Some people love long car rides, and others hate them. There really seems to be no middle ground on this topic. No matter where you fall on this dichotomy, you can improve your next long-distance car ride with useful and fun gadgets. The right tech in your car can keep you safe and entertained, making it easier to stay alert on the road.
Here are some of the best gadgets for making a long car ride feel comfortable and lively, from little talkative robots that make you smile to advanced dash cams that keep you aware of your surroundings.
How We Pulled This List of Gadgets Together
I’m one of those people who love long car rides. I take many long drives, so I wanted to compile a list of gadgets that I believe would suit a variety of needs you may encounter while driving for an extended period.
I decided to put together a list I felt encompassed a wide range of road trip needs, including the fun aspect. While I included some brands as examples, feel free to find your own products that match your specific needs and your car’s requirements. Have a safe trip!
Robot Companion
Dasai’s Mochi 3 Car Buddy is a tiny little robot that keeps you entertained while on long drives. Dasai states that the newest model features 70+ animations, including facial expressions and optional sound effects. He will also react to your driving, sometimes making screeching sounds or acting surprised if you take a tight turn. Mochi comes in a variety of styles and colors as well, so you can match your car’s aesthetic.
If you’re the type of person who needs constant entertainment while driving, Mochi is a great way to stay alert on the road for extended periods.
Steering Wheel Tray
This one sounds somewhat silly at first, but it grew on me in just a few minutes after I learned about its existence. A steering wheel tray attaches to your steering wheel, creating a table-like space in your car.
A tray like this is amazing for rest stops, allowing you to eat without making a mess or creating a surface for your laptop or Nintendo Switch. I may be investing in one of these myself.
Portable Jump Starter
There’s probably nothing worse than your car battery dying on a road trip. Well, I can think of worse things, but I won’t worry you with those thoughts. Keeping a portable jumper in your car, such as this one by NOCO, makes it much easier to get back on the road again. You won’t need to rely on another car or get a tow truck if you have one of these handy in your trunk.
Just make sure to charge it ahead of your road trip so it has all the power you need to jump your battery and get on your way.
Air Purifier
A portable air purifier may not be the most entertaining gadget, but it can make a significant impact during a long road trip. If you’re driving somewhere that’s especially hot, cold, or anything else that forces you to keep the windows rolled up, you may start to feel stuffy and suffocated as the hours drag on.
This Philips car air purifier is shaped to fit in a cup holder and is designed to help reduce odors and improve perceived cabin air freshness (some models also include UV-C as part of their air-cleaning system). You will feel refreshed when the air doesn’t seem as stale.
Window Shade
A long car ride can feel extra long when the sun is beating down on you. Sweating, applying sunblock over and over, blasting the AC. If you want to feel more comfortable on your trip, consider a window shade. These can help cut glare and cabin heat, making long drives more comfortable and minimizing the need for squinting and sweating.
There are plenty of different types of window shades, but most easily suction to your window. This can also be quite beneficial when you’re trying to relax at a rest stop, making the cabin feel a bit more dim.
Portable Charging Station
The more cords and charging options, the better! First, always make sure you have USB cables to charge your phone directly through the car while driving. For those who want extra options, consider a portable charging station like the one above by Superone.
This charger conveniently fits into your car’s cup holder, providing extra energy when you need to charge multiple devices or when your car is parked at a rest stop. You can charge multiple devices simultaneously, including laptops and game consoles, providing even more options for working and entertainment on the go.
Mirror Dash Cam
Installing a mirror-mounted dash cam with a rear-facing camera can provide better visuals while driving. They often provide a wider view with more range, ensuring you can see more of what’s going on behind you on the road.
This can be especially useful if you’re driving a trailer or a pickup that’s towing something behind you. Even if your traditional view is obstructed, the rear-facing camera can provide a continuous digital view behind you all the way back there, making reversing much safer.
Cargo Box
Depending on what type of vehicle you’re driving on your long drive, a cargo box installed on your roof can make all the difference. You can keep your cabin free of clutter, making it feel spacious for a more comfortable drive with all of your gear inside the cargo box.
Many cargo boxes are shaped to reduce drag, which can help minimize, though not eliminate, the impact on fuel economy and performance. Check which one has the right shape and material for your needs and your vehicle.
Coffee Maker
Coffee is a popular way to stay alert and energized on long car rides, and now there’s apparently a way to make your own coffee on a road trip (only while parked). This could save you a lot of time and money by eliminating coffee breaks, but it seems a bit risky. Then again, what’s life without risks?
The Handpresso Auto by Huckberry fits conveniently in your cup holder and is charged via your cigarette lighter. When you need some fresh, hot espresso, pull over (please), press a button, and pour! It’s that easy, although I have a feeling I’d end up burning my hands or crotch.
Tire Inflator
A portable tire inflator (aka air compressor) is the perfect tool to keep in your trunk on a long ride. It can be a huge drag when you’re driving for hours, and the tire pressure light comes on. Having to stop at a gas station to get air or pull into a garage is a detour that can waste a lot of time.
Instead, whip out your portable tire inflator, and you can be on your way in minutes. Just make sure it’s charged ahead of your trip. This one by HOTO will automatically stop inflating once the preset pressure is reached, avoiding damage to your tires.
The Road Ahead
Whether you’re taking long commutes to work every day or going on a weekend trip, you need to be comfortable and alert to stay safe on the road.
From listening to your car’s engine on blast to enjoying fresher air inside your cabin, these gadgets are sure to make car rides more enjoyable, safer, and more efficient. And adorable, just look at this little guy.