Carrying a heavy load? Check out the rules below and the best straps for you.

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The best ratchet straps

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The best steering wheel locks 2024

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Best fire extinguishers for cars

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Disklok Diamond Edition steering wheel lock unveiled

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How to keep your Ford Fiesta from being stolen

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How to keep your Range Rover secure: the best security products to defeat criminals

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The best garage security products to keep your car safe

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The best e-bikes under £1,000 that really go the distance

The best aftermarket daytime running lights

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What you need to know about aftermarket daytime running lights

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The best electric scooters to get you from A to B

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CAR investigates home breathalysers

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The best budget electric scooters UK

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The best smart tyre safety monitor

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The best first aid kits to keep in the car

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The best wheel clamps

Car Maintenance

Car Care

Vans

Storage and Racks

Car Accessories

Technology

Gifts

Travel

Commuters

Security

Safety

e-Scooters

e-Bikes

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The best car shampoo tested by CAR 2024

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The best car roof bags 2024

Why is looking for the best Faraday and RFID key pouches important? Well, with keyless car tech, there inevitably come keyless car thefts. An increasingly common form of car theft involves criminals using relay signals that mimic those that come from key fobs to unlock and start cars. You can opt for existing security measures such as car wheel clamps, which can physically keep your car nailed to the ground or make sure you always park in a :a[secure garage]{href='https://products.carmagazine.co.uk/commuters/security/best-garage-security/' }.

However, there have been scary cases where premium cars such as Range Rovers and Mercs have been swiped in under a minute. The no.1 method for criminals is relay signals, so being able to block that can prevent a nightmarish situation. This neatly brings us to the convenience of RFID key pouches.

You can of course, opt for :a[outdoor security cameras]{href='https://products.carmagazine.co.uk/car-accessories/technology/best-outdoor-security-cameras/' } to be able to keep an eye on your vehicle. But these things come in layers. Security comes in layers that generally speaking, are better when there's more of them. Because relay thefts are common, simply blocking it might be one of the most effective ways of protecting your vehicle available.

## The best RFID key pouches 2024 at a glance:

**The best Faraday pouch:** Disklabs Key Shield - :a[buy from Amazon.]{href='https://www.amazon.co.uk/Disklabs-Key-Shield-KS1-Faraday/dp/B073JNWH83?tag=qcararticle48-21' target='_blank' rel='noreferrer noopener'}  
**Editor's pick:** Disklok RFID Key Pouch - :a[buy from Amazon]{href='https://www.amazon.co.uk/Defa-DE-6516-639086516-Wallet/dp/B07GKZFY8M?tag=qcararticle48-21' target='_blank' rel='noreferrer noopener nofollow'}  
**Best RFID box:** Monojoy Faraday Box - :a[buy from Amazon.]{href='https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B07YBVJ9RM?tag=qcararticle48-21&amp;th=1' target='_blank' rel='noreferrer noopener'}

The brilliant thing is that they don't incorporate the bulky hassle of :a[a steering wheel lock]{href='https://products.carmagazine.co.uk/commuters/security/best-steering-wheel-locks/' }. The solution simply involves keeping your key fob in a protective Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) signal-blocking pouch or box. These effectively act as a Faraday cage. No signal, no keyless car theft.

## The best RFID key pouches 2024 {#h-the-best-rfid-key-pouches}

## FAQs and things to remember about RFID and Farday key pouches

### Do RFID and Faraday pouches degrade overtime?

There have been many cases where this is known to happen. They can wear out overtime due to continuous use and the simple concept of time. If you get a pouch from a reputable manufacturer that is of good quality, it should last you a lot longer than a cheap, basic unit.

You can always check its effectiveness by walking up to your car (with the key in the pouch) to see if it'll unlock. If you suspect it's had its day, it may be time to replace that pouch with a new one. Alternatively, you could opt for a Faraday box if you wish to store your keys and phone inside at the same time at home.

### How does RFID tech work? {#h-how-does-rfid-tech-work}

RFID pouches and Faraday bags work by incorporating certain materials, such as copper or aluminium foil into the bag or pouch. A layer of aluminium foil, for example, blocks all signals to wireless devices being kept inside them. These include phone networks such as 5G, Wi-Fi, GPS, and Bluetooth. They are as subtle as a :a[well-hidden magnetic tracker]{href='https://products.carmagazine.co.uk/car-accessories/technology/best-magnetic-car-trackers/' } in your vehicle.

Consequently, key fobs and other devices are kept safe inside, and no relay signal can be produced. It sounds a bit Prepper-ish and conjures images of idiots wrapped in tin foil, building home bunkers beneath their geraniums. Nevertheless, the foil trick works for signal blocking. Thankfully, you can buy some quality products that tactfully hide the survivalist foil beneath a neat layer of fabric.

