If you’re a casual driver, a consistent commuter, or an all-out car enthusiast, there are a range of gadgets available that can optimise your time on the road.
Whether you want to keep passengers entertained on a long trip, clear your car of clutter, or keep track of its location when it’s not in use, we’ve got you covered with a round up some of the best car gadgets that will help you get the most out of your vehicle - and they make great gifts too. From smart assistants to hi-tech dash cams, keep reading to discover them all.
The best car gadgets in 2024
Amazon Echo Auto (2nd generation)
If Alexa has become a fixed feature in your home, you may be pleased to know you can now take the virtual assistant on the road.
Simply connect Echo Auto to the Alexa app on your phone as well as your car speakers (via auxiliary input jack or Bluetooth) and you’ll be able to make your usual commands on the go. Just make sure your car is compatible, as not all are – you can see the full list of compatible cars here.
Disklabs Key Shield Faraday bag
This Faraday Bag claims to protect your car key from modern thieves by stopping your key’s signal from being picked up and copied.
You simply place your keys inside the bag when you're not using them, and it should block all wireless signals including WiFi, Bluetooth, Radio and GPS.
Ticarve car cleaning putty
This car cleaning putty is designed to get into tricky spots where dust can gather in your car, and claims to clean 97% of dirt and crumbs from awkward crevices. Simply knead the cleaning gel into a ball and press it slowly into the car vents and other difficult to reach gaps. When you pull it out, the dirt should come with it.
Shark handvac 2.0 handheld vacuum
Crumbs, dirt, sand and all of the tiny grains that find their way into your car can be a real pain, and a handheld vacuum is a great alternative to awkwardly sweeping them out with your hand.
This Shark model can be charged up and kept in your car, ready for any accidents. It has a 15-minute run time, and offers a powerful suction between two different modes.
Garmin dash cam compact
Dash cams are a great way to monitor what happens on the road around you and to have some support if anything happens to your car.
This Garmin dash cam is especially helpful if you're in the market for something small and discreet. It shoots in 1440p HD video using an 140° lens, meaning you can record at day and night.
There's also a feature to keep the camera recording when its parked up, monitoring any suspicious activity.
Portable, Multifunctional Electric Tire Pump
This portable electric pump is designed to inflate tires within 6 minutes, allowing you to get back on the road in a flash.
It features five preset inflation modes (car, motorcycle, bicycle, ball and a customise setting) so you can set and save the pressure value to suit a number of objects easily, and it also measures real time pressure and shuts off automatically to avoid over-inflating.
Halfords padded seat cushion
The Halfords padded seat cushion has a contoured design with a high-density filling to make long journeys more comfortable. The cushion is made to fit your car seat and has adjustable straps to ensure it (and you) are fully secured.
Yosh phone holder
A phone holder can be a great way to utilise your smartphone's map application while driving.
This option from Yosh is an affordable choice, simply requiring a magnet to be stuck to the back of your device. This allows you to magnetically connect your device to the Yosh holder which fits into your car vent, so you can clearly see your smartphone's screen while driving.
Tile Mate Bluetooth finder
This gadget is one for those who are always losing their car keys. The Tile Mate can be attached to your keys, and when you've lost them, you can check the Tile's most recent location on a map.
As an additional feature, you can use your Tile in reverse to find your smartphone if you've lost it.
Car headrest tablet mount
Keep your passengers entertained on long car journeys with this versatile car headrest. It's compatible with a broad range of devices, from iPads to Samsung tablets, and the hook and loop strap connects securely to the headrest without disrupting the viewing experience.
Oasser car boot organiser
It can be easy to let the clutter accumulate in your car, which is why Oasser has developed a boot organiser to keep you on top of your belongings.
Collapsible and easy to install, it has three compartments with two moveable plates which can create one large space. There’s also the additional feature of a heavy duty cover, to keep your belongings out of sight for added protection and privacy.
Car gadgets have come a long way over the years, providing drivers with an array of options to enhance their driving experience. From safety features to entertainment systems, there are countless gadgets available to cater to every driver's needs and preferences.
Ceeniu Ultrasonic Atomization Car Air Freshener
If you're looking to give your driving experience a luxury update, this Ultrasonic Atomization gadget might be for you. Like the electric diffusers that you see in people’s homes, it releases a fine, long-lasting fragrance mist into your car to fill it with a fresh and pleasant aroma. This model automatically detects your car's driving status, switching itself on and off so you don’t have to operate it. It also has three different intensity modes so you can adjust the scent to your liking.
Retractable Backseat 3 in 1 Car Charging Station
This extremely useful gadget allows you to charge three different smartphones at the same time, fast. It’s compatible with all mobile phones with micro USB/USB-C/USB-i interfaces, suitable for Apple, Android and Samsung. The charging cables can stretch while in use, and then automatically retract back when you’re not using them, eliminating the need for messy wires in your car.
Wireless Bluetooth 5.0 Radio Adapter Car Kit
Portable Leakproof Trash Can
This portable rubbish bin slots tidily into the cup holders or doors of your car, so you can keep its interior neat and clean. It has an automatic lid to keep odours at bay, plus, its waterproof and can be cleaned really easily by removing the lid.
Car Window Cleaner
This handy, portable window cleaner is small enough to store in your passenger seat storage box, driver seat storage space or windscreen shelf, but it extends to a maximum length of up to 98cm (38.6 inches). This means you can keep it packed neatly away while it's not in use, but easily clear water and fog off your mirrors while staying put in your driver's seat.
Commuting to the office? Check out our roundup of the best commuting gadgets and discover the latest and greatest tools to make your commute a breeze.
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