5 picks for upgrading your car without buying a new one
1. Some futuristic flair for your dash
The ubiquitous, transparent glass heads-up displays used in numerous sci-fi movies have yet to catch on in the real world, but perhaps that’s about to change thanks to HUDWAY Glass. This dashboard-mountable platform reflects the images from Google Maps, Waze, and other travel apps from your phone onto a see-through display, allowing you to navigate without obstructing your view of the road.
Buy now: $49.95 for a limited time
2. A mightier phone mount
Settle for a subpar car mount, and you’re likely to find your phone drooping, slipping, or completely falling off while you’re trying to follow GPS directions. Choose an ExoMount Universal Smartphone Mount, however, and you can count on super-strong suction cup technology, magnetic mounting, 360-degree rotation, and easy installation without the need for tools.
Buy now: $22.95, formerly $29.95
3. A car charger that can save lives
In the event of an auto emergency, panic can make it hard to think clearly, let alone remember where you stashed your window breaker or seat belt cutter. The Ztylus Stinger Car Charger and Emergency Tool makes those life-saving items instantly accessible by merging them with an accessory that’s always close by when you’re behind the wheel. In addition to dual-port USB charging, it features a spring-loaded window punch and a seat belt cutter that is tested to cut through a 5,000 lb. tow strap.
Buy now: $19.95, marked down from $21.95
4. An eyewitness for every excursion
You know you’re a level-headed, law abiding driver, but you can’t account for the other millions of maniacs on the road. This High Definition Dash Cam will keep a watchful eye on your vehicular activities, allowing you to get an undeniable account of any accidents or encounters that occur. It mounts easily, and records 1080p video with 4x digital zoom, motion detection, and infrared night vision.
Buy now: $24, previously $59.99
5. A speed trap detector that could keep you out of trouble
Let’s be honest—nobody follows the speed limit exactly as it’s posted. The drivers know this, and the police know this. Yet the latter can use this unwritten rule to hand out some sneaky speeding tickets to unsuspecting drivers. Fight back with TrapTap. It’s a handy (and totally legal) wireless alert system that flashes to warn you about speed traps, red light cameras, and school zones. Thanks to TrapTap's community of users, your device receives real-time updates when new speeding hazards are set up.
As Director of Special Projects, Nicole Cammorata helps guide Mashable's editorial innovations, licensing programs, and specialty series. Previously, she was the site's Executive Editor and its very first Shopping Editor before that. Nicole is also Mashable's resident gifting expert and gets a thrill out of helping readers find the perfect present. She received a B.S. in Journalism from Boston University and an MFA in fiction writing from The New School. She lives in Maine with her husband, their three young children, and a backyard full of flowers.
