Smart cars

Automotive technology is transforming the driving experience

We have tech in almost every area of our lives, from our smart homes, to our offces, to phones we carry in our pockets. And tech is also transforming our experience as motorists. Some tech, such as autonomous driving aids, is built into newer vehicles. But there are plenty of smart aftermarket gadgets to consider adding to your car to improve your daily commute or road trips. Here’s a look at a few to consider.

Backup cameras

If your vehicle doesn’t already have one, built-in, wireless backup cameras offer increased visibility while reversing thanks to a wide-angle camera, which you can view on a dashboard-mounted monitor (or in some cases, on your phone). Some models will beep if you get too close to an object and can show digital markers to help line up with a parking spot. Wireless cameras eliminate the hassle of running cables through your car, truck, SUV or RV.

Dashcams

Mounted onto a vehicle’s windshield, these small cameras record both video and audio from a first-person perspective. They’re very helpful if you ever need evidence of an incident on the road.

Dashcams usually have a small screen to view video, but most users review footage on a computer, phone or TV, via a removable memory card (or through Wi-Fi).

Jump-starters

Instead of calling a roadside assistance company to juice up a dead battery, consider keeping a portable power bank in your trunk that can give you a boost in the event you need it. Pop your hood, connect those red and black clamps to your car’s battery and turn on the ignition.

Some models have charging capability for your phone and other devices, and a few can also add air to your tires.

Handy tech

Additional suggestions for car tech accessories include an ultrabright LED light bar to place below your grill to increase visibility, a portable power inverter that lets you use your AC- and USB-powered devices in your car when connected to your vehicle’s DC outlet, and emergency roadside hazard lights.

---