10 Handy Gadgets That Can Turn Your Old Car Into a Smart Ride

Cars are perfect for getting from one destination to another, but every now and then, you want to travel in style. Nowadays, newer vehicles come with high-tech features like built-in Bluetooth and GPS navigation, easing the driving experience and making it feel far more luxurious.

However, if you're hanging on to an older car due to the high prices of new and used vehicles, you might not have access to these smart features. Don't worry—there are plenty of ways to upgrade your car without shelling out for a completely new one.

We've curated a list of top smart car accessories that can help you upgrade your not-so-smart car into a much more high-tech machine.

1. Anker Roav Bluetooth Car Adapter; $20

If you own an older car, it’s likely that connecting your smartphone for music streaming isn’t an option. But with the Anker Roav Bluetooth car adapter, you can say goodbye to cassette tapes and CDs (unless you actually enjoy them).

This useful gadget simply plugs into your car’s cigarette lighter, providing an instant Bluetooth connection. All you have to do is pair your phone, find an unused FM frequency (you can search for one here), set it on the device, and sync your radio to the same station—done.

Once set up, you’ll be able to enjoy your favorite music and podcasts without needing to rummage through old CDs. The Roav also doubles as a phone charger, featuring both USB and USB-C ports.

2. Yakry HD Backup Camera; $38 (Save $12 with the on-page coupon)

Many modern vehicles come equipped with built-in rearview cameras, giving you a clearer view when reversing. This feature is especially helpful when backing out of a driveway or trying to parallel park. Even if your car is from 2003, you can still upgrade it with a high-definition (HD) backup camera from Yakry.

The kit includes several components, such as the backup camera itself, a 4.3-inch HD monitor, cables, and various power options. You can either plug it into your car’s cigarette lighter for easy installation or wire it directly to your car’s power system for a more advanced setup. The camera mounts above your rear license plate, with a long cable running through the car to connect it to the monitor, which is placed on the dashboard.

Once installed, you can use the video feed to see what’s behind you. The camera even features safety lines, so you can easily gauge your proximity to nearby objects and avoid any accidental bumps.

3. FIXD Bluetooth Diagnostics Scanner; $28 (Save $32)

Modern vehicles collect all sorts of data on maintenance and performance, allowing owners to better understand their car’s overall health before visiting a mechanic. You can get similar insights for your older car (as long as it’s from 1996 or newer) with the FIXD Bluetooth diagnostics scanner, which is compatible with both iPhone and Android devices.

To get started, simply plug the adapter into your car’s OBD2 port (typically located under the steering wheel), then pair it with your smartphone via Bluetooth. After downloading the FIXD app from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store, just start the engine. All relevant data about your vehicle, including check-engine alerts, maintenance notifications, and more, will appear in the app.

4. Rove R2-4K Dash Cam; $80 (Save $40)

Dash cams have gained significant popularity in recent years. In the event of a car accident or emergency, this model from Rove could prove invaluable in resolving legal matters.

Simply attach it to the inside of your windshield using its built-in suction cup, and it will begin recording video with a 150-degree wide-angle view in stunning 4K resolution, saving the footage onto a microSD card (sold separately). The camera also lets you upload the footage to your iPhone or Android device, complete with timestamps, your driving speed, and even your location. Plus, with night vision capabilities, it ensures clear recording even during nighttime drives.

5. Apple AirTag Bluetooth Tracker; $29

Apple AirTags offer a simple way to track your car. Just sync one of these trackers with your iPhone via the “Find My” app, and place it somewhere in your vehicle—think glove compartment, under the seat, or clipped to the visor.

If your car ever gets lost, or you can't remember where you parked it in a sprawling lot or garage, use your iPhone to locate it precisely. AirTags are also perfect for keeping track of your keys or any small items that tend to vanish.

6. Tile Pro Bluetooth Tracker; $31

For Android users, the Tile Pro Bluetooth tracker works similarly to AirTags, but it syncs with the Tile app on your Android phone. To use it, just pair the tracker with your phone and app via Bluetooth, then attach it to any small item. It'll help you track down that lost object, and it's even iPhone-compatible, in case AirTags aren't your preference.

7. Carpuride 9-inch Touchscreen Stereo Display; $220 (Save $70 with the on-page coupon)

Although using portable electronic devices while driving is discouraged, hands-free, dash-mounted displays are a safe way to navigate. The Carpuride 9-inch touchscreen stereo display mirrors your smartphone’s car-enabled apps, such as phone, music, and maps, with larger icons using Apple CarPlay or Android Auto.

This display screen works in any car with a built-in cigarette lighter and stereo system. Simply pair your device with the 9-inch display, mount it on your dashboard or windshield for easy access while driving, and find an unused FM radio frequency to sync it to your car’s stereo. Alternatively, you can connect through your car’s auxiliary-in audio jack.

This smart car accessory takes you straight to a home screen where you can get turn-by-turn directions via Google Maps, Apple Maps, or Waze, stream music from Spotify, Apple Music, and more, and even receive weather updates via your voice assistant. It's the perfect solution for adding modern GPS navigation to an older vehicle.

Best of all, you can do everything using just your voice, making it a hands-free, convenient addition to any car.

The Echo Auto (2nd Generation) easily adds Amazon’s voice assistant, Alexa, to any older car. It can connect via the vehicle's cigarette lighter, auxiliary-in audio jack, or wirelessly through Bluetooth with your smartphone.

Once connected, Echo Auto provides driving directions and allows you to control music, podcasts, dictate text messages, and make or receive phone calls — all while keeping your hands on the wheel.

For only $20, you can upgrade your backseat entertainment setup with this versatile and budget-friendly mount.

Rather than spending money on a pricey touchscreen or a DVD player with a built-in screen for backseat passengers, we’ve discovered a quick, affordable solution—especially if you already have an iPad.

The Lamicall car mount provides a simple yet effective way to keep passengers entertained. It holds tablets or smartphones up to 12.9 inches in size, is fully adjustable, and can be attached to almost any headrest. Plus, it supports both portrait and landscape modes—all for just $20.

For $85, you can enjoy seamless internet on the go, connecting up to 16 devices with ease during your travels—perfect for families on long trips.

Heading out on a long road trip with the kids? A mobile hotspot like the Huawei Mobile Wi-Fi might just be the lifesaver you need. It provides 4G LTE internet speeds for up to 16 devices simultaneously, including smartphones, laptops, gaming consoles, and tablets—basically turning your car into a Wi-Fi zone.

Simply insert a SIM card from any U.S. carrier like T-Mobile or AT&T, and you’ll have instant internet access across North America. For best performance, place the hotspot in a central location in your car to ensure uninterrupted and strong Wi-Fi signals.