Top 15 Car Gadgets To Upgrade Your Ride

Remember the show “Pimp My Ride”? It was the best MTV show of all time because it was completely outrageous and to some degree, nonsensical due to the gadgets they chose to install. It would start out with the contestant being surprised by rapper and TV host Xzibit, then together they would check out the dilapidated car and discuss what kind of improvements they were hoping for. Somehow, every time, the car would be transformed into a fish tank on wheels or something so out of the ordinary it couldn’t be used properly.

There are still plenty of ways you can update your car without going to the extreme and transforming it into something that’s not practical. It’s all about the gadgets baby, and we’ve figured out which ones are the best for their value and usability. It’s 2017 and it’s the age of technology, which allows us to simplify our lives by updating the things we use everyday, like our phones, kitchens, and now our cars. You don’t have to be a millionaire or even have the most expensive car to get a luxurious ride, and we’re going to show you how to do it.

If you’re ready to bring your ride into the future, check out the next 15 slides!

15. Hands Free Bluetooth Car Kit

Adding a hands free Bluetooth adapter to your car instantly updates it with a feature that all new cars have. Using Bluetooth is a great way to increase your safety on the road because it makes your musical and calling experience hands free, keeping your attention on the road. This Belkin version is great because of it’s quality and mid-range price level, making it a great product for everyone. It retails at about $40-50 and plugs directly into your car so you won’t have to worry about not-so-great FM connections.

14. Dash Cam

Dash cam’s are popular all over the world because although they don’t prevent you from getting into an accident, they can help prove your innocence in the event that the other driver tries to swindle you. The best dash cam out there right now is the Garmin Dash Cam 35, which will run you about $80-100 but provides the best and most reliable picture quality, as well as giving you driver awareness alerts to help avoid collision. It also offers GPS, and accurate speed, location, and time logs to record everything about an accident.

13. Precision Parking Aid

If you have trouble parallel parking or would just like to improve the accuracy and consistency of your parking skills than you may need the Park Zone precision parking aid. This tool is also great for people with depth perception issues and issues seeing in poorly lit places. You simply park your car in a desired location and activate the machine by pushing the button. The Park Zone will then remember the distances and alert you when you’re eight feet away from desired location, and again with a red light when you have arrived. The best part is, it will only cost you around $20.

12. The Automatic App & Adapter

The Automatic App is a smart driving app that allows you to track everything about your commute and car. It tracks everything from car and engine performance, fill up logs, commute route and times, business expenses, and even live car tracking. The adapter plugs into your car, the data is synced to your smart phone, and then you can access everything in the app to make the best driving decisions. There are two versions of the app, the basic costing $80 and the pro $129.

11. Mobileye 560

Mobileye is the state of the art collision avoidance technology company that helps provide vision based driver assistance programs, working with car manufacturers to update the latest cars, as well as offering an after market product to spruce up older cars. This driver assistance program will alert you to any potential threats to try and prevent any collisions but is essentially still passive, meaning you have to take the action it alerts you to. This way it can increase the safety of your car without spending thousands of dollars on luxury models that offer driving assistance. The system isn’t cheap, costing at around $900, but it was created by the worlds leading ADAS technology company ensuring the quality of the product.

10. Drivemocion D.B.D Car Sign

This Drivemocion is one of the most unique car gadgets on this list because the purpose of this LED sign is to let other drivers know how you feel. If someone is getting a little too aggressive behind you or needs a stern warning, you can show them with an angry face or you can tell them exactly how you feel with a message. Of course this helps for tense situations, but it can also help by allowing you to convey a distress message to any other drivers. This gadget is also on the cheaper side, around $25 and makes a great gift.

9. AutoExec Car Desk

If you’re someone who loves to work 24/7 or owns your own business, AutoExec’s car desk is perfect for you. Although you should never be using your phone or computer while driving, these car desks give you the chance to work out of your car whenever you need, giving you a mobile office. You can park yourself at the beach for a nice view, use it when you’re stuck in a ferry line, or it can help you stay organized as you commute everyday. They have many options starting at $159.

8. WeBoost Drive 4G Signal Booster

The weBoost Drive signal booster is one of the best things you can get yourself if you’re someone who drives out of town regularly. You may not have issues with cell phone reception when you’re on your way to the office, but I bet you’ve had issues with it when you’re on a road trip or out of town for work. This signal booster will ensure that you have cell reception and fast data so if you’re ever in a pinch you can get the help you need. It retails at around $180.

7. Energizer 12V 180-watt Cup Inverter

Many brands make mobile inverter’s but Energizer’s version is the best by far. It allows you to plug in a three pronged charge cord, like say a computer charger, right into your car’s outlet. The inverter is perfectly shaped to fit into a cup holder, giving you easy access to charge anything. It also has multiple USB plug in’s as well, so you can charge multiple electronics at once. This inverter retails at around $40.

6. Melodeez Wireless Infrared Headphones

If you’re a parent than you know that road trips with young kids–heck, even 30 minute car trips can turn into migraine time. Which is why keeping them occupied is essential and Melodeez made it easy with their wireless headphones. The headphones automatically connect with any DVD player you have (hand-held or installed in the car) and come in a variety of fun colors they can choose from. One of the best features this product offers is changeable earpieces in case any spills or need for replacement. They retail around $30-35 depending on the type.

5. Voxx Electronic Headrest Monitor

Just like on “Pimp My Ride” you can get a DVD player and monitor built right in to your head rests. These universal units can be purchased individually and are made to fit any head rest. The starting price for one of these monitors is $100 and they go up from there depending on the customization required. No other monitor has picture and sound quality just quite like it. You can turn any car from mediocre to luxury quickly with these headrest monitors.

4. MOTOsafety

MOTOsafety Teen GPS is–you guessed it–a GPS tracking system that will let you know where your teen driver is at all times. Of course, it’s not fair not to trust your kids but it is reasonable to want to make sure they’re safe at all times. It works just like an insurance tracking device works, and will let you know how fast the driver was going, as well as where the car traveled to, and if/when it arrives at the final destination. It not only encourages safer driving, but it also allows you to track your car in the event someone takes it without permission.

3. Portable Electronic Cooler

Never go another car ride without a cold beverage again by getting the Black & Decker electronic portable cooler! This has to be the best thing since the invention of the classic cooler because it plugs into your cars charging port and begins cooling your refreshments. Did I mention it’s also a WARMER, so you can even keep food warm when you’re headed to a dinner party. Surprisingly, it retails for only around $70!

2. Escort Radar Max 360

Cops have a way of hiding and sneaking up on you before you even know what’s going on, which can be a problem for those of us who speed. So it makes sense to invest in a radar detector if you’re worried about being pulled over–and boy do we have the best one for you. The Escort Radar Max 360 (quite the name, we know) is the best in the business as it constantly learns from itself and updates the known speed traps. There are cheaper models, but you really get what you pay for with radar detectors and this one is worth the $650.

1. Wagan Easy Quick Jumper

The Easy Quick Jumper is one of the best improvements in car safety equipment because it eliminates the need to jump start a car with clamps. You don’t even have to open the hood because it charges a cars battery via the cigarette lighter. It also comes equip with a green light that will notify you when the battery is ready to go, which is usually within 5-10 minutes. It’s also economical, retailing at around $20.