What do you get the petrol-head who has it all? Well, however much we’d love to get our car-loving loved one a new set of wheels, we just can’t justify that level of extravagance. That’s a convoluted way of putting “we can’t afford it”, by the way.
Not to worry. There are plenty of affordable, appropriate gifts for lovers of all things engine, wheels and petrol. All it takes is a little initiative, and getting to the end of this article. With that in mind, here are 10 car gadgets and accessories that will transform your next road trip.
HUDWAY Cast Heads-Up Display
Safeguard your journey with the HUDWAY Cast Heads-Up Display. This device will project your smartphone screen onto your windshield, allowing you to access your navigation, calls, or music without taking your eyes off the road. Because safety should always come first, regardless of how freewheelin’ a road trip is.
Handpresso Auto Hybrid Coffee Maker
We’ve all been there on a long distance drive, wrestling with yawns and longing for a hard hit of the good stuff to keep us awake, alert and accident free. Yep, sometimes you need a good cup of Joe to keep you on the road and safe. And there’s no shame in admitting that, right?
Why wait for pit stops when you can brew your espresso on the go? The Handpresso Auto Hybrid Coffee Maker plugs into your car’s cigarette lighter and brews a barista-quality espresso in just 2 minutes.
And most importantly, don’t forget to pack the cups!
Read: 10 of the best coffees for autumn
Garim Speak Plus Dashboard
Music can affect your body’s chemistry. Indeed, loud music can increase your adrenaline levels, which will help you keep awake during a long, boring drive. However, the last thing you want to do when driving is fiddle with the music, scrolling through your Spotify library in search of that song. This leads to distraction and a compromise on safety.
Enter the Garmin Speak Plus which has all of the advantages of a regular dashcam, but also full access to Alexa and music. Keep your hands on the wheel and you can use your voice play music, check the weather, traffic or where the nearest petrol station is or even get her to tell you entertaining jokes. Moreover, you can simply ask Alexa to get Garmin to give you turn-by-turn directions and it features that all-important dashcam for added safety. Is there anything she/it/they can’t do?
RoadPro Slow Cooker
Curb your hunger pangs with the RoadPro slow cooker, an ideal gadget for traveler foodies. Simply plug it into your car’s power outlet and enjoy home-cooked meals even on the open road.
Cooluli Mini Fridge Electric Cooler
Storing beverages and small food items can be a challenge during a road trip. But with Cooluli Mini Fridge Electric Cooler, you can easily maintain the freshness and temperature of your snacks and drinks.
Fobo Tire Plus
Maintaining the correct tire pressure is crucial for a safe and smooth road trip. With Fobo Tire Plus, you can monitor your car’s tire pressure in real-time, receiving updates on your smartphone.
Read: 5 tyre care tips from the experts to ensure yours are roadworthy
Tile Mate Tracker
Misplacing keys or wallets on a road trip can be a real stressor. Tile Mate Tracker comes to rescue in such scenarios. Attach this compact device to your essentials, and you can easily track them using the Tile app on your smartphone.
Autel MaxiCom MK808 OBD2 Scanner
This gadget is a must-have for those who like to be prepared for everything. The Autel MaxiCom MK808 OBD2 Scanner makes diagnosing and troubleshooting car problems a breeze, ensuring that small issues don’t escalate into bigger problems halfway through your trip.
Semi-Autonomous Driving Systems
Semi-autonomous driving systems are the zeitgeist of auto technology, working as an extra set of eyes and hands on the road. Companies like Tesla with their ‘Autopilot’ and GM’s ‘Super Cruise’ offer semi-autonomous driving features that can control steering, acceleration, and braking in certain circumstances, making long-haul travel less tiring.
These systems also come with safety features like lane keeping assist, adaptive cruise control and collision avoidance systems, adding an extra layer of security and peace of mind. Perhaps the leader in its field is Nissan’s ProPILOT Assist, which represents superb value for money, and is easily serviceable whether you’re seeking Nissan repair in Dubai, Dublin or Dresden.
Inflatable Car Bed
Let’s go all out here. The convenience of dinner and hot drinks is covered. But is that enough? Now, let’s turn this damn thing into a bedroom, too. An inflatable car mattress allows you to turn the back seat of your car into a bed when you need a kip in no time. Whilst this is a matter of personal preference, some of the best car air mattresses on the market include the Umbrauto SUV Air Mattress, the QDH SUV Air Mattress, and the Rightline Gear Universal-Fit SUV Air Mattress.
Whichever kind of mattress you choose, you’ll find the addition to your armoury super useful for quick naps to get your energy back up, but also handy if you’re looking for a budget way to sleep while you’re on your road trip.
And with all of this sorted, we’ll see you on the open road!