Dressing up or accessorising one’s ride has been around since time immemorial. For as long as the automobile has been around, man has been at it trying to make his ride his very own. And while there are a gazillion accessories to choose from, there are times when some folks tend to go overboard and put in stuff they don’t really need. Of course, what you put on your car is your prerogative. For those folks, however, who wonder how they can spruce up their rides, here are five must-have accessories and gadgets that aren’t just cool but are functional as well.

1. Dashcam

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Dashboard cameras or dashcams are arguably one of the most useful gadgets you can put on your car today. While it may seem frivolous, it actually helps to keep track of your time on the road and allows you to document events that transpire while you’re behind the tiller. This comes in handy during road mishaps and helps avoid the “he said, she said” scenarios that often end up with lopsided results. This is the ultimate police report that you can use should the need arise.

2. Smartphone mount

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With everyone and their mother having a cellphone these days, finding a secure place to store them while driving can be a problem. Sure, there are lots of cubbyholes in today’s rides, yet some simply leave their phone prone to flying off when you brake hard. Or, the mobile device tends to be positioned below your line of sight and won’t come in handy when you need to use Waze or the like. Smartphone mounts, as the name suggests, places your device on the dash within your line of sight. While it isn’t meant to encourage distracted driving, it does put your phone in the ideal spot so as to be easily accessed should you need to.

3. Bluetooth kit

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Again, this piece of kit helps promote safe driving as it allows your mobile device to be paired with your vehicle’s infotainment system. This way, you can make a call or use apps without taking your hands off the wheel and your eyes off the road.

4. Blind spot mirrors

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These devices are meant to avoid costly mishaps while on the road. The gadget is often found on high-end cars but can now be had even on rides owned by mere mortals. It comes in handy when changing lanes, warning drivers if there is a vehicle in their blind spot.

5. Key Finder

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Thanks to Bluetooth technology, losing those keys are now a thing of the past. All you need is a transmitter placed on your keychain that can help hone in on your vehicle’s keys when you tend to misplace them.

 

Do keep in mind, though, that accessorizing your ride depends on your priorities. If you’re in it to show off, then dress your car up all you want. But if function is what you’re after, then these, along with a nice set of upgraded wheels perhaps, could do the trick in making your ride your very own pride and joy.