Some people love long car rides, and others hate them. There really seems to be no in-between 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 dashcams 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 a lot of long drives, so I wanted to compile a list of gadgets that I felt would suit a variety of needs you may run into while driving for a long time.
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 has over 70 animations, which include 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 while on the road for a long period of time.
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 have an aerodynamic shape, so your car doesn’t feel sluggish from the extra weight. Check which one has the right shape and material for your needs and your vehicle.
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 reduce the amount of UV rays getting into your car and minimize the amount of 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 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, like this one by NOCO, makes it a lot 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.
Steering Wheel Tray
This one sounds sort of silly at first, but it grew on me in just a few minutes after learning about its existence. A steering wheel tray essentially attaches to your steering wheel to create 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.
Air Purifier
A portable air purifier isn’t the most entertaining gadget, but it can really make an 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 air purifier by Philips is conveniently shaped to fit into your cupholder, neutralizing odors and eliminating bacteria with its UV filtration. You will feel refreshed when the air doesn’t seem as stale.
Portable Charging Station
The more chords 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, giving you extra energy if you need to charge multiple devices or when your car is off at a rest stop. You can charge multiple devices at once, including things like laptops and game consoles so you have even more options for working and entertainment on the go.
Mirror Dash Cam
Installing a backup camera where your rearview mirror is 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, a backup camera will show you exactly what’s going on all the way back there, making reversing much safer.
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 while driving. This could save you a lot of time and money by cutting out coffee breaks, but it seems a little dangerous. Then again, what’s life without risks?
The Handpresso Auto by Huckberry fits conveniently in your cupholder and is charged in 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 to avoid damaging 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 a lot more enjoyable, safe, and efficient. And adorable — just look at this little guy.