Smart Vs Silly Buys
Your car's probably stuffed with gadgets right now. Some are absolute lifesavers that'll bail you out when things go sideways, others are just expensive plastic that'll make you question humanity's decision-making skills. Let’s separate the heroes from the zeros.
1. Dash Cam
Imagine you're rolling down the highway when suddenly someone cuts you off and causes a fender-bender. Without witnesses, it becomes your word against theirs. A dash cam eliminates this nightmare scenario entirely, providing HD video evidence that can save you thousands in insurance disputes.
2. Jump Starter Power Bank
Dead batteries strike at the worst possible moments, usually when you're already running late. Modern jump starter power banks deliver 400–1000 peak amps, enough to revive most car batteries instantly. Unlike traditional jumper cables, you won't need help from another vehicle.
3. Tire Pressure Monitoring System
Under-inflated tires cause over 11,000 accidents annually in the US, according to NHTSA data. These silent killers reduce fuel efficiency by up to 3% and dramatically increase blowout risk at highway speeds. A quality TPMS alerts you before disaster strikes, monitoring pressure in real-time.
4. Phone Mount
Fumbling for your phone while driving increases the risk of a crash, yet drivers still do it regularly. A sturdy phone mount turns your device into a proper GPS navigator, keeping your hands on the wheel and eyes on the road. Choose magnetic or spring-loaded designs.
5. Emergency Escape Tool
When seconds matter most, this compact device becomes a lifeline. Combining a spring-loaded window punch and razor-sharp seatbelt cutter, it can free you from a submerged or burning vehicle. Fire departments recommend storing one within arm's reach of the driver's seat.
Resqme Escape Tool with Visor Clip Review (Vehicle Preps) by TheUrbanPrepper
6. Bluetooth OBD2 Scanner
That mysterious check engine light just cost the average driver $400 at the mechanic, often for minor issues. OBD2 scanners connect to the vehicle’s diagnostic port and beam error codes directly to your smartphone, helping you distinguish between genuine emergencies and false alarms.
7. First Aid Kit
Road accidents injure millions of Americans annually. However, a well-stocked automotive first aid kit helps facilitate immediate safety action, containing essentials such as gauze, antiseptics, and emergency blankets. Look for kits meeting Department of Transportation standards, specifically designed for vehicular emergencies.
8. USB Car Charger
Quality USB car chargers usually deliver around 2.4 amps or more per port, charging devices faster than standard wall outlets. Dual-port models accommodate passenger devices, too. This prevents any of those family arguments over charging priority during long road trips.
9. Sunshade Windshield Cover
Interior temperatures can reach 195°F in direct sunlight, hot enough to cause second-degree burns and potentially damage your dashboard permanently. Apparently, reflective sunshades reduce cabin temperature by up to 40°F while protecting leather seats and plastic trim from UV degradation.
Best Cheap Windshield Sunshade by Peter von Panda
10. Trunk Organizer
Loose cargo can become deadly projectiles during sudden stops. Thanks to trunk organizers with secure dividers and tie-down points, this prevents the chaos while maximizing storage efficiency. Emergency responders particularly recommend them for keeping safety equipment accessible and adequately secured.
Making a TRUNK ORGANIZER for tool storage | Woodworking by Steven's Hobby Woodshop
But for every brilliant car gadget that solves real problems, there's an equal and opposite reaction in the form of not-so-helpful inventions.
1. Steering Wheel Desk
Marketed as a productivity solution for busy professionals, this contraption converts your car into a mobile office. The reality? It actively encourages distracted driving by providing a flat surface for laptops and paperwork while driving. Certain materials can even scratch soft leather steering wheels.
2. Bull Bars
Bull bars tend to add weight, capable of affecting fuel efficiency and vehicle handling. Besides, improperly designed or installed bull bars can interfere with airbag sensors, compromising the vehicle's safety. Some also reduce airflow to the radiator and impact the engine cooling.
3. Exhaust Flame Thrower Kit
Engineering disasters waiting to happen, these kits inject raw fuel into your exhaust system to create Hollywood-style flames on command. They can melt bumpers, ignite nearby vehicles, and void your insurance coverage instantly. Most areas have hefty fines plus mandatory vehicle impoundment consequences.
R35 GTR Flame thrower kit by bentles
4. Car Humidifier
Tiny devices crafted to add moisture to your vehicle's interior atmosphere promise spa-like comfort during commutes. Unfortunately, they're fighting a losing battle against constant air circulation from vents, open windows, and door openings. The minuscule amount of humidity they produce gets immediately whisked away.
Car Diffuser/Humidifier Review: Turn Your Car into a Spa by Samuel's Overviews
5. Car Eyelashes
These oversized fake lashes attach to your headlights, supposedly giving the car personality and charm. Beyond looking absolutely ridiculous, they collect dirt, debris, and ice that can impair nighttime visibility. Some jurisdictions have banned them entirely, classifying them as dangerous modifications.
free photos & art on Wikimedia
6. LED Underglow Lights
The colorful strips attach beneath your automobile to give a futuristic glow effect reminiscent of science fiction movies. While visually striking, they're illegal in most areas because they can distract other drivers and mimic emergency vehicle lighting. They also drain your battery and serve no practical purpose.
7. Gear Shift Knob Warmer
Winter driving apparently inspired someone to create a heated sleeve for your gear shifter, delivering toasty warm shifts during cold mornings. This represents peak automotive absurdity. After all, your hand touches the shifter for mere seconds, hardly enough time to benefit from any warming effect.
8. Oversized Wheels
Larger and heavier wheels demand more engine power to rotate, leading to higher fuel consumption, especially in vehicles with less powerful engines. The added weight further increases inertia, making acceleration sluggish and steering feel heavier, which can reduce overall driving responsiveness.
9. Bobblehead Dashboard Figures
Popular dashboard decorations that nod enthusiastically with every bump and turn aim to add personality to your interior space. However, they become a disturbance during actual driving, bobbing incessantly in your peripheral vision. They also block important dashboard warning lights and can slip during sudden stops.
10. Car Door Edge Guards With Spikes
Aggressive-looking protective strips feature menacing spikes that are structured to prevent parking lot dings from careless door-openers. These medieval-inspired accessories make your car look like a medieval weapon. They're more likely to escalate parking disputes than prevent minor door damage incidents.
