s no need to stop at a coffee shop. The Minipresso is a portable espresso maker specifically made for on-the-go people, working with your preferred coffee grounds or espresso pods. Plus, it comes with a small cup so you have everything you need to sip.
8/20
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Cell Phone Signal Booster
If you spend a lot of time driving and making calls on the road, you’ll find this weBoost kit useful. The brand claims it’ll 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.
9/20
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Swivel Tray
After hitting the drive-thru, sometimes it’s impossible wait to get home to dig into the fries. Instead, break out this handy car swivel tray that fits right into your cup holder. It provides a sturdy table area to enjoy your food, and it even has a slot to prop up your phone to have a little dining experience in the parking lot.
10/20
Backup Camera
Many new cars have cameras and detectors to protect your car and others, but if yours lacks this feature, add this backup camera to your vehicle. It comes with a camera you place on the back of your car and a screen that mounts to the dashboard, ensuring you drive in and out of your parking space perfectly.
11/20
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Smart Car Hub
It’s all too common to forget where you parked your car in a big lot. Avoid the stress of walking back and forth in a panic by snagging this smart car locator. A Bluetooth tracking device sends a signal to your phone so you can find your car. Once inside, recharge your phone in one of the two USB charging ports. This car tech accessory can also log your mileage and monitor the health of your car battery.
12/20
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Bluetooth Receiver
Anker’s Bluetooth receiver is a top-notch choice for streaming crystal-clear music from your device. It features a built-in microphone for hands-free calling. The battery allows you to enjoy up to 12 hours of playtime.
13/20
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Bluetooth Headset
If you can’t make calls through your car, or the people you’re calling complain about the muffled, distant sound, try this Bluetooth headset. It lets you make hands-free calls with noise cancellation. Plus, the mic supports Siri and other voice assistants, and has a mute button.
14/20
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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. How cool is that?
15/20
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Media Receiver with Bluetooth
Want to update your car’s entertainment and navigation system? Consider investing in a stereo that supports Apple CarPlay so you can use apps for GPS and music from your smartphone. The Sony media receiver features voice control with Apple CarPlay, allowing you to control and view everything with the nearly 6.5-inch touchscreen. 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.
16/20
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Dashboard Anti-Slip Pads
Keep your keys, phone, glasses and other small items in sight and in place during sharp turns or quick stops with these anti-slip mats. Made of 3-millimeter-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.
17/20
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Lightsaber Windshield Wipers
Reflective windshield wipers that look like lightsabers—WipeSabers, if you will— attach to your vehicle’s rear wipers and look beyond cool. They’re easy to install—no special tools required. WipeSabers come in a SkyForce Blue color and work in rain, snow, sun and sleet.
18/20
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Tracking and Safety 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 this automatic car adapter. Plug the adapter into your car’s diagnostic port to sync your driving data and vehicle diagnostics with your smartphone. The iPhone, Android or web app tells you everything you need to know.
19/20
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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 and tight spaces, because it helps make sure you’re getting in properly. The gadget’s traffic signal display alerts you before you tap your front bumper.
20/20
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Touchscreen Multimedia Player
If you’re looking for car tech accessories with safety features, consider this hands-free add-on. The Intellidash streams the screen of your smartphone to the 7-inch display, allowing you to safely use your favorite GPS and other apps. It comes with a suction mount that can be used on your dashboard or windshield.
Originally Published: May 27, 2020
Sheri Kaz
As Associate Shopping Editor, Sheri helps Family Handyman readers find well-designed products to enjoy their time spent at home. Her expertise lies in interior design and gardening. When she’s not searching for the next inspired home or garden solution, she enjoys dancing, painting and the great outdoors.
