If your current wheels didn’t roll off the assembly line with the latest touchscreens, sensors and electronics, you might feel like you’re missing out. But upgrading your vehicle doesn’t have to mean trading it in. The aftermarket world is packed with cool car gadgets designed to help make life on the road easier, smarter and safer.
The right gadgets might even help you better abide by the law – potentially avoiding a hefty mobile phone fine –or provide useful evidence if you ever need to make a car insurance claim.
Keen to give your beloved ride a new lease on life? In this article, we’ve rounded up some of the smartest and most useful new car gadgets consistently earning great customer reviews from Australian motorists – on Trustpilot, Product Review and within the ratings of retailer websites. Below, you’ll find gadget suggestions for everyone from everyday commuters and road-trippers to tech lovers and newly minted drivers.
Do bear in mind, however, that any windscreen-mounted device or gadget must be securely mounted to your vehicle and not obstruct driver vision to be compliant with Australian road rules.1,2
Useful gadgets for the everyday
From school runs to the work commute or even a weekend away, these three car upgrades have you covered for daily life on the road.
GPS tracker – Solid GPS
What is it?: A rechargeable GPS tracking device you can hide in your vehicle. If your car is stolen, your phone is notified and you can track your car’s location in real time.3
Why you’ll want it: So you can track a stolen car, notify police and share the vehicle’s location with them to help improve your chances of recovery.
How much?: From $157, then a $69.99 annual subscription.3
Dash cam – Kleva Front & Rear Dash Cam
What is it?: A front and rear dash cam with Wi-Fi and app connectivity, 4K high resolution (front) and 1080p (rear). Mount it on your windscreen and plug it into a USB-C outlet.4
Why you’ll want it: Dash cam footage may be able to help with accident disputes and insurance claims, by clarifying who was at fault.
How much?: $2494
Laser 10-inch infotainment screen
What is it?: A thin, 10-inch LCD screen that attaches to your windscreen with suction cups, and offers Apple CarPlay or Android Auto.5
Why you’ll want it: It’s a compact and easy solution that allows drivers of older cars to access all the functionality of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto – such as Google Maps, Spotify and phone calls. And if you’re sharing the car with a spouse or P-plater, you can easily switch between both platforms. It may also help lessen the temptation to use your phone while driving.
How much?: $2295
Helpful car gadgets for safety and maintenance
Part of staying safe if your car’s broken down means having the right gear to hand. Here are three products for when the unexpected strikes – or for helping to avoid strife altogether.
iCheck solar-powered tyre pressure monitor
What is it?: A diagnostic tool for monitoring your tyre pressure while driving. You simply swap your tyre valve caps with sensors that communicate your live tyre pressures via a small, solar-powered display on your dashboard.6
Why you’ll want it: To know when you have a slow leak in a tyre on your car, 4WD, trailer or caravan. Particularly useful for off-roading enthusiasts, especially if you’re in the boondocks, far from the nearest service station.
How much?: $2996
Ezi-Jak 3 Tonne Electric car jack kit
What is it?: A compact electric car jack that can lift up to 3 tonnes, in a small kit with an electric rattle gun for wheel nuts.7 Perfect for that nook in the corner of your boot.
Why you’ll want it: If you have to change a tyre by the side of the road, compared to manually winding a scissor jack, you’ll thank your past self for having this. Especially if it’s dark, wet and raining, or all of the above.
How much?: $3997
RESQME glass breaker and seat belt cutter
What is it?: A small, lightweight (17g) tool that you can use if you’re trapped in a car, to cut a seatbelt quickly and break automotive glass. Can be used underwater but is not designed to break laminated front windscreens.8
Why you’ll want it: Placed in easy reach, it could form part of your overall car emergency kit and help you feel more prepared out on the road.
How much?: $24.958
Car gadgets for tech lovers and connected cars
Bought your car in the Noughties? These three electronics will help bring your car into the modern day.
AutoSmart Parts wireless smartphone mirroring dongle
What is it?: If your car supports wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, plug this adapter into the USB port, connect your phone via Bluetooth and presto, you now have wireless smartphone mirroring.9
Why you’ll want it: The best new family cars almost all now come with cable-free Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. If your car is a few years old, this tool lets you say goodbye to cable clutter and enjoy the same experience.