Our top tip in recommending the best RFID and Faraday product is not to be sucked into the ‘I’m not paying an extra £5 for one that looks the same as the cheap ones’ trick. We’ve found the super-budget ones aren’t always consistent in blocking signals, unlike those that come from established, recognized brands. If it keeps your £40,000 Lexus safe, only a fool would complain about an extra few pounds. For an extra layer of protection - and to potentially lower your insurance premium - you can also consider :a[installing your car with a tracker.]{href='https://products.carmagazine.co.uk/car-accessories/technology/car-trackers-guide/' }

_**:a[Aaron Hussain]{href='https://products.carmagazine.co.uk/author/aaron-hussain/' } is a commercial content writer at Bauer Media writing for Parkers and CAR. He is obsessed with classic cars and anything with a fascinating story to tell.**_

### For verdicts, scoops, news and analysis from the team, delivered direct to your inbox, subscribe to the :a[CAR newsletter]{href='https://www.carmagazine.co.uk/car-newsletter/' }. {#h-for-verdicts-scoops-news-and-analysis-from-the-team-delivered-direct-to-your-inbox-subscribe-to-the-nbsp-car-newsletter}

### You can enjoy CAR in its traditional :a[print format]{href='https://www.greatmagazines.co.uk/car-magazine' }, or one of the swelling number of :a[digital editions]{href='https://www.carmagazine.co.uk/car-news/magazine/digital-preview-of-the-new-issue-of-car-magazine/' }, optimised for Apple iPhones, Android devices, iPads, tablets and desktop computers. {#h-you-can-enjoy-car-in-its-traditional-nbsp-print-format-or-one-of-the-swelling-number-of-nbsp-digital-editions-optimised-for-apple-iphones-android-devices-ipads-tablets-and-desktop-computers}

_Just so you know, whilst we may receive a commission or other compensation from the links on this website, we never allow this to influence product selections -_ :a[read why you should trust us]{href='https://products.carmagazine.co.uk/about-us' }.

Discover the best Faraday and RFID key pouches on the market

If you’re a racing game fanatic, you're spoilt for choice to the point where decision-making can be tricky. Driving games such as :a[Assetto Corsa Competizione]{href='https://www.carmagazine.co.uk/features/car-culture/assetto-corsa-competizione-review/' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer'} and :a[Gran Turismo 7]{href='https://www.carmagazine.co.uk/features/car-culture/gran-turismo-7-ps5/' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer'} will appeal to diehard sim-racers, while more casual gamers will enjoy titles such as Grid Legends, Need for Speed and Forza. And because of improvements in hardware and software, all of these games look great in 4K and HDR, provided you’ve got the right TV and graphics card (if you’re using a PC).

**Editor's pick:** Gran Turismo - :a[Buy from Amazon.]{href='https://www.amazon.co.uk/PlayStation-9766292-Gran-Turismo-PS5/dp/B09GSK788K/?tag=qcararticle17-21' target='_blank' rel='noreferrer noopener nofollow'}  
**Best for arcade fans:** Need For Speed Heat - :a[Buy from Amazon.]{href='https://www.amazon.co.uk/Electronic-Arts-1055178-NFS-Heat/dp/B07WX38V6M/?tag=qcararticle17-21' target='_blank' rel='noreferrer noopener nofollow'}  
**Best for sim-racers and close competition:** Assetto Corsa Competizione - :a[buy from Amazon.]{href='https://www.amazon.co.uk/Assetto-Corsa-Competizione-Standard-PS5/dp/B0BH575B8K/?tag=qcararticle17-21' target='_blank' rel='noreferrer noopener nofollow'}

Which racing games should you be sinking the hours into? To make things easier, we’ve put together a list of the best racing games you can buy right now, across PlayStation, Xbox, and PC. For clarity sake, we’ve also sampled them on both a controller and a :a[racing wheel]{href='https://products.carmagazine.co.uk/car-accessories/technology/best-racing-wheels/' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer'}.

## Frequently asked questions about racing games

Finding the ideal racing game for you is down to preference. Are you interested in driving a hardcore simulator or something that has a little more of an arcade flavour? Games like Gran Turismo 7 and Assetto Corsa Competizione have specifically been developed to bring the pure feeling of racing to the digital world, whereas games like Grid Legends, Need For Speed and DiRT 5 begin to move into arcade territory. It's fun to experiment with the different types of games and find what you like.

### What equipment do I need to play racing games?

Most racing games can be played using a simple controller that you would get with your console, but if you really want to feel the thrill of racing then we would recommend putting together a sim racing setup. You can find the :a[best steering wheel]{href='https://products.carmagazine.co.uk/car-accessories/technology/best-sim-racing-wheels/' } and :a[sim racing seats]{href='https://products.carmagazine.co.uk/car-accessories/technology/best-sim-racing-seats/' } to create the ideal racing experience, and don't forget the :a[pedals]{href='https://products.carmagazine.co.uk/car-accessories/technology/best-sim-racing-pedals/' }. If you do go down this route then be sure to check if your equipment is compatible with one another, as some racing wheels and wheelbases are only compatible with PC. If you'd prefer not to have a full sim rig then you can look into simpler solutions like a desk clamp for your wheel, or even a wheel stand.

Simply put, yes. Most games will allow you to play offline and against other people around the world. You can even setup your own private lobby where you'll be racing against your friends in no time. The most prominent online racing simulator is iRacing, but it does come with a monthly subscription so be aware of the financial load. Don't be put down however, as most other game do not require a subscription, but might come with optional DLC (downloadable content) like cars and tracks. If you don't want to play online then you can even start a career mode and follow the game's storyline as the developers intended.

