The cup holder is one of the most underestimated car accessory. It inconspicuously sits there, waiting for your 7-11 Gulp–waiting for you to take it for granted. In any case, your cup holder is one definitely one of your best friends if you’re the type who often eats in his or her car. However, don’t you want to upsize your cup holder’s style? If so, check this one out.

It’s the Type S DH02755-24/6 Silver Metallic Twin Drink Holder. Apart from its scientific, aircraft-grade name, this thing stays true to its purpose. However, what makes it different is that it’s really stylish. Hey, just look at its aerodynamic design. Once you put a can of coke in there you might even get a boost in your car’s performance–as well as your ego. Still, this drink holder is a fine thing to add in your car. So if you want it, check it out here.

Driving without a map in an unfamiliar place is like driving during the night without headlights. This only one thing – you are headed for trouble! Trouble is not a good word to hear especially if you have your precious family with you in the car. To avoid this, you must ensure that a map is stuffed inside your dashboard storage. Or, if you don’t want to deal with paper maps, you can always have a portable GPS navigation system. This device is more convenient than a paper map anyway. By simply proving the device with the destination, it will automatically design a route, even speak out directions, and provide turns that you need to take.

However, here’s the problem. At present there is already a lot of GPS available that car owners find it hard to choose sometimes. Experts offer tips on how you can choose the best GPS for your car and your needs. Read on for the tips by Yahoo Autos.

Navigation is the priority. We recommend focusing first on how well the system works for navigation, using the ratings to prioritize nav features and map database coverage, over entertaining, nonessential extras.

Ease of use. Look for a unit that scored well for entering a destination. Some interfaces are more intuitive than others, and low-scoring units can be awkward, slow, or both.

Built-in battery convenience. Look for a unit with good battery life, especially if you want to use it for walking. While all systems include a plug for your car’s 12-volt outlet, a built-in battery leaves you the option to use the power port for another device, such as a cell phone, and it eliminates cord clutter. A battery also enables you to preload a route before you enter the vehicle. Some models are also packaged with a traditional AC plug for in-home use and recharging.

Spoken street names. A system that speaks street names rather than says simply “turn left” can help you negotiate an unfamiliar area and is especially useful in urban driving, where streets can be close together. It is a handy feature that reduces the need to take your eyes off the road to scan the on-screen map.

Avoiding traffic. A system with traffic-information capability can be helpful if you travel a lot in cities that have good traffic-monitoring coverage. Between the map and detour functions, the system can help you route around traffic congestion and alert you to accidents and road construction. But as with traditional radio traffic reports, there are some weaknesses in the nav-system-based services, specifically related to available data and the timeliness of the report. Unless specifically stated that a unit has an internal receiver, many devices need an external receiver or a cell phone to obtain traffic data and most will require a subscription fee for the information. (Typically, only the premium-priced units have a built-in receiver and that is noted on the product pages, accessed through the Ratings chart.)

Modern features. A full-featured model can effectively upgrade an older car with features like Bluetooth hands-free telephone capability, MP3 player, an iPod connection, and an FM transmitter.

Travel gear. If you travel outside the United States, look for a unit that offers maps for navigating overseas. Most will function in the U.S. and Canada, but some models, such as the Garmin 770 and TomTom Go 920t, will also work in Europe and other countries.

Size matters. The more portable the unit, the better-especially if you frequently pack it in a suitcase. Some are no bigger than a wallet and weigh less than 7 ounces, while others are as large as a paperback book and weigh considerably more-two pounds or more.

Mounting. Most models mount to your windshield using a suction cup attached to either a ball-in-socket, rigid, or gooseneck-type arm. We find the rigid arms are better at holding the units in place, especially over bumps. (Note: Windshield mounting is prohibited in California and Minnesota.)

Source: Yahoo Autos

There are times when making and receiving calls while driving can’t be avoided. Businessmen and entrepreneurs can’t help having calls almost at the most unexpected time of the day or night. If you are one of these people, you need something that will make receiving and making calls convenient and safer, especially while driving. Hands-free calling is the ideal thing for you if you’re one of them. Hands-free calling won’t be possible without the right tools. A great device for this purpose is the Steering Wheel Bluetooth Speakerphone. This has great features that will make calling while driving safer anytime!

