10 car tech-Installs for under R1000
10 car tech-Installs for under R1000
Since very few of us can afford cars with all the latest sensors, cameras and other cool and convenient gadgetry, we thought we’d scour the online marketplace, looking for things to spruce up and technofy your ride.
1. Parking Sensor Assistant
If your car did not come fitted with parking sensors, installing one of these babies will help to prevent minor dents and scratches, or reversing over the family pet. A must-have if you have limited mobility in your neck, or if your view to the rear is just not that good. We found a whole bunch ranging from R314 to R799. If you drive a bakkie, panel van or any vehicle that doesn’t offer fantastic visibility, one of these is definitely worth investing in.
https://www.takealot.com/all?qsearch=car+parking+sensor+assistant&_sb=1&_dt=all&_r=1
2. Car Jump-starter / Power bank kit
A perfect solution to multiple dilemmas: flat car battery, flat phone battery, flat laptop. No more telling the boss you were ‘indisposed’ when you don’t hand in that assignment on time! This nifty power pack will jump-start your car, and bring your dead devices back to life as well! Great for camping trips too, or that dreaded moment when your electricity meter shows you’ve exhausted every last unit.
https://www.takealot.com/lasa-multi-function-car-jump-starter-and-power-bank/PLID41663320
3. Central locking kit with alarm - R595
If you have a classic car or just don’t want your valuable stuff stolen, this central locking kit will also sound the alarm if it detects any unlawful persons trying to gain entrance to your car. Suitable for 4-door cars, it includes two remotes and has a LED warning light.
https://www.takealot.com/central-locking-kit-with-alarm-system/PLID38259194
4. In-car DVD player
If you’re not the kind of parent who believes in giving your kids tablets, this DVD player will keep the little ones calm and entertained, for the duration of any lengthy road-trip. And when you reach your destination, you can say ‘bye-bye technology’; and really focus on spending quality family time. After all, it’s so much better for the kids to be running around outside or riding their bikes!
https://www.takealot.com/starsound-dvd-with-usb-and-bluetooth/PLID42535740
5. Rearview camera (and DVD display) - R679
If you drive a car with poor visibility, and you absolutely need to see what’s going on around you, this multi-functional gadget will give you eyes in the back of your head.
There have been incidents of people running over pedestrians behind the vehicle at the time. Alternatively, you can use it for viewing DVDs. AV1 connects to your car DVD, VCR and other video equipment; AV2 to the car’s backup camera.
https://www.takealot.com/7-2-channel-video-input-dvd-car-rearview-monitor/PLID41263430
6. Rear park assist camera, with front dashcam - R600
Perfectly sized if you have a small car and don’t want a large gadget obstructing your view through the front windshield. The 4.3-inch picture is displayed in a rearview mirror monitor. Compatible with any car, it connects to any power source or 12V socket. You clamp it over your rearview mirror and according to the manufacturer, it should fit all cars. Now there’s no more he-said-she-said-nonsense when you do get caught in a minor fender-bender, as you’ll have it all on camera. Smile!
Here’s another one for R995:
7. TomTom Hands-Free Car Kit for smartphones - R759
In Cape Town, you get a big ol’ fine and your phone is confiscated if you are caught yakking while driving. Unless you are a fully functional android who truly can drive properly with a phone attached to your ear, we suggest investing in a hands-free car-kit. This kit allows you to make calls via Bluetooth (and an extendable microphone), fast-charge your phone on-the-go, and have your phone in plain sight when using Google Maps! Fits smartphones that are 100-127.5 mm tall or 54-80.5 mm wide.
https://www.takealot.com/tomtom-hands-free-car-kit-for-smartphone/PLID29753147
8. Orico Vehicle Multi-charger - R495
Ever noticed that all electronic devices always run out of juice at exactly the same time? If you are that parent who gave all of your kids tablets or phones, you will definitely need something that will be able to power all of them up too... 3 x 12V-sockets and 4 USB-ports should do it, don’t you think? Just don’t forget it at home...
9. TomTom High Speed Dual Charger - R329
If it’s just you and your other half/BFF on the road, this high-speed dual USB charger plugs into your car’s 12V socket, and will get everything up and running in a jiffy.
10. Coleman LED Auto On Cooler Light - R269
A handy tech-install for your padkos cooler box or toolbox, especially if you travel often at night. It is motion activated, meaning it lights up automatically when you open the lid. It can be turned on to work continuously as well, and only takes three AAA-batteries to work. It’s easy to attach with adhesive tape or a screw-mounted bracket. Can be used to shed some light on any dark corner that needs illumination (coolerbox not included).
https://www.takealot.com/coleman-led-auto-on-cooler-light-blue/PLID41458642