_**:a[Naveed Hussain]{href='https://products.carmagazine.co.uk/author/naveed-hussain/' } is a commercial content writer at Bauer Media writing for Parkers and CAR. He enjoys anything with four wheels, and is always planning his next road trip.**_

### For verdicts, scoops, news and analysis from the team, delivered direct to your inbox, subscribe to the :a[CAR newsletter]{href='https://www.carmagazine.co.uk/car-newsletter/' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer'}. {#h-for-verdicts-scoops-news-and-analysis-from-the-team-delivered-direct-to-your-inbox-subscribe-to-the-car-newsletter}

### You can enjoy CAR in its traditional :a[print format]{href='https://www.greatmagazines.co.uk/car-magazine' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer'}, or one of the swelling number of :a[digital editions]{href='https://www.carmagazine.co.uk/car-news/magazine/digital-preview-of-the-new-issue-of-car-magazine/' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer'}, optimised for Apple iPhones, Android devices, iPads, tablets and desktop computers. {#h-you-can-enjoy-car-in-its-traditional-print-format-or-one-of-the-swelling-number-of-digital-editions-optimised-for-apple-iphones-android-devices-ipads-tablets-and-desktop-computers}

The best racing games

You could be forgiven for thinking driving gloves on the road today are a bit of a redundant affectation; a style reserved for fantasists of the Persuaders or _Le Cruiser Arriviste_. Back in the day they were commonplace, a necessity by virtue of some dodgy-to-non-existent heating systems or slippery steering wheels when things got intense.

It’s true, the quality and comfort of modern cars do render the driving glove a bit obsolete, but still their benefits persist, and the classic car market is a huge business. What better way to accessorise your Frogeye Sprite or DB5 Cabriolet than a set of tan stringbacks or full leathers? They’re stylish, effective and you can never really have too much purchase on the wheel.

## Why have a set of driving gloves to hand?

Whether your car be old or new, control on the road is paramount; if you’re in control, then you’re in a safe space. On long journeys with extensive time gripping the steering wheel, hands can suffer from fatigue or sweat, causing them to slip and potentially lose control. You might also opt for a set that provide a better grip :a[for a track day.]{href='https://products.carmagazine.co.uk/car-accessories/travel/track-day-essentials/' }

Driving gloves are designed to provide extra purchase on the wheel -particularly those built from wood with a lacquered finish - to alleviate some of the fatigue, while negating the risk of your hands slipping at speed. It’s a simple design, but it works.

Temperatures inside a car can vary. Modern heaters are a lot more efficient, while the seals of modern cars effectively retain the heat to create a comfortable space with little energy used.

However, depending on the size and age of your vehicle, it may still take a while to warm up, or if you’re cruising with the top down on anything other than the hottest day of the year in the UK, then it may never warm up at all. This is when gloves can be truly useful. They’ll keep your hands warm, fingers working, and your mind focussed on the road.

It’s difficult to put into words, but there is an ineffable chicness to driving gloves. Complete with the appropriate car and outfit – less Partridge, more Gosling – they make for a fashionable driving accessory.

Moreover, if you’re inclined to the world of historic racing events, they’ll consummately complete your debonair period ‘fit along with a pair :a[of driving shoes.]{href='https://products.carmagazine.co.uk/car-accessories/travel/best-driving-shoes/' } The decision of which to get, however, comes down to you.

### For verdicts, scoops, news and analysis from the team, delivered direct to your inbox, subscribe to the :a[CAR newsletter]{href='https://www.carmagazine.co.uk/car-newsletter/' target='_blank' rel='noreferrer noopener'}. {#h-for-verdicts-scoops-news-and-analysis-from-the-team-delivered-direct-to-your-inbox-subscribe-to-the-car-newsletter}

### You can enjoy CAR in its traditional :a[print format]{href='https://go.skimresources.com/?id=31715X1588124&amp;isjs=1&amp;jv=15.2.0-stackpath&amp;sref=https%3A%2F%2Fproducts.carmagazine.co.uk%2Fcar-accessories%2Ftechnology%2Ftamiya-racing-fighter-review%2F&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.greatmagazines.co.uk%2Fcar-magazine&amp;xguid=01ERHDM9YSCC13SZ23EMH87WRJ&amp;xs=1&amp;xtz=-60&amp;xuuid=bdb1801a1b51bbb80701a973354be3f3&amp;xjsf=other_click__auxclick%20%5B2%5D/' target='_blank' rel='noreferrer noopener'}, or one of the swelling number of :a[digital editions]{href='https://www.carmagazine.co.uk/car-news/magazine/digital-preview-of-the-new-issue-of-car-magazine/' target='_blank' rel='noreferrer noopener'}, optimised for Apple iPhones, Android devices, iPads, tablets and desktop computers. {#h-you-can-enjoy-car-in-its-traditional-print-format-or-one-of-the-swelling-number-of-digital-editions-optimised-for-apple-iphones-android-devices-ipads-tablets-and-desktop-computers}

The best driving gloves for petrolheads

Sometimes, the car boot just won’t do, especially if you’re going on a long-haul family holiday, which is the kind of situation that calls for a roof box. After you’ve loaded everything from the suitcases to the snacks, you might find you need even more space than the luggage compartment, and that’s before you remember to load up :a[the bike rack]{href='https://products.carmagazine.co.uk/car-accessories/travel/best-roof-bike-rack/' }.

