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10 Car Accessories For Your Inner Geek
It’s well known that here in Singapore we are a nation of gadget geeks.
And the last two decades have seen extraordinary rollouts in auto innovation designed to make getting around easier and safer. And it’s not about to slow down.
Here are some of the geekiest car accessories on the market today:
1. Smart Dash Cams
Smart dashcams are an essential car accessory for any driver in Singapore. These nifty gadgets provide a safe and secure way to record your drive, ensuring you have crucial evidence in case of an accident. Designed with ease of use in mind, smart dashcams offer high-quality video footage, capturing every detail of your journey. Equipped with advanced features such as GPS, Wi-Fi, and night vision, they provide comprehensive footage day and night. With a smart dashcam, you can enjoy a safe and secure driving experience, knowing that your drive is being recorded in crystal-clear quality. Speaking of accidents, check out this article highlighting the most common accident hotspots in Singapore, because even with a dashcam on board, you still need to remain vigilant.
2. Cordless Car Vacuum
Eating in our cars is a part of life, and with kids, the mess is a given. Don’t even mention the cockroaches! Thanks to cordless or portable car vacuums , you can now clean your vehicle anywhere you are, without depending on the petrol station. Many vacuums operate while the engine is on and can continue running for a good while after the engine is switched off.
Of course, the vacuum cleaner is only as good as the carpet spot remover you use alongside it and these days there are some amazing products that will get rid of those stains you thought were just a part of your car forever. Not only that, but you can even get that new car smell back!
3. Wireless Charging Phone Mount
In today’s fast-paced world, staying connected is crucial, and the Wireless Charging Phone Mount is here to ensure your phone is always powered up while you’re on the go. This sleek and innovative accessory fits seamlessly into the gear selector area of your vehicle, providing a modern and unobtrusive look. The MagSafe or Qi technology ensures fast and efficient charging, so you can keep your phone ready for navigation, calls, or music streaming without the hassle of tangled wires.
Not only does it charge your phone wirelessly, but it also doubles as a sturdy phone mount, keeping your device within easy reach and view. This is particularly handy for drivers who rely on their phones for GPS navigation. The slim design ensures it won’t obstruct your view or take up too much space, making it a perfect addition to any car. With the Wireless Charging Phone Mount, you can stay connected and focused on the road, knowing your phone is securely mounted and charging efficiently.
4. Auto Lane Keeping
Many car accidents are the result of human exhaustion causing drivers to weave where they shouldn’t. Fortunately, Automatic Lane Keeping cruised onto the market in 2014: a system of cameras and sensors that ‘watch’ the road ahead and automatically turn a steering wheel to keep your car in its rightful lane. Debuting in luxury brands Infiniti and Mercedes, this safety development hopes to be an improvement from the lane departure warning system – a series of vibrations or sounds to notify you – launched in 2002.
Auto Lane Keeping is the first step in an autonomous driving future - cars that drive themselves smoothly, navigating through traffic while you kick back, maybe even catch up on emails or take a nap. Sounds like something from the future, right? But it’s happening now! From cars that park themselves to advanced systems that can detect obstacles, we’re getting closer and closer to a world where driving might just be a thing of the past. Learn more about what the future of driving in Singapore looks like
5. Advanced GPS Dashboard Navigation
Where would we be without GPS? Well… lost, for starters. This ingenious gadget accesses the readings of orbiting satellites to figure out your location and then directs you to your destination. And that’s only the beginning. Even though the very first in-car GPS systems launched as early as 1995 in the luxury Oldsmobile – it was miles away from the capabilities portable GPS devices have today. Not only can they now be installed in any car, but many feature enhanced maps (3-D in premium models); voice-activated, turn-by-turn directions; automatic reroute for wrong turns; live traffic coverage and lifetime map updates, which allow you keep current on each year’s map changes; and of course all without referencing your phone.
Navigating the bustling roads of Singapore can be a breeze with advanced GPS navigation systems. These must-have devices provide accurate and up-to-date maps, ensuring you can find your way with ease. Designed to be user-friendly, our GPS navigation systems come with advanced features like voice command, real-time traffic updates, and points of interest. Whether you’re exploring new areas or commuting to work, these systems make your drive smoother and more enjoyable. With an advanced GPS navigation system, you can enjoy a safe and enjoyable driving experience, always knowing the best route to your destination.
