Vehicle add-ons have gone far beyond basic upgrades; they now allow motorists to create more functional and personalised driving environments. These enhancements are no longer just about beauty or flair—they contribute immensely to improving ease, comfort, and protection during travel. Their impact is most evident in how they reduce stress on the road and support better driving experiences.
As vehicle technologies improved, fresh gadgets and smart solutions started showing up, making daily commutes more practical and stress-free. Let’s examine several vehicle accessories that may not receive as much attention, yet play a strong role in improving how you drive.
Dual-camera mirrors offer peace of mind when reversing or proving your case (Photo: Alamy)
1. LCD Rearview Mirror
Personally, I enjoy gadgets that combine various features in one package, and this is one of those devices. When I first encountered this item—which combines a dash camera, a rear-facing camera, and even GPS—it struck me as an impressive innovation.
Of course, some motorists may prefer the traditional mirror setup and may not be fond of having a display in place of the standard mirror. That said, the benefits of this type of mirror cannot be overlooked. Having two cameras installed—one facing the front and the other mounted at the back—can prove very helpful in case of a traffic collision.
They can provide evidence if you need to explain the situation to law enforcement or an insurance company. For vehicles like vans or trucks that do not come with rear windows or mirrors, the rear camera provides a much clearer look behind you, especially when reversing.
Many models offer only the camera function, but some go further by adding maps, GPS guidance, or even compatibility with Android Auto. This makes it possible to access Google Maps and other Android apps directly. Of course, it goes without saying that watching a TV series like Game of Thrones while driving is a very bad idea!
2. TUNAI Firefly Bluetooth Receiver
TUNAI Firefly Bluetooth Receiver (Photo: Getty Images)
If you’ve ever felt annoyed that your car couldn’t play music from your phone, you’re not alone. Sometimes a car might have Bluetooth, but only for calls, making it impossible to enjoy music wirelessly.
Although many newer vehicles have full Bluetooth support, quite a lot of cars on the road today still lack it or have limited functionality. That’s where Bluetooth receivers come in handy. You just pair the receiver with your phone, connect it to your car’s AUX input, and you’re good to go—listening to your playlists in peace. And if your car doesn’t have an AUX port at all, then you’ll need an FM transmitter (which we’ll look at later).
Even though Bluetooth receivers are common now, the TUNAI Firefly stands out for its clever design. Over the years, I’ve tried different brands, and the one thing I always disliked was the mess of cables.
This particular device has managed to solve that issue neatly. It doesn’t need separate cables for power or audio—it’s all built in. It’s quick to install and simple to operate. Once it’s in place, you might even forget it’s there, which is exactly what you want from a well-designed accessory.
3. OBDII Bluetooth Diagnostic Scanner
Bluetooth Auto Diagnostic Scanner (Photo: Alamy)
This small device might appear basic, but it can prove extremely useful for car maintenance, especially for those who like to do things themselves. These days, cars rely heavily on electronics, and with that comes the benefit of many built-in sensors that can give useful information when something isn’t right.
You don’t need to rush to a mechanic each time your warning light comes on. With this gadget, just plug it into the OBDII port under your dashboard and connect it via Bluetooth to your phone or laptop. The companion app or software will show any fault codes recorded by your car. In many cases, you can even clear the codes—but only if you’re sure of what you’re doing.
Doing a little research might help you identify the issue and possibly even handle the repair yourself. Fixing it on your own can save you a good amount of money and also give you a sense of satisfaction. Depending on what your car supports, you can leave the device plugged in while driving to check details such as your speed, throttle position, or RPM.
Some faults only show up while the vehicle is in motion, so having live readings can also help during troubleshooting. If you enjoy tech, this scanner might even allow you to create a personalised heads-up display on your dashboard using your phone.
4. Tyre Pressure Monitor
Tyre Pressure Monitor (Photo: Getty Images)
Before setting out on any long trip, there are several routine checks you’re expected to do on your vehicle. But let’s be honest—how many people truly check everything every single time? Tyre pressure, although very important, is one of those things that people tend to skip even though low pressure can affect braking, wear out your tyres quickly, and increase fuel consumption.
If you’re driving a top-end modern car, tyre monitoring may be built in. However, most vehicles on Nigerian roads do not have this feature. That’s where a portable tyre pressure monitor proves useful. Sure, you can manually check with a gauge, but using a smart sensor that gives live updates over time without touching your tyres is far more efficient.
These sensors are mounted on your tyres and usually send data to a central display unit. You can also pair it with your smartphone or infotainment system to receive alerts whenever your pressure goes off the ideal range. So, even if you’re not behind the wheel of a luxury sedan, this tool gives you access to similar safety benefits.
5. Multifunction Bluetooth FM Transmitter
Multifunction Bluetooth FM Transmitter (Photo: Alamy)
When MP3 players first became common, most vehicles weren’t equipped to support them. If your car only had a CD or cassette player, your only options back then were to use an audio cassette adapter or an FM transmitter to enjoy music from your device.
Even though modern vehicles have made some progress with in-car entertainment, many still lag behind. FM transmitters remain relevant today—and they’ve also improved over the years. You can now get models that pair with your phone using Bluetooth, removing the need for physical connections altogether.
This type of transmitter connects to your car’s 12V outlet and then wirelessly broadcasts music from your phone through FM radio frequencies. You don’t need to bother with AUX cables.
Once paired, it can even reconnect automatically every time your phone comes into range. Apart from playing music, it also lets you take hands-free calls, use voice assistants like Siri or Google Assistant, charge devices using USB ports, and even play music directly from USB sticks or TF cards.