It’s even worse for seven-seat vehicles since they’re designed to carry seven passengers (including the driver) but not seven passengers worth of luggage. You might think the solution is to place your bags on the passenger seats, but there are more comfortable solutions that ensure you don’t forget anything important. Roof bags are an option, but if you’re looking for something a little more solid, the roof box is the way to go.

A roof box is a simple but effective way of adding more storage to your car. It can unlock as much as 580 litres of storage (nearly double the boot space offered by the recently demised Ford Fiesta). For the really practical and adventurous, you can even opt for :a[car roof tents]{href='https://products.carmagazine.co.uk/car-accessories/travel/best-car-rooftop-tent/' } for your travels.

### The best roof boxes tested 2024 at a glance: {#h-the-best-roof-boxes-at-a-glance}

**The best car roof box:** Thule Motion 3 Large - :a[buy from Amazon.]{href='https://www.amazon.co.uk/Thule-Motion-Roof-Black-Glossy/dp/B0CRRYCLHT/?tag=qcararticle92-21' target='_blank' rel='noreferrer noopener nofollow'}  
**Editor's pick:** Thule Vector Large - :a[buy from eBay]{href='https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/144944886996?' target='_blank' rel='noreferrer noopener nofollow'}  
**Best budget roof box:** OMAC Roof Box 400 - :a[buy from eBay]{href='https://www.ebay.com/itm/204081328877' target='_blank' rel='noreferrer noopener nofollow'}

If you’re in the market for a roof box, then there are a few things to consider, like dimensions, capacity, aerodynamics, and, of course, budget. We’ve rounded up some of the best roof boxes on sale for every budget. To up the ante, we've also teamed up with Auto Zeitung to share findings of :a[its roof box mega test,]{href='https://www.autozeitung.de/dachbox-195124.html' } which grouped together eight of such items.

Our friends at Auto Zeitung had realistic criteria to base their findings on. They attached each roof box to a Volkswagen Tiguan 1.5 eTSI with the roof rails and support rods from Volkswagen accessories range.

The basic curb weight of the car is 1,637kg with a full tank, which doesn't account for the driver and 140kg of luggage in the car. The maximum roof load on the Tiguan is 75kg, which was taken into account when our testers loaded up the different roof boxes. They used sleeping bags, pillows, skis, and even weights to up the ante.

**Functionality**, which simultaneously ties in with practicality, is our main factor. We're always curious to see how much stuff a roof box can swallow up, ready for your next holiday.

Secondly, **build quality** is high on our priority list - if straps are fiddly or certain components feel low-rent, points will be deducted. This, in turn, ties in with **security** since keeping your possessions safe is important.

It should be noted that while Auto Zeitung tested a total of eight roof boxes, not all of them are readily available in the UK market. We have, therefore, carried as much information across as we can on products that are available, and this page will be updated if/when there are any changes. We have therefore labelled if a roof box was tested by our German colleagues.

We have also included a selection of roof boxes that were chosen by CAR, but not put through a thorough test. We have labelled these as so, and these units are choices based off our best research and knowledge.

## The best roof boxes tested 2024 {#h-the-best-roof-boxes}

## How to find the correct roof racks for your vehicle {#h-how-to-find-the-correct-roof-racks-for-your-vehicle}

## FAQs and things to remember with roof boxes {#h-things-to-remember-with-roof-boxes}

Fuel economy can be affected by having a bulky roof box affecting the aerodynamics of your car. And with a :a[good bike rack attached,]{href='https://products.carmagazine.co.uk/car-accessories/travel/car-bike-rack-comparison/' } those aerodynamics can be affected further. At the end of the day, you can't beat the laws of physics and because your car will be experiencing more drag, you'll use more fuel.

### How much MPG do I lose by carrying a roof box?

Depending on the weight and size, you could lose anywhere between 5 and 10% of your usual MPG figures. Thule can dial that back because the Alpine versions of their roof boxes are designed with aerodynamics in mind. The case being a skiing holiday for example, which involves a lot of French motorway miles.

Yes, they are generally very watertight. Our friends at Auto Zeitung even tested the waterproofness of the tested roof boxes using a jet hose aimed right at the items.

Generally speaking, they all coped well, but our testers found that some were prone to dripping quite badly once you come to open them up. This can either dampen the inner linings or your items, so we'd advise being careful when you go to access your stuff.

Of course. Roof boxes can generate a lot of it at speed, and aerodynamics come into play again. If your roof box is slender, it will be able to glide through the air without much resistance. Perhaps the most important point is that if your car doesn't have a set of roof racks, you won't be able to carry one at all. There are plenty of cars which have them from the factory, but aftermarket roof racks are plentiful on the market.

There's quite a lot of situations when you might need a roof box for extra storage. For example, in a fully-loaded seven-seater vehicle with all the seats occupied, they will serve as a great solution for storage.

Of course, when travelling across continental Europe for the skiing season, roof boxes are great places to store skis and other snow sports equipment. A lot of the time, however, you might not need one. It's, therefore, purely dependent on how much stuff you carry around to decide if you need one.

