5 Car Tech Accessories Changing How We Drive

Since the invention of the first car in the 1880s, vehicles have been evolving and advancing in complexity and ability. The technologies that integrate with cars have been evolving too, and today there are numerous tech options at your disposal that can improve safety and convenience while you’re on the road. Learn how these five tech accessories could make driving safer.

1. GPS

The grandfather of car technology is just as relevant now as it was decades ago — and significantly more advanced. Global Positioning Systems (GPS) have become essential to daily life, guiding us through our growing maze of streets and highways. GPS also warns us of collisions, slowdowns, and heavy traffic, making our chosen route safer. This technology can be used via smartphone app or a portable system.

App or Portable? GPS apps are convenient, but if you prefer phone-free driving, portable GPS navigators are far from antiquated. If you have teen drivers in your family, a portable GPS can help you enforce safe driving habits (and remove the temptation of checking a phone).

Our Picks: For a GPS app, Waze provides live alternate route options to save time and can even help you avoid potholes. For a portable GPS, Garmin DriveSmart 66 provides top-notch audio and visuals, making it a driver-friendly solution for efficient navigation.

2. HUD

A heads-up display projects your GPS at convenient eye level, where you can easily see it without looking down and becoming distracted on the road. Think old-school movie projector, only much smaller and more Iron Man-esque.

Our Pick: HUDWAY Glass uses a transparent screen to display your GPS and can even take calls and pick car tunes. The screen is large enough to allow you to better view directions but small enough that it minimizes distractions. Plus, you’ll look and feel really cool using it.

3. Mirror Dashcam

Rearview mirror cameras help you drive and back up safely. They improve visibility and reduce the likelihood of an accident, especially if those around or behind you aren’t driving safely. Not all cars come equipped with backup displays, making these accessories extremely useful. Even if your car does have one, it can be worth installing a high-tech mirror dashcam, which can help you be a safer driver and help protect you from auto accidents brought on by others.

Our Pick: YI Mirror Dash Camera has a touch screen and records both front and back footage, which comes in handy if you’re in an accident and need evidence that you were not at fault.

4. Bluetooth Adapters

If your vehicle is several years old, chances are it doesn’t have Bluetooth capability, a technological function most of us take for granted these days. Because Bluetooth allows you to go hands-free while talking to someone or dictating a text, you can drive safely with both hands on the wheel while listening to music or taking an important call.

Our Pick: Besign BK01 Bluetooth Car Kit has excellent sound quality and lets you pair two phones. More hands available means fewer chances of having an accident.

5. Tire Pressure Monitors

Knowing the general health of your tires is important for staying safe on the road, but how many of us actually know our current tire pressure and temperature? Tire pressure monitors hooked up to your phone allow you to track these things in real time, so you know immediately if you have an air leak or another issue that needs attention.

Our Pick: Nonda ZUS Smart Tire Safety Monitor displays AccuTemp technology and slow-leak detection through an app on your smartphone — so you can make sure your tires are always road ready.

Like the right car tech accessories, the right insurance helps protect us on the road. Call your Texas Farm Bureau Insurance Agent to talk through any questions you have about your auto insurance policies and options.

Coverage and discounts are subject to policy terms and qualifications and may vary by situation.