6. Self-Inflating Tyre System
We’re supposed to check our car’s tyres regularly to ensure there’s enough air, but the chore isn’t always top-of-mind. Thankfully, the ‘Halo’ – which helps tyres to self-inflate – rolled out in 2014. An innovation of engineering company, Aperia, the ‘Halo’ device is bolted into the centre of the wheel. Using an internal sensor, it’s able to detect when the air pressure is low and when it is, an inner pump immediately sends air into the tyre. Currently, this self-inflating tyre system is only available for commercial trucks. But once accessible to everyone, it will be a saviour for reducing extreme wear and wasted fuel.
Of course not all cars have this, and if you do ever get stuck with a flat tyre then you should follow these 8 easy steps to change a tyre - and you will be back on your way in no time.
7. Car Storage and Organisation
Keeping your car clean and clutter-free is essential for a comfortable driving experience in Singapore. These car storage and organisation solutions are designed to help you achieve just that. With features like adjustable compartments, cup holders, and phone holders, these accessories make it easy to keep everything in its place. No more searching for your phone or dealing with messy back seats. With these car storage and organisation solutions, you can enjoy a safe and comfortable driving experience, knowing that everything you need is within easy reach and neatly organised.
Some of our favourite car storage and organisation solutions include:
- A portable car desk/tray combo so eating and working in your car can actually be comfortable!
- A three-pocket folding car trunk organiser for anyone whose trunk has descended into full blown chaos. Strong Velcro keeps it secure while driving and it even folds down for easy storage when not in use.
- A Boot Net organiser that you can use to keep all your items secured, especially during long drives across the border into Malaysia.
- A seat gap organiser - these are excellent little things that slip between the driver/passenger seat and the centre console where the gears and handbrake is. Not only can you store items here, it prevents you losing things like your phone down the gap - and we have all done that at least once!
- Rear seat organiser that slips over the driver or passenger side seats and provides a place for the rear passengers to store phones, books, and other random items.
8. Forward Collision Avoidance System (FCAS)
Car accidents happen so quickly. The driver has little time to react. The good news: We now have forward collision avoidance systems to respond for us. This protective technology, first launched by Honda in 2003, is able to sense other drivers, pedestrians or objects ahead using cameras, laser or radar, then respond accordingly. Actions by forward collision avoidance systems may include prepping the brakes, alerting the driver or applying the brakes. If a driver chooses not to act on a potential hazard alerted to them by FCAS, the system also has the ability to lower the speed or perform an emergency stop, all autonomously. Experts believe that in the near future FCAS will help reduce accident risk for drivers. For instance, if there’s a red light ahead and the car is going too fast, you’ll be sent a message and the car will stop you from crashing into the intersection. Fully loaded, FCAS are the standard for high-end brands such as Volvo, Acura and Mercedes-Benz. Nonetheless, many mid-range cars like Honda, Toyota and Subaru have increasingly been implementing the feature too.
And while we are on the topic of built in safety features of modern cars…
8b. Rear-Mounted Radar detects Cross-Traffic Technology
Backing out of a parking space is always a bit of a challenge, especially knowing cars can approach out of nowhere. Thankfully, Chrysler proposed a collision-preventing solution in 2009, when it rolled out the Cross Path Detection System — the first rear-positioned radar that could spot approaching cross-traffic. Paired with outer mirror alarm indicators, this watchful technology sounds an alert when it sees a vehicle approaching while you’re backing up. Ford followed Chrysler’s lead in 2010, with its Cross Traffic Alert system (also with mirror alarms) in mid-range Fusion and Mercury Milan sedans.
9. Self-Parking
Ah, the joys of parallel parking: Finding that rockstar space, then the back-and-forth struggle to get your car into it. Fortunately, luxury car Lexus recognised drivers’ need for a sanity saver by introducing self-parking in 2006. Toyota, Volkswagen and BMW have since added this fabulous feature, which uses front and rear bumper sensors, bumper-mounted cameras or radar to identify.
other parked vehicles, the size of the parking space and distance to the curb. The car’s computer then responds by turning the steering wheel to manoeuvre the car into the spot. The driver still controls the speed of the parking, but the chore is certainly made a whole lot easier. Related: Free and Cheap Parking in Singapore - the Ultimate List.
10. Car Emergency and Safety Kit
Being prepared for emergencies is crucial for any driver in Singapore. A car emergency and safety kit provides a safe and secure way to handle unexpected situations like accidents, breakdowns, or medical emergencies. These kits are designed to be easy to use and come with essential items such as first aid kits, jumper cables, and reflective triangles. These tools ensure you’re ready to tackle any roadside emergency with confidence. With a car emergency and safety kit, you can enjoy a safe and secure driving experience, knowing you’re prepared for whatever the road throws your way.
To find the car insurance that's right for you, be sure to get a quote with Budget Direct.
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