### For verdicts, scoops, news and analysis from the team, delivered direct to your inbox, subscribe to the :a[CAR newsletter]{href='https://www.carmagazine.co.uk/car-newsletter/' target='_blank' rel='noreferrer noopener'}. {#h-for-verdicts-scoops-news-and-analysis-from-the-team-delivered-direct-to-your-inbox-subscribe-to-the-nbsp-car-newsletter}

### You can enjoy CAR in its traditional :a[print format]{href='https://go.skimresources.com/?id=31715X1588124&amp;isjs=1&amp;jv=15.2.0-stackpath&amp;sref=https%3A%2F%2Fproducts.carmagazine.co.uk%2Fcar-accessories%2Ftechnology%2Ftamiya-racing-fighter-review%2F&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.greatmagazines.co.uk%2Fcar-magazine&amp;xguid=01ERHDM9YSCC13SZ23EMH87WRJ&amp;xs=1&amp;xtz=-60&amp;xuuid=bdb1801a1b51bbb80701a973354be3f3&amp;xjsf=other_click__auxclick%20%5B2%5D/' target='_blank' rel='noreferrer noopener'}, or one of the swelling number of :a[digital editions]{href='https://www.carmagazine.co.uk/car-news/magazine/digital-preview-of-the-new-issue-of-car-magazine/' target='_blank' rel='noreferrer noopener'}, optimised for Apple iPhones, Android devices, iPads, tablets and desktop computers. {#h-you-can-enjoy-car-in-its-traditional-nbsp-print-format-or-one-of-the-swelling-number-of-nbsp-digital-editions-optimised-for-apple-iphones-android-devices-ipads-tablets-and-desktop-computers}

_Just so you know, whilst we may receive a commission or other compensation from the links on this website, we never allow this to influence product selections - :a[read why you should trust us]{href='https://products.carmagazine.co.uk/about-us/' }_

The best roof boxes for cars tested 2024

Fundamentally, a high-tech dash cam or indeed, any :a[dash cam]{href='https://products.carmagazine.co.uk/car-accessories/technology/best-dash-cams/' } provides indisputable proof of accidents to share with insurance companies or the police. They can also reduce your insurance premiums, depending on your provider. Budget dash cams can perform these tasks very well, but high-tech units can go quite a few steps further and offer something more than just a dash cam.

Entry-level dash cams offer pretty much the minimum of what a dash cam can offer. They are often built with 1080p video quality, a G-sensor to protect files when sudden movement is detected, and loop recording that keeps the dash cam recording when memory cards get full. The SD included cards themselves are often quite small as well, extending to 32GB most of the time with the occasional 64GB unit.

If you are prepared to skip the budget options and pay more for a high-tech dash cam, you can get units that record in sharper 1440p or even 4K, have GPS location, Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connectivity, Amazon Alexa, or even SOS signals to emergency services, should you need them.

### The best high-tech dash cams 2024 at a glance: {#h-the-best-high-tech-dash-cams-at-a-glance}

**The best high-tech dash cam:** Nextbase 622GW Dash Cam - :a[Buy now from Amazon UK]{href='https://www.amazon.co.uk/Nextbase-622GW-Bluetooth-Dashboard-Camera-Grey/dp/B08CVN4CVD/ref_=as_li_ss_tl?tag=qcararticle115-21' target='_blank' rel='noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow'}  
**Editor's pick:** Garmin Dashcam Mini 2 - :a[Buy now from Amazon UK]{href='https://www.amazon.co.uk/Garmin-Dashcam-Mini-Car-key-Camera/dp/B094Y7MKTC/?tag=qcararticle115-21' target='_blank' rel='noreferrer noopener nofollow'}  
**Best for remote monitoring:** BlackVue DR750X-2CH - :a[Buy now from Amazon UK]{href='https://www.amazon.co.uk/BlackVue-DR750X-2CH-Intelligent-always-Connectivity/dp/B08H5K2L64/ref_=as_li_ss_tl?tag=qcararticle115-21' target='_blank' rel='noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow'}

Therefore, some high-tech dash cams, including :a[mirror dash cams]{href='https://products.carmagazine.co.uk/car-accessories/technology/best-mirror-dash-cams/' }, go beyond the requirements of traffic recording and also take on the role of a smart device for your car. This means that they also adopt more comprehensive and very clever features, allowing you to capture your trips and traffic occurrences in high quality and easily share them with the relevant parties.

## The best high-tech dash cams 2024 {#h-the-best-high-tech-dash-cams}

## FAQs and things to remember with high-tech dashcams {#h-getting-the-most-from-these-dash-cams}

Apart from the video quality, the value of these dashcams is only justified if you use the extra :a[dash cam features]{href='https://products.carmagazine.co.uk/car-accessories/technology/dash-cam-features-guide/' } they have. A lot of the features include things like Alexa compatibility, a Wi-Fi connection to allow easy sharing of footage, or in some cases, ADAS systems.

ADAS stands for Advanced Driver Assistance System, and they are sometimes built-in to dashcams to allow a slight helping hand to your driving. They include collision warnings and lane departure alerts with the aim of helping the driver become safer on the road.

