A good car gadget doesn’t need a big screen or dozens of features. It should solve a specific problem: help you find your car or your car keys, check whether you’re sober, deal with a minor breakdown or make your journey safer.
So what’s really worth keeping to hand in 2026? We’ve picked seven practical solutions.
1. A GPS tracker for your car
A GPS tracker lets you check your vehicle’s position in an app. It can come in handy both in the event of theft and when you leave your car in a large or unfamiliar car park.
notiOne GPS PLUS offers features including a movement alert, safe zones, location history and LIVE mode. The small device can be hidden in the car and controlled from the app. Bear in mind, though, that a tracker is an additional layer of protection – it doesn’t replace the factory alarm or your insurance.
A good complement is a notiOne go! PLUS attached to your car keys. It lets you trigger an audible signal when the keys disappear somewhere in the house, your bag or the garage.
2. A breathalyser for peace of mind behind the wheel
How you feel is not a reliable way to judge whether you’re sober. That’s why a personal breathalyser is worth having, especially on trips away, at weddings or at summer get-togethers.
For a private driver, the Promiler iSober 50 can be a good choice. It has a platinum QMol 4.0 sensor, shows the result in around two seconds and stores your most recent readings.
The iBlow 15 breathalyser serves a different purpose. It takes a reading without a mouthpiece, shows the result after four seconds and uses light signals. It’s better suited to companies, fleets or situations where several people need to be checked quickly.
We recommend using a breathalyser only as a rough check of your own condition. If the reading or the way you feel raises any doubts, the safest option is not to drive and to give yourself the time you need to recover 100%.
3. A mini personal alarm
A breakdown in the middle of nowhere, walking back to the car park alone or passing through a poorly lit area – as we know, a driver’s safety doesn’t end when they step out of the car.
A 130 dB mini personal alarm emits a powerful signal when activated, which can attract the attention of people nearby. It also has an LED torch and is small enough to clip onto your keys, handbag or backpack.
4. A multitool for minor breakdowns
A loose screw, a problem with the number plate or a cable tie that needs cutting – in situations like these, a small multitool can save you a lot of time.
Remember, though, that multitools can differ slightly in what they include. Depending on your needs, you can choose:
- LG Mil-Tec multitool – a simple model with 10 functions, spring-loaded pliers and one-handed operation.
- Dominator Bullet Ant – a more advanced option offering 13 tools, 21 functions and a set of bits.
- Leatherman Sidekick – a compact model with 14 functions, spring-loaded pliers and stainless steel blades.
A multitool won’t replace a full tool kit or roadside assistance, but it does the job for simple, on-the-spot repairs.
5. A car charger and power bank
These days your phone is your sat nav, your means of calling for help and where you keep your documents. A flat battery on a longer journey can therefore mean a much bigger problem than losing access to social media.
It’s best to keep a USB-C fast charger and a working cable in the car. A power bank is an extra safeguard, especially when you have to leave the vehicle.
6. A compact compressor for topping up tyre pressure
A drop in tyre pressure doesn’t always mean a puncture, but it can noticeably affect how the car handles. A small compressor powered from the 12 V socket or USB lets you top up the air without hunting for the nearest petrol station.
When choosing one, look for a clear pressure gauge, automatic shut-off once the set pressure is reached and a sufficiently long hose.
7. Pepper spray for personal protection
We don’t only spend time in our cars while driving. There are stops in empty car parks, night-time journeys and unplanned breakdowns in remote places.
Spartan gel pepper spray has a range of up to 5 metres, plus a green dye and UV marker that can make it easier to identify the attacker later. A gel stream is also less affected by gusts of wind than a sprayed cloud.
Pepper spray shouldn’t be left permanently in a car that heats up a lot, though. Store it according to the manufacturer’s instructions and familiarise yourself with the rules for safe use beforehand.
Which car gadgets should you choose?
You don’t have to buy everything at once. The most universal kit for a driver is a GPS tracker, a breathalyser, a charger, a compressor and basic tools. A personal alarm and self-defence products are best chosen according to how you travel and the places where you most often leave your car.
The most important thing is that your kit doesn’t lie forgotten in the boot. A breathalyser needs periodic calibration, a power bank needs charging, and every driver should know how to use the devices they carry properly.
