Five Great Types of Gadgets for Your Car

The dash cam is a wise investment if you frequently drive in heavily trafficked areas where the risk of an accident is high. In the event of a fender bender or more serious crash, the footage from your dash cam might be the only proof you have that it was the other person who was speeding through a red light and not you.

You can also use a dashboard camera to monitor the driver in front of you if they’re driving dangerously and you are considering reporting them for driving under the influence. Additionally, it can be used as a security camera, which is especially useful if you work for a rideshare service.

Many cars have poor rear visibility due to poor design or as a result of too many things stored in the back area. While certain design choices in new cars are made to accommodate aerodynamics and structural safety, this often leads to more blind spots than older model vehicles.

And that’s where the back-up camera comes in handy. Not only does a rear back-up cam provide an easy-to-see view behind the vehicle, but it also captures low-lying hazards that wouldn’t otherwise be seen through the rearview mirror or an over-the-shoulder glance. Another benefit of installing a back-up camera on your license plate is that it might help lower your auto insurance premiums. Remember to check with your insurance provider to see if any discounts are offered for using safe driving gear.

The perfect solution to keeping your kids or other passengers occupied during long car rides is a portable DVD player. Before you hit the road, put on a movie or TV show to avoid being plagued by endless “are we there yet” questions.

Conveniently, these handy gadgets can be used with a wide variety of media. You can pop in a DVD, hook up an external hard drive, or even stream content through your smartphone. Plus, with dual headrest monitors for each seat back and multiple ports for headphones, everyone can enjoy their own entertainment rather than fighting to reach a unanimous decision over what to watch.

Sure, phones and GPS devices can be great for navigating, but sometimes it’s nice to have something built in so you don’t have to remember to grab an extra piece of gear before hopping in the car. Plus, you don’t need to worry that you won’t be able to get to your destination if your phone gets lost, breaks, or runs out of battery power.

Another benefit of in-dash navigation systems is that they provide larger screens than most phones do. The increased visual landscape of a built-in dashboard navigation device makes it easier to see the screen without taking your eyes off the road. As a bonus, some models use voice activation, so you don’t even need to take your hands off the wheel to put in a new destination. If for some reason you don’t want to install one into your dashboard, there is also an option to attach your device with a suction cup.

All too often, people leave valuables in their car only to regret it later. Breaking into cars is a lucrative crime, especially with all the potential valuables that individuals carry around on a regular basis. How often have you realized you left your phone in the cup holder or a laptop in the backseat?

Since it only takes one time to forget and learn your lesson the hard way, a good car security system is really a must-have car gadget. Not only will a loud alarm sound to alert you, but simply having a visible system installed is a deterrent to potential thieves. Criminals who see the flashing light of an activated car security system will likely think twice before trying to break a window or attempt entry by prying open a door.

While you could try installing your car electronics yourself, consider relying on the professionals for more intricate systems. By trusting the experts with your car electronics installation services, you’ll ensure that all the wires are connected and that the systems are functioning properly. This way, you can enjoy all the perks of your new car tech with none of the hassle.