All of these features packed in adds to the cost of the overall dash cam price, whereas less-expensive units tend to only have the more basic features. Video quality can also be a big pro to high-tech dash cams as lots of them tend to boast high recording resolutions and big-storage SD cards included within.

Whether they're worth is is down to you as the consumer and your personal preferences.

You might want to consider getting them hard-wired into the car in order to make the most of the parking modes and also free up your car's 12V power socket. Hardwire kits are about £20 and are easy to do yourself if you are confident. Alternatively, retailers such as Halfords offer professional fitting. Hardwire kits allow the dash cams to keep working when the car is switched off but have an auto-off function that doesn't let the car battery get below a certain voltage.

For high-tech dash cams, :a[including mini ones]{href='https://products.carmagazine.co.uk/car-accessories/technology/guide-to-mini-dash-cams/' }, you will in order to save and share the footage more easily. Make sure you download the appropriate app for the device you've bought. This is the key to fast access to footage, sharing it, and, in the case of the Nextbase 622GW and 522GW, making Alexa and the Emergency SOS functions work.

### How often should I format the SD card in a dash cam?

It also helps to get into the habit of formatting the memory card once or twice a month. It means you don't run the risk of any precious footage being overwritten. Furthermore, formatting an SD card regularly helps it run more smoothly, which is always healthy for your dash cam setup.

### Do high-tech dash cams come with rear cameras?

Plenty of high-tech :a[dash cams are dual setups]{href='https://products.carmagazine.co.uk/car-accessories/technology/best-dual-dash-cams/' } that come with a rear camera unit, but others are front-only on initial purchase. However, there are rear cams available for them either as separate units or in full packages. We tested the Nextbase rear cam module and found it to work very well and would highly recommend considering it. You just need to remember that extra footage takes up more space, and you may want to buy a memory card of at least 64GB.

### For verdicts, scoops, news and analysis from the team, delivered direct to your inbox, subscribe to the :a[CAR newsletter]{href='https://www.carmagazine.co.uk/car-newsletter/' }. {#h-for-verdicts-scoops-news-and-analysis-from-the-team-delivered-direct-to-your-inbox-subscribe-to-the-car-newsletter}

### You can enjoy CAR in its traditional :a[print format]{href='https://www.greatmagazines.co.uk/car-magazine' target='_blank' rel='noreferrer noopener'}, or one of the swelling number of :a[digital editions]{href='https://www.carmagazine.co.uk/car-news/magazine/digital-preview-of-the-new-issue-of-car-magazine/' }, optimised for Apple iPhones, Android devices, iPads, tablets and desktop computers. {#h-you-can-enjoy-car-in-its-traditional-print-format-or-one-of-the-swelling-number-of-digital-editions-optimised-for-apple-iphones-android-devices-ipads-tablets-and-desktop-computers}

The best high-tech dash cams 2024

An RC drift car is designed to be fun beyond the limit – when traction is no longer holding the car into line, and you can execute the insane sideways angles. If you’re a self-professed sultan of slide, then you’ll probably love powerslides, and even a shopping trolley can become a crazy drifting machine.

An :a[incredible racing sim setup]{href='https://products.carmagazine.co.uk/car-accessories/technology/best-sim-racing-setup/' } is another way you can get that sideways fix, because the bad news is, a lot of the peak Gran Turismo era JDM drift cars have either been crashed, appallingly modified or are worth an eye-watering amount of cash.

And even if you can get hold of one, turning it into a good drift car will cost a bit more than some new tyres and a welder for the diff. You have to consider a decent roll cage as well as extensive engine modifications to get the power firmly to the rear. It really isn't as simple as clicking hundreds of pieces together like :a[a Lego car.]{href='https://products.carmagazine.co.uk/car-accessories/gifts/best-lego-car-sets/' }

**Editor's Pick:** Tamiya 1:10 TT 300058584 02D Drift Spec Chassis - :a[buy from Amazon.]{href='https://www.amazon.co.uk/Tamiya-300058584-Drift-Spec-Chassis/dp/B00H93PQKU/?tag=qcararticle262-21' target='_blank' rel='noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow'}  
**The best RC drift car for kids:** Jada Toys Fast and Furious RC Toyota Supra - :a[buy from Amazon.]{href='https://www.amazon.co.uk/Jada-253209003-Function-Including-Batteries/dp/B085FJQ7FV/?tag=qcararticle262-21' target='_blank' rel='noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow'}  
**Best with a track:** Scalextric C1421M Slot Car Racing Set - :a[buy from Amazon.]{href='https://www.amazon.co.uk/Scalextric-C1421M-Slot-Car-Racing/dp/B08W5FXNCX/?tag=qcararticle262-21' target='_blank' rel='noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow'}

But the good news is that you don't have to be reduced to sliding a :a[hot wheels car]{href='https://products.carmagazine.co.uk/car-accessories/gifts/hot-wheels-test/' } with your fingertips. Drift cars in Radio Controlled form are immense fun and shouldn't go unrecognised. So, we've put some Eurobeat on the radio, checked our manifold, and can bring you our favourite RC drift cars.

