I work as a freelance photographer and journalist for a living in addition to being a PhD student who travels a lot for his research, so I know athing or two about long car rides.
Eating up the highway or interstate miles can be a bit boring, especially if you’re like me and don’t drive a particularly exciting vehicle. However, these five gadgets have taken my driving experience to a whole new level in terms of cleanliness and accessibility.
My Rove R2-4K Pro dash cam captures brilliant footage for a super low price
This single 4K dash cam is perfect for getting very crisp and clear video out the front of your windshield.
1Anti-slip dash mats
Nobody wants their favorite hat, wallet, or phone sliding across the car
The actual mat photographed here is more than well-used. I know this because it’s mine. Luckily enough for me, in my2022 Volkswagen Taos, someone out there in the ether 3D printed a mat to lay perfectly in the dash storage compartment that was at one point, like many other vehicles, clad in the same slick plastic as what covers the rest of my dash.
If a model-specific mat isn’t available for your car, there are a nearly infinite number of generic mats out there that are both adhesive and not so, just in case you want to sell your car later. I got mine onAmazon, but there are numerous options available at stores likeWalmart.
However, the lines blurred between where my dash started, and my storage began, until this little tray with pre-cut rubber adhesive strips came along and made the area above my infotainment system exactly what I needed it to be – a place to put things. If you drive a different vehicle, though, not all hope is lost, as there are a plethora of model-specific and generic anti-slip dash mats out there to ensure that your favorite hats, notebook, sunglasses, phone, or wallet are sliding about the cabin on those long road trips.
You can now play Candy Crush on your car’s Android Auto infotainment system
If you’ve been waiting to be able to play games on your in-car infotainment system, you’ll be thrilled with this update.
2Wireless Carplay/Android Auto adapter
Connectivity has never been easier than right now.
This is a problem that still baffles me to this day. One of my best friends owns a2023 Toyota RAV4, and you would think that in a vehicle from this decade, wireless infotainment connectivity would be standard across the board. Unfortunately, that’s not the reality, and far too many people have to take the extra few seconds to plug their phone into a cord that may or may not work that day, depending on what way the wind is blowing, to have access to the infotainment system of their choice.
Vevavi Wireless CarPlay Adapter (2025)
The Vevavi Wireless CarPlay Adapter turns CarPlay into a plug-and-play experience after a simple and short setup.
Luckily, there are nowquite a few companiesproducing high-quality USB devices that can essentially give any car with a screened, touch-sensitive infotainment display Carplay or Android Auto capabilities.
4 things you should be doing with your car’s USB port (that isn’t charging your phone)
The U in USB standards for Universal, not iPhone or Android.
3Radar Shield Ghost PRO radar detector
Nothing can ruin a day quite like a speeding ticket or unscheduled stop.
My fiancé will be the first to tell you that I don’t always live life in the fast lane. In fact, she wishes I would be in a bit more of a hurry more times than not. However, we don’t have speeding ticket money set aside, so I try to always showcase to officers how well I obey the speed limit by using Radarshield’s line of radar detectors, particularly the Ghost PRO.
Radarshield Ghost PRO
The unit combines a high-tech reprogrammable wideband digital circuit, delivering flawless long-range detection and a sophisticated neutralization technique which is completely concealed from police radar detector-detection systems.
Nobody is saying you drive above the speed limit, but it certainly helps to know what to expect coming around the next curve in the interstate. I’ve seen one too many cars hiding in the bushes in wait.
I added MagSafe to this old tablet to create the ultimate car smart screen
After realizing I hardly use my iPad mini while at home, I slapped a MagSafe ring adapter onto it, giving it a second auto-related lease on life.
4Small trash cans keep my car clean year-round
If you’re as uptight about your floor mats and seats as I am, this is a must-buy
Nothing grinds my gears like trash on the floor of my car. Dirt from shoes or general dust I can stand – that happens no matter how much you try and keep it out – but if someone just haphazardly throws their trash on my floor, I will officially be down one friend before the day ends.
Accmor car trash can with lid
Accmor Compact Car Trash Can keeps your litter in one place and makes use of your car little space artfully. It takes up minimal amount of space yet creates you full garbage capacity, keep your car clean and tidy.
Thankfully, this little trash can from Accmor via Amazon keeps that from happening, and we can all remain friends after the road trip has ended. Some families may require a larger can, though, and luckily, there arenumerous Amazon optionsavailable for just that as well.
4 tech tips I always use to make every roadtrip painless
Use this checklist to make sure you’re ready to roll.
5NOCO Boost Jumper pack
There may not be a handier thing on the road than a fresh jump pack, especially from a high-quality brand like NOCO. Gone are the days of having to wait for an empathetic passerby to stop off with some jumper cables. Now, if you’re running into electrical issues on the road, these NOCO battery packs are life-savers with up to 3,000 amps of lithium battery-powered juice.
NOCO Boost Plus GB40 Jump Starter Box
The Noco Boost Plus GB40 is another essential tool for outdoor adventures because its 12V battery pack can store up to 20 charges and jump start most car, truck, and boat batteries. It’s rugged for everyday use with a rubberized, IP65-resistant exterior and LED flashlight function and can also work as a powerbank to charge smartphones and tablets.
This pack isn’t just for your car, though. It has enough power to charge your phone, boat, tablet, or pickup truck. It’s a must-have safety gadget for anyone that spends a lot of time on the road, especially if your car, truck, or vessel is of the older variety.
