According to a Statista survey done last year, 38% of South Africans reported daily commutes between 15 to 29 minutes, while 36% had commutes of 30 minutes or more. In a 2023/24 GCRO’s Quality of Life (QoL) Survey, it’s stated that 18% of residents take more than 45 minutes for most of their trips!
When you spend a lot of time in your car, safety and convenience become non-negotiable. Whether it’s navigation, avoiding distracted driving or being prepared for emergencies, the right car gadgets can make all the difference.
Top 5 Car Gadgets For South Africans
- Phone Mount
Why you need it: Whether you’re navigating on Google Maps or taking calls via Bluetooth, a sturdy phone mount keeps your device secure and in sight without breaking road rules. A lot of drivers get distracted and look at their phones when following directions. A phone mount makes sure you don’t look down or lose focus.
What to get: Dashboard/windshield mounts (keeps phone at eye level), air vent mounts, magnetic mounts, or CD slot or cup holder mounts.
- Dash Cam
Why you need it: Accidents happen, and having a dash cam provides video evidence in case of any disputes. It also helps deter reckless driving and keeps an eye on your car when parked (some cams offer motion detection helping capture footage). Sadly, some drivers intentionally cause accidents to claim insurance payouts. A dash cam can help you avoid being a victim of staged crashes.
What to get: Wide-angle lens cams, night vision, loop recording cams (overwrites old footage), dual front and rear cameras, and G-sensor and impact detection cams that lock and save footage when impact/accidents happen.
- Portable Jump Starter
Why you need it: If you’re travelling solo, a portable jump starter is convenient and means you don’t have to rely on strangers for help. Some models even double as power banks! In our country, this gadget is great, especially in areas where finding roadside assistance is not always quick or safe.
What to get: Look at the battery capacity and a higher mAh rating which allows for multiple jump starts before needing to recharge.
- Bluetooth FM Transmitter
Why you need it: Most cars nowadays have Bluetooth capabilities but if you’re driving an older car without it, a Bluetooth FM transmitter lets you stream music, take calls and charge your devices with no fancy, upgraded infotainment system needed. All one has to do is plug it into the cigarette lighter, connect via Bluetooth, and tune into an FM frequency.
What to get: Prioritise transmitters with strong signal and noise reduction capabilities as well as easy-to-use controls.
- Car Seat Organiser
Why you need it: If your car is chaos – full of snack wrappers, kids’ toys, cables and everything in between – a car seat organiser can keep everything within reach and easy to find. When driving, distractions like reaching for a tissue or cable under your seat can be reckless!
What to get: Backseat organisers, front-seat organisers (ideal for work documents), and between-seat organisers can prevent keys or phones from falling into the seat gap and boot organisers for groceries and first aid kits.
Drive Smarter with accidentANGELS
Even with precaution, accidents can happen. If they do, make sure you have an accident plan from accidentANGELS on your side. For ONLY R149pm, you get:
- Private hospitalisation access and treatment – no medical aid needed.
- R200 000 inpatient funds after an accident and up to R1 million on our R259pm plan
- Immediate R10 000 on your Angels Mastercard for emergency room expenses
Safety should be at the top of your list on the road and when you think about your loved ones and passengers. Check out our plans here and drive with confidence!