Here are this device’s highlights to give you a glimpse of what it offers:
• Easily attaches to the steering wheel
• User can easily speak and hear with the microphone and speaker located at the steering wheel
• Has 2-watt speakers
• Has noise reduction and reception
• Features a 9/16” display
• Volume, mute, and phonebook controls are within easy reach
• Has 256MB memory
• Works with a rechargeable battery that can give power up to 5 hours continuous talk time.
• Charging can take up to three hours.
• Can be paired up with about 8 cellphone units

The display provides options if you ant to accept or cancel a certain call. It offers clear and reception no matter where you happen to be driving, so communication will always be available and easy for you no matter where you happen to be. The downside of this device is, you won’t be able to use it once you get out of the car.

So, if you want a permanent hands-free communication inside your car the Steering Wheel Bluetooth Speakerphone is the exact device that you must have!

Photo Credit: Coolest-Gadgets

Going on a long road trip with your family? If the trip or vacation is going to last for a week or two, then for sure you’ll be bringing lots of baggage with you. For some people, bringing almost all their personal belongings is always a must for them to feel comfortable wherever it is they’re headed. If the same thing applies to you and your whole family, even the cargo space in your van or SUV won’t be enough to hold every bag. You don’t need to worry if there’s not enough space inside the vehicle. You can still bring everything as long as you have roof rails installed in your ride.

Roof rails are basically add-ons that you can install on your car’s roof. They are long metal parts that are installed horizontally on both sides of the roof. These look like horizontal bars along the sides. The cargos just have to be placed on the rail to keep them secure. No need to worry that they might get strewn all over the streets when you speed up.

If you are worried that the rails might ruin your car’s appearance, don’t. Roof rails come in different designs and styles. You can choose which one suits your car best. Most of them are made of durable steel or aluminum with black powder-coated finish.

Roof rails are only some of the options available if you want added storage space.

Photo Credit: Motortrend

A family road trip should be a leisurely time. Don’t just drive off into the sunset. Take time to enjoy the scenery. If you see a meadow or a park that looks cool and relaxing you can stop there and have a little picnic. Yes, a PICNIC!

Your food doesn’t have to be extravagant. Anything that you have in the cooler is enough. It is instances like this that makes it very convenient for you to have a high-capacity cooler. There are many different kinds of coolers you ca find in the market today. One of the types that a lot of experts recommend is the Coleman Portable Travel Cooler and Warmer.

This cooler has the following features:

• Holds up to 9 cans at a time (5.5 liter capacity)
• 3 convenient can holders built into lid
• Flip top lid for easy access
• Rigid carry handle
• Innovative cooling and warming technology
• Keeps food and drinks warm or cold
• Powered from your vehicle’s 12V DC power port / cigarette lighter (12 volt power cord included)
• Environment friendly; CFC (Chlorofluorocarbon) free

It’s easy to carry, convenient, and quite affordable.

Photo Credit: Yourofficestop

Can you think of a protective accessory that will help you preserve the excellent condition of the carpet as well as the floor pan of your car? If you can’t think of any it only means that you’re disregarding the upkeep of your vehicle’s interior. Ok, maybe you’re just pressed for time that’s why you’re unable to do this.

A protective accessory that you can use for your car is the floor mat. Hmm, now that I’ve said it, you’re saying, “why didn’t I think of that?” Well, just blame it on memory gap.

Floor mats are very helpful add-ons for the interior because they can prevent spilled drinks, food stains, and mud from damaging the carpet. Cleaning and replacing your car’s carpet involves more money than installing a floor mat, that’s why it’s more practical. With the floor mat you only need to remove it and wash it down and soap and water to remove any dirt stuck to it. Floor mats come in different designs and sizes to suit varying tastes and preference.

Once you have a floor mat inside your car, that’s the only time you’ll be able to appreciate its full value.

Photo Credit: Etrailer

Got excess money that you don’t know what to do with? Well, why not use it to spice up your ride? There are many gadgets available nowadays that will provide a big lift to your car’s interior. Once these devices are in place, you’ll wonder how you ever enjoyed driving when they were not yet present.

Take a look at these devices.

1. Televisions – These can be placed at the back of the seats to serve as backseat babysitters when kids become bored.
2. Sound System – For great music, use high-quality speakers with a subwoofer.
3. Liquor Cabinets – These are great for keeping some liquor in. Placing your wines inside these cabinets will ensure that it has the right chill when you take a sip.
4. Massage and Climate-controlled Seats – These will make you feel pampered no matter what the season or the weather. You’ll always be comfortable reclining in these seats.
5. Unique Paint Jobs – If you are the type of person who wants people to stare at you, having a one-of-a-kind and flashy paintjob will achieve just that. For sure the look on bystanders faces will be priceless!