Top 5 Car Gadgets You Need for Your Next Road Trip

A road trip is one of life’s great pleasures, an exciting way to discover hidden gems, natural beauty and iconic landmarks that you can’t experience any other way. But when you’re spending a lot of time in your vehicle, certain car accessories can make the journey a lot better. An hour into your trip, you’ll realize that when you’re looking around for a charger in the back seat or trying to find your child’s favorite toy. 

So whether you’re driving solo for a quick weekend away or packing up the whole family for an epic cross-country adventure, pick up these car gadgets. (You’ll wonder why you didn’t get them sooner!) And before you hit the road, reach out to Farm Bureau to be sure you’re protected, whether it’s with an auto policy or roadside assistance.

Must-Have Gadget #1: Portable Jump Starter

When you’re still at home, a dead car battery is an easy fix — just ask a neighbor to jump your car and head to the auto shop for a replacement. But when you’re driving into more remote areas, a dead battery can throw your entire itinerary off by hours, if not days.

That’s why you should always keep a portable jump starter in your car, which can get you back on the road quickly — no second car required. These portable jump starters are generally lightweight, easy to pack and can jump start most vehicles on a single charge.

Must-Have Gadget #2: Dashcam and Blind Spot Mirror

Even the most cautious drivers make mistakes from time to time, especially when dealing with blind spots, distractions and crowded places like parking lots. Getting into an accident when you’re far from home can be stressful, turning a fun trip into a huge headache.

Luckily, new technologies make it easier to see in difficult places. You can increase your visibility with safety gadgets like backup dashcams and blind-spot mirrors, both of which are easy to install and function as an extra set of eyes on the area around you. You’ll be glad for that extra visibility.

Must-Have Gadget #3: Seat Back Organizer

Snacks, activities, books, tablets — stuff can pile up quickly when you’re driving long distances. Everybody knows that a car can turn into chaos during a road trip. And trying to find your kid’s favorite green marker or sippy cup while operating a vehicle is no doubt a safety hazard.

That means organization is not just nice — it’s a safety concern! So, keep the space inside your car tidy with a seat back organizer. There’s a bonus, too: In addition to keeping all the essentials visible and within reach, organizers often include tablet holders for easy backseat movie viewing, a reliable way to keep young ones occupied for a long driving stretch.

Must-Have Gadget #4: Smartphone Mount

Exploring new areas can be an exciting adventure, but not if you have no idea where you are. These days, most of us use smartphones for navigation if we don’t have GPS built into our car dash. If that’s you, you’ll want to ensure it’s in a place that is easy to see and hear without taking your eyes off the road or your hands off the wheel.

A smartphone mount makes this easy. There are different models that insert into your car’s CD player, stick to your windshield and mount on your dash. Find a good one that will hold steady and stay visible without distraction. You’ll enjoy easier navigation, hands-free!

Must-Have Gadget #5: Power Inverter and Chargers

Family road trips can be a magical time of discovery and connection. But even the most angelic kids can get antsy when their tablet or phone battery goes dead. Plus, if you need that device for directions, you’ll be in trouble if the battery runs out.

Keep everything charged and working well with a power inverter, one of the most useful car gadgets in the age of screens. Capable of charging multiple devices at once, they can generally provide two AC outlets and two USB ports and plugs directly into almost any car cigarette lighter or other power outlet. Check out your car’s USB ports and charging options that can make it easier to charge electronics. 

Make Sure You’re Protected Everywhere

Whether you’re stranded on the side of the road, broken down halfway across the country or in your own driveway, you’re just one call away from help with Farm Bureau’s 24/7 roadside assistance. If you’re stranded with a flat tire, dead battery or more, call us and we’ll send help from our trusted network. 

And to make sure you’re covered no matter your trip, reach out to Farm Bureau to ask about our policies.