How much?: $79.999
Adventure Kings heads-up display
What is it?: A 12-volt device that reflects your speed off your windscreen, putting it right in your line of sight so you don’t have to glance down at your instruments as often.10
Why you’ll want it: At 100km/h, taking your eyes off the road for just two seconds means you’re effectively travelling blind for 55 metres.11 That’s a sobering thought on any road, but especially when driving on country roads where conditions can change quickly. The more time you can keep your eyes on the road, the better.
How much?: $49.9510
Mod Heaven ambient smart lighting
What is it?: Six metres of USB-powered, thin lighting strip that you can install around your car’s interior. Using an app, you can then pick from a “spectrum of colours” at night.12
Why you’ll want it: Dramatically lift the vibe of your car’s interior at night.
How much?: $49.9912
Cool car gadgets for road trips and long drives
Planning a road trip in Australia means checking tyre pressures, considering stops to combat fatigue, and sharing the driving. Making sure you’ve packed the right gadgets for the drive might be top of the list too – potentially including this trio of handy-to-have gadgets.
Kings 15-litre, 12-volt refrigerator and freezer
What is it?: A combined fridge/freezer with a hinged lid on top, like an esky, that can hold 18 cans of soft drink. Small enough to fit in a middle rear seat and can be secured with a seatbelt. Runs on 12 volt or 24 volt power.13
Why you’ll want it: Icy cold drinks on a sweltering road trip, from start to finish, for you and the family.
How much?: $29913
Ortorex USB mini-fan
What is it?: A small, 2.5-watt, USB-powered fan that sits in an air-conditioning vent. It also comes with built-in coloured LED lights.14
Why you’ll want it: For the refreshing sensation of air blowing on your face without having to keep your car’s air-conditioning cranked up – and guzzling more fuel.
How much?: $47.9914
Wolfbox G390 digital rear-vision mirror
What is it?: A 10-inch mirror-shaped screen that fits over your actual rear-view mirror. It’s connected to a rear camera to give you a live feed of what’s going on behind your vehicle. There’s also a built-in, forward-facing dash cam.15
Why you’ll want it: It could be very helpful if you are on a great Australian road trip and have a caravan or road train blocking the view out the back – noting that a rear-view camera does not replace the need for mirrors.16 For many, having the included dash cam monitoring the road ahead in 4K high resolution will be a major bonus.
How much?: $239.9915
Practical car gadgets for families
Your car already comes with features such as wireless charging and you’ve sorted the Bluetooth speaker for your car. What’s next? These three gadgets could help to ease some of the challenges of family motoring life.
Anko rear seat tablet mount
What is it?: A tablet holder that clips to the back of the front headrest supports. It can hold a phone or tablet up to 12.9 inches (plugged into your car’s USB fast charger) and can swivel 360 degrees.17
Why you’ll want it: The kids can watch cartoons in the back on long trips. Or short ones.
How much?: $15 (BYO tablet)17
Philips Gopure Car Air Purifier
What is it?: A portable air purifier that fits in a cup-holder and claims to remove fine dust, allergens and pollutants from inside your car. Comes with a nano filter and is powered by USB.18
Why you’ll want it: So you and your loved ones can breathe cleaner air on the road.
How much?: $178.4418
SafeBub in-car baby monitor
What is it?: A 7-inch HD monitor that mounts to your windscreen and pairs with a camera via cable. Powered with a 12-volt outlet, it gives you a live feed of your baby while driving.19
Why you’ll want it: To keep an eye on your baby at all times with just a glance – no need to turn backwards – which is potentially much safer.
How much?: $239.8019
Some of the best car gadgets for beginner drivers
Whether you’re the parent of a learner driver who’s just getting behind the wheel for the first time, or a newly licensed P-Plater, here are some practical tools to assist your journey.
Cabin Crew blind spot mirror
What is it?: A small, 52mm diameter, frameless, round mirror that sticks to your regular side mirrors with 3M adhesive.20
Why you’ll want it: Many, if not most, brand new cars sold today come with blind spot monitoring. If your car doesn’t, this mirror may help an inexperienced driver spot a vehicle in their blindspot before changing lanes.