## The best RC drift cars {#h-the-best-rc-drift-cars}

## FAQs and things to remember with RC drift cars

### Why go for an RC drift car rather than a normal one?

Easy - they do slides. And slides are much more exciting than plodding along in a straight line. We've probably all tried to make an RC car drift at some point, only to be disappointed that it grips like glue. You might've even stared at a :a[Revell model car kit]{href='https://products.carmagazine.co.uk/car-accessories/gifts/best-revell-car-models/' } for too long and imagined what it might look like when drifting. Dedicated drift cars comfortably solve that issue.

### There's a Scalextric set on the list - in theory, wouldn't they all drift?

That's one of the great characteristics of :a[Scalextric sets,]{href='https://products.carmagazine.co.uk/car-accessories/gifts/best-scalextric-sets/' } isn't it? Apply too much throttle, and you'll be underneath the sofa crawling your hand through dust and bits trying to retrieve your car. Apply too little, and it'll just handle like its on rails.

The great thing about those Mustangs is that they're designed to mimic a mini drift demonstration. Where else are you going to find a slot car that does a 360 spin and powers the opposite way?

### Regarding the Tamiya chassis, what would be the best shell to marry it to?

Truth be told, there's a waft of :a[great Tamiya RC cars]{href='https://products.carmagazine.co.uk/car-accessories/gifts/best-tamiya-rc-kits/' } out there. But we reckon the NSU Prinz TT that they offer. Simply because nobody else has thought to make a drift spec one of those.

Tamiya's customisation levels are a league above other manufacturers, so we'd greatly recommend grabbing its drift chassis and seeing what you can create out of it.

_**:a[Ryan Gilmore]{href='https://products.carmagazine.co.uk/author/ryan-gilmore/' } is the Deputy Autos and Tools Editor for CAR, specialising in car cleaning and hand tools. With an MA in Automotive Journalism, when he's not testing buckets he can be found looking at old Porsches.**_

### You can enjoy CAR in its traditional :a[print format]{href='https://go.skimresources.com/?id=31715X1588124&amp;isjs=1&amp;jv=15.2.1-stackpath&amp;sref=https%3A%2F%2Fproducts.carmagazine.co.uk%2Fcar-accessories%2Fgifts%2Fbest-road-mat%2F&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.greatmagazines.co.uk%2Fcar-magazine&amp;xs=1&amp;xtz=0&amp;xuuid=e37d7a605acc93d8e23192290a5281b8&amp;xjsf=other_click__auxclick%20%5B2%5D' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer'}, or one of the swelling number of :a[digital editions]{href='https://www.carmagazine.co.uk/car-news/magazine/digital-preview-of-the-new-issue-of-car-magazine/' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer'}, optimised for Apple iPhones, Android devices, iPads, tablets and desktop computers. {#h-you-can-enjoy-car-in-its-traditional-print-format-or-one-of-the-swelling-number-of-digital-editions-optimised-for-apple-iphones-android-devices-ipads-tablets-and-desktop-computers}

The best RC drift cars

Where do mirror dashcams fit into the world of :a[the best dashcams?]{href='https://products.carmagazine.co.uk/car-accessories/technology/best-dash-cams/' } For starters, they can be integrated into your car's rearview mirror, which is handy in a number of ways. Chief among which is that it doesn't affect both clutter and visibility on your windscreen as much as a slightly bulky, comprehensive dashcam unit.

It's utterly heart-breaking if your pride and joy is involved in a crash. Especially if there is debate on who caused the accident. That's where a dashcam can help determine what happened and who caused the accident. They have been very popular for a number of years, and that popularity will continue to grow as people will want to have evidence determining who/what caused an accident when sharing footage with the insurers or possibly handing over the footage to the police in an incident.

There are plenty of great dashcams currently for sale, ranging from :a[budget dashcams]{href='https://products.carmagazine.co.uk/car-accessories/technology/best-budget-dashcams/' } to high end options. But mirror dashcams offer something different that not many of the other, more traditional units offer: absolute discretion. Some people simply won't want a dashcam on show on the front windscreen of their vehicle, so disguising it slightly within your rear-view mirror to help de-clutter your interior is a great option for some people. What's more, there are plenty of options to choose from in this category.

### The best mirror dashcams 2024 at a glance:

**The best mirror dashcam:** Wolfbox G900 - :a[buy from Amazon.]{href='https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0B1B41WC9/?tag=qcararticle31-21' target='_blank' rel='noreferrer noopener'}  
**Editor's pick:** Road Angel Halo View 2 - :a[buy from Road Angel]{href='https://www.roadangelgroup.com/products/road-angel-halo-view-rear-view-mirror-and-dash-cam?' target='_blank' rel='noreferrer noopener nofollow'}  
**The easiest mirror dashcam to install:** Nextbase NBDVRMIRROR - :a[buy from Amazon]{href='https://www.amazon.co.uk/Nextbase-NBDVRMIRROR-Digital-Driving-Recorder/dp/B075TYLXY5/?tag=qcararticle31-21' target='_blank' rel='noreferrer noopener nofollow'}

With that in mind, these are our top picks of mirror-based dashcams, which will keep you covered on the road. Not to mention some are equipped with some incredible features to boast. Some can even rival the :a[high-tech dashcams]{href='https://products.carmagazine.co.uk/car-accessories/technology/best-high-tech-dash-cams/' } on the market.

