Pros
- Easy to install on any vehicle
Cons
- No charger included
There’s not a lot that smartphones can’t do. Unless your vehicle comes from the factory with Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, your mobile device is an invaluable resource on the road, whether it’s your navigation system or music player. Unlike many solutions on the market, Quad Lock’s phone mount offers the greatest compatibility I’ve seen yet—easily attached to your windshield using the suction-cup mount on the back. As an added bonus, pair it with the wireless charging unit for an additional $50. However, before you buy either product, you’ll have to purchase a Quad Lock case for your device.
Wireless Phone Charger
Quad Lock Quad Lock Wireless Charging Head
Wireless Phone Charger
Quad Lock Quad Lock Wireless Charging Head
Pros
- Compatible with Apple and Android devices
Cons
- Limited power output
Many of the apps that you’ll use behind the wheel, like navigation, can sap a ton of battery life from your device. For smartphones that feature wireless charging, this unit is a great tool to keep your battery topped up. It supplies up to 7.5 watts to charge your iPhone and 10 watts for Android devices—a considerable improvement over most built-in USB ports.
Pros
- Clever design
- Great compatibility for keys and tools
Cons
- Complex setup
As someone who carries his keys on a carabiner, I’ve experienced the torturous jangling sound my keys made during a multi-day road trip from Texas to Pennsylvania. Silence the noise and simplify your everyday carry with this organization system. It essentially functions like a Swiss army knife for your key ring and can store up to 12 keys.
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Air Pressure Gauge
Viair Viair 3-in-1 Air Down Gauge
Air Pressure Gauge
Viair Viair 3-in-1 Air Down Gauge
Pros
- Gauge is easy to read
Cons
- Tough to make micro-adjustments
Look after your tires, and they’ll look after you. Maintaining the proper tire pressure for your vehicle promotes optimal longevity and performance. While this gauge from Viair is oriented toward overlanders who air down their tires before venturing off-road, it remains suitable for everyday use as well.
Air Compressor
Viair Viair 88P Portable Compressor
Air Compressor
Viair Viair 88P Portable Compressor
Now 12% Off
Pros
- Portability
Cons
- Slow to inflate larger tires
A portable tire inflator lets you skip your local gas station and air up easily. Great for apartment dwellers and mobile usage, the Viair 88P is a fantastic tool for keeping your tires at the right pressure. The included alligator clips allow you to power the compressor directly from your car battery, meaning you can add air essentially anywhere.
Wiper Blades
Michelin Michelin Endurance XT Wiper Blade
Wiper Blades
Michelin Michelin Endurance XT Wiper Blade
Now 12% Off
Pros
- Great value
Cons
- High noise level
Contrary to popular belief, wiper blades are one of the most important parts of your vehicle. At some point, we’ve all been caught in a torrential downpour so aggressive that the wipers can’t clear the water fast enough. In our testing, these wipers from Michelin were easy to install and provided a considerable performance advantage compared to your existing set. Unlike many wipers on the market, the endurance XT applies a hydrophobic coating as it runs along the glass to improve clearing ability.
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Glass Cleaning Kit
Adam’s Polishes Adam’s Perfect Vision Glass Cleaner & Sealant Combo
Glass Cleaning Kit
Adam’s Polishes Adam’s Perfect Vision Glass Cleaner & Sealant Combo
Pros
- Improved visibility
Cons
- Needs to be regularly reapplied
Keeping your windshield clean can improve the performance of your wipers, but nothing beats a dedicated hydrophobic coating. Rain-X is often referred to as the industry standard, but this kit from Adam’s Polishes includes everything you need to clean and coat your windshield—the kit includes glass cleaner, glass sealant, two applicator pads, and two microfiber towels.
Jump Starter
Michelin Michelin Jump Starter and Power Bank
Jump Starter
Michelin Michelin Jump Starter and Power Bank
Pros
- Peace of mind
Cons
- Needs to be charged regularly
This jump starter from Michelin will get you home following the unfortunate event of a dead battery, and it doubles as a power bank. Small enough to fit in your trunk or even underneath a seat, this power pack gives you peace of mind on long road trips through remote areas.
Pros
- Portability
Cons
- Limited battery life
Although flashlights don’t jump to the top of the list for automotive gadgetry, I’ve found them invaluable in countless situations. Whether you’re changing a flat tire in the middle of the night or setting up camp after a long journey, it’s important to see what you’re doing. This pocketable flashlight shines up to 600 lumens, an impressively bright beam for its size.
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Portable French Press
BruTrek BruTrek OVRLNDR French Press
Portable French Press
BruTrek BruTrek OVRLNDR French Press
Pros
- Clever Design
Cons
- Limited Capacity
A thermos is a great passive solution for keeping your coffee warm, but for a fresh cup mid-road trip, get the BruTrek OVRLNDR. After brewing, a clever system called Bru Stop seals the beans at the bottom from your coffee up top. This prevents the sour taste associated with coffee that sits for an extended period of time. However, for someone like me who consumes coffee quite rapidly in the morning, I would like to have a slightly larger cup. Thankfully BruTrek’s Basecamp doubles the 24 fl oz capacity of the OVRLNDR but will set you back another $20.
Matt Crisara is a native Austinite who has an unbridled passion for cars and motorsports, both foreign and domestic. He was previously a contributing writer for Motor1 following internships at Circuit Of The Americas F1 Track and Speed City, an Austin radio broadcaster focused on the world of motor racing. He earned a bachelor’s degree from the University of Arizona School of Journalism, where he raced mountain bikes with the University Club Team. When he isn’t working, he enjoys sim-racing, FPV drones, and the great outdoors.
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