Cars these days seem to come with all kinds of embedded tech, but some of us have older model cars and are quite happy to drive them. Still, we do have moments of envy when we read about all the fun gadgetry that one can get, even if we don’t entirely trust all of it. “Screens to distract drivers?” we ask, and “You have to plug the car into what every time it has a service?” Even the latest Vokswagen family cars seem to be packed with tech these days. But there’s good news for those of us who still like our “un-smart” cars but would love a few gadgets to boost our driving and car-ownership experience. Let’s check it out!
1. No Smart Car, but a Smart Garage
This one is so simple but still rather nifty. The best garage door opener to get could be smarter than your car! It’s a pretty straightforward concept. Control your garage door using your phone and an app – but it doesn’t stop there. You can even get smart door openers that will target light where the activity is, and yes, those lights are energy-saving LEDs. Battery backup? Check! Just cruise in and enjoy that homecoming.
2. Plug in and Chill
Here’s something that’s low-tech, but still tech, and that will make you the envy of those who don’t own one: an in-car drinks cooler! Though your car might not make anyone green with envy, the sight of you sipping away on an ice-cold drink while everyone’s sweating bullets in summer gridlock is sure to make the Joneses wish they’d kept up with you. Jokes aside, this handy accessory is great for those long road trips and camping expeditions.
3. What are Those Kids Up to?
Driving with kids is not for the faint-hearted. Worst of all is that moment when you have to take your eyes off the road and turn to see what on earth is going on in the back seat. It’s almost-instinctive and it’s a dangerous thing to do. You can reduce the stress and the amount of distraction it’ll take to check on kids with a nanny-cam that shows you what they’re up to at a glance and without so much as turning your head.
4. A Cell Phone Signal Booster
Let’s assume that you wouldn’t dream of making or taking calls while driving without a hands-free set and move right on to the gadget that keeps you connected. Have you ever lost signal when entering a cutting or driving a mountain pass? Then you’ll know just how handy this little gadget can be. Ever been stuck with a breakdown where the signal is too weak to make a call? You’ll be extra glad you invested in one of these on occasions like this!
5. Never Lose Your Car in A Parking Lot Again
Have you ever had to walk up and down rows of cars in a parking lot just to find yours? Two thirds of motorists do this as often as once a week! Apart from making you feel silly, it’s stressful and annoying. But there are several car finder devices that are relatively simple to use, cheap to buy, and that direct you to your car almost as smoothly as if you had never lost track of it in the first place. Although these devices have nothing to do with the actual driving of a car, they’ll definitely save you frustration!
There’s More if You Want It!
If you really want to, you can add all, or at least most, of the latest driver-assist car tech systems to your car. Back up cams, dash cams, touch screens and more are there for the taking if you feel they will add to your motoring satisfaction. Meanwhile, there are some fun extras that go beyond the usual – and that cooler is a personal favorite for me!
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