How much?: $9.9920
Gator back up camera kit
What is it?: If your car doesn’t have a reversing camera, this kit pairs a basic 5-inch colour display, sitting on your dash or windscreen, with a camera mounted between your taillights. It’s powered by your cigarette lighter.21
Why you’ll want it: No more guesswork when trying to reverse-park into a tight spot. Some of the safest cars in Australia now typically come with a reversing camera. Yours could too with this basic upgrade.
How much?: $129.9921
Clip It On P-plate clips
What is it?: These special clips let you attach a plastic L- or P-plate to your number plate without any screws, tape or mounting putty.22 A somewhat more elegant solution than stuffing the L- or P-plate under the rego plate and hoping for the best.
Why you’ll want it: When you first get your P-plates you may still be shopping for your first car. These clips will make swapping P-plates on and off a parent’s car much easier.
How much?: $12.9922
Do I need to let my insurer know about a gadget I’ve added to my car?
If you’ve attached some P-plate holders or popped a portable tyre inflator in the boot, you probably don’t need to notify your insurance company – but for pricier aftermarket items, including fitted items, it could be a good idea.
“At Youi, modifications are any changes made to a car after it left the factory that generally affect its performance or handling – things like a bull bar, different-sized wheels, or a wheelchair hoist to accommodate a disabled driver or passenger. These should always be disclosed to your insurer, whether or not you want them covered, as your insurer may need to factor them into their risk assessment." says Marni Jackson, Youi's Head of Product – Vehicle and Lifestyle.
“After-market Accessories and gadgets on the other hand, are items that can generally be added to a vehicle with ease and don't affect its performance – think floor mats, seat covers, roof racks, or a new stereo system. At Youi, these only need to be disclosed if you want them covered under your policy.
“If in doubt, there’s never any harm in calling your insurer to discuss any accessories or modifications you’ve made to your vehicle.”
While you’re shopping for your dash cam and in-car fridge, it might be worth checking that your car insurance cover is as up to date as your new dashboard tech – consider starting a quote with Youi today.
Note: All product prices, stockists and availability are correct at time of publication and may be subject to change. Prices may exclude shipping and are intended as a guide only.
1Source: Transport Victoria – VSI 29 (Fitment of equipment and accessories within the drivers field of view), October 2021
2Source: Mobile Audio Concepts Australia – Is dash cam footage legal in Australia?, May 2025
3Source: Solid GPS Australia – Solid GPS Tracker, n.d.
4Source: Kleva Australia – Kleva 4K UHD Front & Rear Dash Cam, n.d.
5Source: The Good Guys Australia – Laser 10 inch Portable Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, n.d.
6Source: iCheck TPMS Australia – iCheck Tyre Pressure Monitoring System 5 Sensor Kit, n.d.
7Source: Ezi-Jak Australia – Ezi-Jak 3T Electric Hydraulic Jack & Air Compressor, n.d.
8Source: Paramedic Shop Australia – RESQME Car Escape Tool, n.d.
9Source: AutoSmart Parts Australia – 4-in-1 Compact Wireless CarPlay & Android Auto Adapter + MirrorLink, n.d.
10Source: Adventure Kings Australia – GPS Heads Up Display (HUD) Unit, n.d.
11Source: Vic Government Transport Accident Commission – Surfers carve out distracted driving message, April 2025
12Source: Mod Heaven Australia – App Controlled Ambient Lights Kit, n.d.
13Source: 4WD Supa Centre Australia – Kings 15L Centre Console Fridge/Freezer, n.d.
14Source: Ortorex Australia – USB Car Mini Fan with LED Lights, n.d.
15Source: AutoSmart Parts Australia – Mirror Dash Cam 4K, 10 Inch WiFi GPS Display, n.d.
16Source: Qld Government – Towing vehicles and trailers, May 2022
17Source: Kmart Australia – Phone and Tablet Headrest Holder, n.d.
18Source: Dick Smith Australia – Philips Gopure Car Air Purifier, n.d.
19Source: Safebub Australia – Baby Car Camera, n.d.
20Source: Supercheap Auto Australia – Cabin Crew Blind Spot Mirror, n.d.
21Source: Supercheap Auto Australia – Gator GRV127KT Reverse Camera Kit 5" Dash Mount Display, n.d.
22Source: Supercheap Auto Australia – Clip It On Black Standard Plate Clips, n.d.
