VIA MERCHANT
VIA MERCHANT
Oh, no—the dreaded Check Engine light! This clever and affordable OBD2 diagnostic tool from Foxwell helps you quickly figure out and resolve the reasons the engine light is on, tell you what’s wrong with your car engine, and erase DTC (engine fault codes). Addressing problems like this quickly will help extend the life of your car.
What to Look for in Car Gadgets
The car gadget and accessory category is a massive one. To help you in your search, you may want to consider the following factors before making a purchase:
- Safety First: Prioritize items that will increase your car’s safety, like first-aid kits, emergency glass breakers, etc. These might seem like items you won’t turn to often, but they’re the ones that will save your life in the moments when it matters.
- Real-World Usefulness: Once you’ve removed the safety gear, ask yourself what gadgets will help make your life easier (and safer). That means focusing on gear that reflects things you already deal with. Are you always on your phone in the car? Get a mount. Do you frequently discover your tires are low? A pressure monitor might help. You get the idea.
- Car Compatibility: None of these accessories will do you any good if they’re not compatible with your specific vehicle. Sure, many of them are universal, but some require your car to have specific elements. For instance, a USB charger won’t work if your car doesn’t have USB ports. Always ensure your accessories and gadgets will work with your vehicle ahead of time.
How We Found the Best Car Gadgets
Many of the picks on this list come directly from author Jeff Bogle’s hands-on experience. While he relied heavily on that personal experience, he also looked at the full scope of car gadgets. Pairing his research and personal experience, Jeff also considered brand trustworthiness, gadget quality and reliability, and numerous other factors to help pare the list down further. Finally, he settled on a collection of gadgets that combined usefulness, durability, reliability and high customer satisfaction.
Why You Should Trust Us
Jeff Bogle specializes in travel and car content, contributing to numerous publications, including the Washington Post, Esquire, Travel + Leisure, Fodor’s and Reader’s Digest. He also further developed his car and travel expertise in his career as an Iris Award-winning photographer, of which car travel was a major component. His unique combination of personal and professional experience makes him an expert worth trusting regarding car gadgets and accessories.
FAQ
What are some must-have car accessories to have?
Things like a first-aid kit, jumper cables/a battery starter, an emergency escape device (with a seatbelt cutter), and a roadside kit are among the most important car gadgets and accessories, as these are the devices you will turn to in an emergency situation. A phone mount is also important, as it will keep your phone hands-free and in view, so you’re less distracted by it.
What should be in a car kit?
Along with the aforementioned emergency supplies (listed above), it’s also a good idea to have a tire gauge, bottled water, a packable blanket, an ice scraper, gloves, a multi-tool, a hi-vis vest, etc. These are less dire than the above supplies, but they can still very much come in handy in a pinch.
What car accessories do I need if I work out of my car?
Ideally, you would be able to find somewhere not in your car to work, but sometimes work needs to be done, and your car is where you have to do it. In those cases, it’s a good idea to have power adapters that connect from your car (via USB or your car lighter) to your phone and/or computer, a phone mount (for unexpected meetings), some kind of mobile file container (for documents), and potentially a surface on which you can write or rest your computer. There may be more that benefits you, but these are the basics you may want to consider.