Wazzup Pilipinas!
More people in the Philippines are getting behind the wheel and looking for improved experience when doing so. In 2017, we saw 10,410, 814 vehicles were registered in the country and
1,040,108 of those vehicles registered were cars. In addition, the car gadget market has exploded with new devices such as
car GPS tracker in the past few years, all aimed at improving the driver and passenger’s driving experience. These gadgets can be a great help in making your drive hassle-free, smooth and in some cases, save you in an unexpected situation. Whether you're a local or new to the area and looking to
explore the beautiful attractions in the Philippines, check out a few new must-have additions for your
car.
Bluetooth Enabled Key Finder
One of the most common items that people tend to misplace is their keys. Thanks to Bluetooth enabled gadgets such as the TileMate and other Bluetooth key trackers, those moments where you just can't seem to recall the last place you left them will become a thing of the past. Key finders were around before 2019, but new versions and upgrades continue to take the market by storm. While you have the more expensive versions such as Orbit’s HButler ($29 or ph 1512), other more budget-friendly versions like Nonda’s IHere ($13 or ph 678) is just as good and comes with a rechargeable battery. Simply placed on your keychain, the device also allows you to connect the key finder to your phone as well.
Sweat Absorbent Steering Wheel Cover
The Philippines is known for its tropical and sometimes humid climate. In some months (particularly May), temperatures can reach up to 32 degrees Celsius or higher. These conditions can promote the sweaty road trip for many drivers, particularly on long drives. That is where sweat absorbent steering wheel covers come in handy. Typically, drivers use steering wheel covers for added grip or design. New gadgets such as the A-Lighting Coarse Flax Cloth Automotive Steering Wheel Cover can keep your hands dry and helps to prevent slips. This is a great little hack to help your steering, and in turn,
improve your control when driving your car.
Solar Powered Tire Pressure System
Any driver will testify that it always pays to
be prepared for emergencies when driving. This includes the standard protocol of storing a spare tire and accessories to change a flat tire if it ever occurs unexpectedly, and of course, taking the time and
gadgets to monitor your vehicle for any problems. Take advantage of the sunny weather in the Philippines and include a solar powered tire monitoring pressure system such as Zeepin’s Solar Powered Tire Pressure Monitoring System. The sensors are attached to each of your tires and alerts you when there is a leak or low pressure. This is a handy gadget to have, and helps to reduce those 'Oh no!' moments where you are caught unaware. As a bonus, it is solar powered, meaning there is no remembering to replace batteries or spending additional money to maintain the device in its lifetime.
Multi-Port Phone Charger
Gone are the days where the driver and occupants in the car will fight over the car charger. Now there are car chargers on the market with multiple charging ports available. Brands such as Incipo, PowerBear and Aukey now offer dual port USB models for any price range. PowerBear’s model boasts the ability to charge your mobile to 75 percent battery capacity in just under 45 minutes. The Aukey Dual Port Car Charger With Quick Charge 3.0 comes in at a reasonable $19 (or ph 990) while the pricier Incipregisters costs $35 (ph1824). The latter comes equipped with a lightning cable which is already built in. If you're willing to go high tech, consider a wireless car charger like the model offered by VanMass. It supports phones between 4 and 6.5 inches, and comes with great adjustability for optimal viewing when driving.
So if you're looking to upgrade your driving experience, look no further than these suggestions. They are a great starting point and cover some of the main concerns for drivers, including diagnostics, control and comfort - with a few added bonuses too.