Explore the latest gadgets and services for your car
Whether you're looking for insurance, help managing a fleet of vehicles, or car-related gadgets, we've compiled some great products out there
When it comes to our cars, there's lots to think about - from what sometimes seems like endless maintenance to the creature comforts that make our journeys easier and more comfortable.
And with so much to consider, it can be overwhelming. Luckily, we've put together a handy list of suppliers offering great gadgets, services and products to enhance your car and overall driving experience, as well as provide much-needed peace of mind.
Whether you're looking for insurance, help managing a fleet of vehicles, car-related gadgets, or even some handy equipment for your garage or garden, take a look below for some inspiration.
Park life
If an old, rusting garage door is making the front of your home an eyesore – and is a pain to open and close – then it’s time you treated yourself to an upgrade.
Designed and manufactured in the UK by Crocodile, the Stowaway automatic garage door makes comings and goings so much simpler.
It looks smart, is ingeniously space-saving, and can be operated by remote control from the comfort of your car.
Crocodile products combine quality and robust parts with contemporary style. The door will be manufactured to your individual requirements, using powder-coated aluminium profiles, which have a foam core to insulate and soundproof the whole system.
With expert installation by Crocodile’s own engineers and a five-year guarantee, it’s the perfect combination of design and function, and will add style, security, and perhaps even value to your home.
Click here for more information.
Get smart with parts
Calling all DIY petrolheads - when you need to source a specific item or accessory to fix your car, from a new battery to a replacement wheel trim, look no further than GSF Car Parts.
With over 195 branches nationwide, it’s one of the biggest automotive parts distributors in the UK, supplying to both retail and trade customers, including thousands of independent garages.
The company prides itself on providing high-quality parts for all types of vehicle, and is able to leverage its strong supplier relationships and logistics capabilities to ensure quick delivery - plus a free click and collect option - and good availability of parts, which is crucial in a market where speed and reliability are key differentiators.
And you can now get 20% off car parts (accessories and tools excluded) by entering the code 'READER20' at checkout. Terms and conditions may apply.
Click here for more information.
Road sense
If you’re unlucky enough to be injured – whether physically or psychologically, and whatever your involvement – in a road accident that was not your fault, you could be eligible to claim compensation.
The personal injury team at Lanyon Bowdler has extensive experience of personal injury claims, including compensation for injuries, damage to vehicles and loss of earnings arising from road traffic accidents.
Lanyon Bowdler has a track record of winning cases against negligent road users, and will offer friendly and professional legal advice.
The firm’s lawyers will ensure your claim is presented with clear evidence, and make sure you have the opportunity to claim the compensation you are entitled to.
By understanding your circumstances and the effect that the accident has had on your life, Lanyon Bowdler will strive to reach the best possible outcome for your case, and will often avoid court hearings.
Click here for more information.
Your chemical romance
Making cleaning your car into a fun activity is what Chemical Guys is all about. Originating in Los Angeles, the company specialises in high-quality car care chemicals, car wash accessories, buffing pads, and machines designed to get your cherished set of wheels looking spotless.
Chemical Guys has been spreading the word in the UK by visiting car shows across the country, welcoming anyone with a passion for shine.
The brand’s products – from shampoos and wheel cleaners, to products that make your tyres shine, to complete interior or exterior cleaning kits – can now be found at various independent retailers across the UK, as well as Halfords.
You can also find a wealth of tips on the company’s YouTube channel that make car cleaning accessible and easy to understand. So, the next time you need to wash or wax your car, or tidy up your interior, make it a pleasure - not a chore - with Chemical Guys.
Click here for more information.
Hire power
If you’re responsible for managing a leased fleet of vehicles, you might want to consider a finance lease option, as offered by Vantage Leasing, which specialises in prestige cars such as Land Rover and Range Rover.
With a finance lease, the end user takes on the responsibility for selling the vehicle. So instead of paying for the depreciation of the vehicle and handing the car back at the end of the contracted terms, you are responsible for what happens to the vehicle during and after the term of the lease.
This sort of deal is suitable for those who don’t like the fixed agreement of a contract hire (users can sell after a year, even in a five-year agreement) or those concerned about excess mileage charges. The product allows more flexibility and there can also be VAT savings.
