Clocked more hours on the road than in your living room? Or do you consider your car as a second home? If that sounds like you, then it's high time you kit out your vehicle with these indispensable car gadgets. After all, a smoother, safer ride is just an accessory away!

1. Dashboard Camera

A dashboard camera, or dash cam for short, is a compact camera that mounts onto a vehicle's windscreen or dashboard.

It continuously records footage of the road ahead (and often behind if you have a dual-camera model) while you drive. The recordings are stored in memory cards which can be reviewed later.

One of the primary reasons drivers install dash cams is for evidence in case of accidents. The footage can be used to prove who was at fault, potentially saving you from unwarranted liability claims.

Some insurance companies even offer discounts to policyholders who have dash cams installed as they can expedite claim processes.

_{Choosing the right dashboard camera}

So, how do you choose the right dashboard camera?

The most important factor is to look for one that offers high-definition (HD) recording. If you drive a lot during nighttime or in low-light conditions, a dash cam with night vision is invaluable. Clarity can make a difference in capturing crucial details like licence plates.

Next, ensure your dash cam has ample memory space. This ensures it doesn’t run out of storage and stops recording easily. Imagine an unfortunate incident occurring just after storage gets full!

Find it tedious to manually delete old dash cam footage? Consider getting one with a loop recording feature, which automatically overwrites the oldest footage when storage fills up. If you have to manage footage manually, there's also a risk of accidentally deleting important recent recordings.

2. Parking sensors

Bid goodbye to those nerve-wracking moments when you attempt to squeeze into a tight parking spot. Parking sensors alert you to nearby objects, so you can manoeuvre like a pro and avoid those sneaky poles and bollards.

Parking sensors use ultrasonic technology, which emits sound waves that bounce back when they encounter an obstacle. The closer you are to an obstacle, the higher the beeping frequency.

By helping you avoid these obstacles, parking sensors can save you significant sums in potential repair and touch-up costs for unsightly scrapes.

3. Blind spot mirrors

Eradicate those pesky blind spots with blind spot mirrors. They help extend your field of vision and uncover hidden zones that regular mirrors might miss.

In the bustling roads of Singapore where lanes are constantly changing, these mirrors become your second pair of eyes, ensuring lane changes are safe and stress-free.

4. Tyre Gauges

Besides dash cams and blind spot mirrors, consider getting a tyre gauge for a safer drive too. Your tyres need to have the maximum grip on the road for optimal braking, turning, and acceleration. You can ensure they're at the perfect pressure with a handy tyre gauge – a device used to measure the air pressure inside the tyres of vehicles.

_{How to choose your tyre gauge}

It’s important to get a gauge that works within the pressure range of the tyres that you will be using the gauge on. For instance, if you run 30 PSI (pounds per square inch) in your tyres, you should get a 60 PSI gauge. If you run 15 PSI, then you should get a 30 PSI gauge.

A gauge that can measure up to 50 PSI is adequate for most passenger cars.

Next, decide which type of tyre gauge to get – stick or pencil gauges, dial gauges, or digital gauges. Stick or pencil gauges are the simplest and most compact. Meanwhile, dial gauges are generally more accurate than pencil gauges and are easier to read. As for digital gauges, they are known for their accuracy and ease of use, with some models even having backlit displays for night-time use.

5. Windshield washer fluid

A clear view is also paramount when driving. Stock up on quality windshield washer fluid to keep your vision unobstructed and ensure that every drive is picture-perfect, whether you’re amidst the urban landscapes of Singapore or the scenic outskirts overseas.

6. Car battery charger & portable jump starter 

Dead battery in the middle of nowhere? Stay in control with a car battery charger and portable jump starter. Contrary to popular belief, these two devices work in different ways to help get your car started.

_{Portable jump starter vs car battery charger}

A portable jump starter is a device that allows your car to start by providing a direct jolt of power to its dead battery. Unlike traditional jumper cables, which require another vehicle to source power, a portable jump starter works as a standalone unit, eliminating the need for a donor vehicle.

Keep in mind that a jump starter doesn’t charge your battery. Instead, jump starters provide just enough power to turn the engine over and get your charging system running.

You’ll still need a car battery charger, which works like any charger, to fully power up your car’s battery. However, car battery chargers require an electrical outlet, with a charge time of 1-2 days.

So, which devices do you get? It’s recommended to have both tools in your vehicle –  a portable jump starter for emergency situations and a car battery charger for maintenance purposes.

7. Wireless charger

Similarly, a drained phone can be quite the mood dampener, especially when you need to rely on it for navigation or those road trip tunes.

Wireless chargers keep your devices fully charged without the fuss of cables. Simply pop your phone onto the wireless charger to juice it up.
 

8. Car seat gap filler 

We've all experienced it – that sinking feeling when something slips into the abyss either in the front seats or back seats. But, with a car seat gap filler, your keys, coins, or snacks will never vanish again.

Opt for one with added organisational pockets to neatly stow your essentials away. This keeps everything within arm's reach yet prevents clutter.

_{Enjoy the road ahead with these car gadgets & accessories}

Amp up your driving experience by equipping your car with these eight car gadgets and accessories. While they’re upgrading your drive, why not bolster your peace of mind with car insurance like Singtel Car Protect as well?

After all, a safe journey isn't just about the drive; it's about the protection too. 

Hop on board with Singtel Car Protect, an ideal partner for your car adventures, whether you're taking in Singapore's scenic routes or venturing on a Malaysia road trip.

Affordable but comprehensive, Singtel Car Protect caters to all needs, whether you’re heading on road trips out of Singapore, seeking peace of mind with 24/7 emergency service, or sending your beloved vehicle to your preferred workshop.

Looking for the basics? The Value Plan offers no-frills coverage that covers you for third party liabilities, while the Essential and Premium Plans offer more protection, such as personal accident benefits for you and your passengers.

Disclaimer: Singtel Car Protect is underwritten by Great Eastern General Insurance Limited. T&Cs apply. Protected up to specified limits by SDIC.