Here are some of the vehicles Vantage Leasing has available:
Compass Garden Machinery - Navigating you through your garden requirements
Does your garden lawn need some serious taming? Are the borders of your lawn looking distinctly unruly? Are you being invaded by an ever-growing autumnal carpet of leaves?
If your answer to any of these is yes, investing in some good garden machinery could be the answer – and Compass Garden Machinery can provide it.
The Bedfordshire-based company produces its own Spectrum range, which offers high specification but without the huge price one might expect.
The Spectrum range includes the TG51SE petrol lawnmower, which boasts impressive features such as a powerful 173cc engine, 3-in-1 cutting options, self-propelled drive, large collection capacity and electric start. There are also petrol-powered leaf blowers and brushcutters.
Compass Garden Machinery also sells garden machinery from other major brands, from hedge trimmers and chainsaws to garden tractors. Products come with long warranties, and delivery is available to most areas of the UK.
Use discount code 'HH10' to get 10% off Spectrum 2 Stroke products. Terms and conditions may apply.
Click here for more information.
Keep on track
Whether you’re a car owner worried about it being stolen, or need to monitor a fleet of vehicles remotely, the TruTrak FMT200 GPS Tracker is designed to give you peace of mind.
Its small size means it’s easy to find a space where the gadget can be positioned discreetly using a sticky pad. Once connected, it sends data via the 4G network and the tracking information can be viewed clearly on TruTrak’s app, which features a stylish and intuitive interface, offering you complete control over your devices.
Designed for ease of use, the app allows you to effortlessly track your vehicle, access its travel history, and set alerts related to vehicle movement or geofencing to keep you informed about important events.
As a company, TruTrak aims to supplying live tracking solutions at the most economical prices possible while offering excellent customer support.
Click here for more information.
Stop thieves
With almost 130,000 vehicle thefts in England and Wales in 2023-24, most of us are understandably keen to avoid being the next victim. One effective solution is installing a bollard on your driveway or parking space.
Bollard Security has a range of options to suit all budgets and requirements, including fold-down posts to stop unwanted parking, or more heavy-duty, high security bollards for comprehensive vehicle protection that can be lifted up from the ground via a telescopic mechanism. Better yet, some of these can be remote controlled, and there’s a lift assisted option if the weight is an issue.
The company’s most popular telescopic bollards come with ‘sold secure’, integrated 10-pin push-button Camlock. They can be purchased in galvanised steel with a powder-coated colour of your choice, or in stainless steel with a brushed satin finish.
Bollard Security guarantees installation anywhere on mainland UK within two to five days after ordering thanks to its extensive range of stock. Installation is always carried out by its own employees.
Click here for more information.
Roll models
If you dreamed of having your own Scalextric set as a kid (and let’s face it, who didn’t?), then why not make that dream finally come true?
Since the 1950s, Scalextric has been the leader in slot car racing, thrilling both young and old enthusiasts across generations - and over the years, it has introduced thousands of different slot cars.
The current range includes everything from authentic replicas of legendary Formula One cars – such as Nigel Mansell’s Williams FW11B – to the Batmobile and various James Bond-associated vehicles.
These 1:32 scale models are designed with incredible precision, capturing the essence of real-world racing machines. You can build a track to your own design, or opt for a standard set containing all you need to get racing straightaway.
So why not bring the world of F1 into your living room, loft space or shed, courtesy of Scalextric?
Click here for more information.
Pump it up
Driving on under or over-inflated tyres won’t just cost you money; by increasing fuel consumption or potentially causing the tyres to wear out more quickly, it can also be a safety hazard, affecting your steering and braking distance.
That’s why it’s a good idea to check them before you set out. A handy way to do this is with Ring’s RTC4000 cordless tyre inflator. Compact yet powerful, it allows you to move around your vehicle with ease.
The backlit LED digital screen makes it easy to set the tyre pressure. It can inflate a 15in tyre from flat in under six minutes, and the auto-stop feature means it will automatically stop when the desired pressure is reached.
Should you have too much air in the tyre, a deflator valve allows you to accurately achieve the pressure you require.
The RTC4000 can be also used with motorbikes, bicycles and small inflatables.
Click here for more information.