## FAQs and things to remember with mirror dashcams

### Are mirror dashcams better than standard ones?

In terms of discretion, absolutely. Some people don't want a high-tech dashcam showing on their windscreen and would prefer something that's more discreet and well-hidden. A mirror dashcam does just that, and in some cases, even doubles as an aftermarket reversing camera.

In terms of recording quality and features, traditional dashcams are better because more tech and equipment can be packed into them, which is restricted with mirror dashcams due to their dimensions.

### What shall I look for in a mirror dashcam? {#h-what-to-look-for-in-a-mirror-dash-cam}

The priority should be video quality. The higher quality the better, and 1080p (HD) should be perfectly acceptable. Although 4K would be a massive bonus if you need to read a number plate from far away. A wider lens (120+ degrees) will give you more coverage and a better view when watching back the footage. Mind you, if coverage is your number 1 priority, then :a[a dual dashcam]{href='https://products.carmagazine.co.uk/car-accessories/technology/best-dual-dash-cams/' } might be your answer.

Another feature to think about is a G-Sensor. When triggered by excessive g-force (like in a crash or emergency stop), it will ensure that that footage is saved and will not be written over. This neatly brings us to Parking Mode. Even some :a[dashcams under £100]{href='https://products.carmagazine.co.uk/car-accessories/technology/best-dash-cams-under-100/' } will have this feature. Effectively, the camera will start recording if your car is hit when parked up. A great feature to have if someone drives off after an accident.

### How are mirror dashcams powered? {#h-how-is-it-powered}

Most dashcams, even from the likes of :a[Nextbase or Vantrue,]{href='https://products.carmagazine.co.uk/car-accessories/technology/nextbase-vs-vantrue/' } will simply plug into your 12V socket/cigarette lighter to receive power. This effectively means your engine must be running in order to power your dashcam. Your best bet is to consider a hardwire kit which ensures your dashcam will be powered at all times. Just make sure it features a setting to prevent your battery from draining.

**_:a[Ryan Gilmore]{href='https://products.carmagazine.co.uk/author/ryan-gilmore/' } is the Deputy Autos and Tools Editor for CAR, specialising in car cleaning and hand tools. With an MA in Automotive Journalism, when he's not testing buckets he can be found looking at old Porsches._**

_Just so you know, whilst we may receive a commission or other compensation from the links on this website, we never allow this to influence product selections - :a[read why you should trust us]{href='https://products.carmagazine.co.uk/about-us/' }._

The best mirror dashcams 2024

You might be wondering why car advent calendars are on our minds. Well, the simple reason is it's :a[car related gift guide]{href='https://products.carmagazine.co.uk/car-accessories/gifts/best-car-gifts/' } season. Every December, most of us begin each morning digging our fingernails into an advent calendar. After getting in and ripping away the foil, we find chocolate which we indulge and enjoy the festive-ness of. Not to mention the 24-hour wait until the next day.

But here's the thing. Why eat up all the chocolate and throw away the wrapper, when you can treat yourself to something a little more up our street? Car advent calendars are a great way to get festive while also indulging in the passion we know and love.

Car-shaped chocolates may exist, but they don't last forever like a physical item. We love things that last forever, such as one of the items from our :a[BMW gift guide.]{href='https://products.carmagazine.co.uk/car-accessories/gifts/best-bmw-gifts/' } With car advent calendars, you can gradually build a car or open a series of car-themed calendar doors to reveal charming little gifts. Or maybe even a neat set of tools, if you fancy getting a bit more hands-on.

### The best car advent calendars at a glance:

**Editor's pick:** Franzis Porsche 911 2.7 RS Advent Calendar - :a[Buy from Amazon.]{href='https://www.amazon.co.uk/Franzis-55155-9-Porsche-Carrera-Calendar/dp/B095C4XR3B/?tag=qcararticle218-21' target='_blank' rel='noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow'}  
**Best for young petrolheads:** Matchbox Festive Advent Calendar - :a[Buy from Amazon.]{href='https://www.amazon.co.uk/Matchbox-HJW40-Vehicles-Multicoloured/dp/B0B4FV38NH/?tag=qcararticle218-21' target='_blank' rel='noreferrer noopener nofollow'}  
**Best model kit calendar:** Revell VW Type 2 Advent Calendar - :a[Buy from Amazon.]{href='https://www.amazon.co.uk/01040-Revell-Advent-Calendar-Camper/dp/B09S9T4G76/?tag=qcararticle218-21' target='_blank' rel='noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow'}

With that in mind, we've drummed up a list of the best car advent calendars we could find. Because let's be honest, if you're stuck for ideas - even after reading our :a[Porsche gift guide]{href='https://products.carmagazine.co.uk/car-accessories/gifts/best-porsche-gifts/' } - these are great ideas for your loved ones.

## The best car advent calendars {#h-the-best-car-advent-calendars}

### Are car advent calendars the thing my loved one wants? {#h-are-car-advent-calendars-the-thing-my-loved-one-wants}

Thankfully, we at CAR have a bank of gift guides to help you decide which car-related item would suit your loved ones. Our :a[Lamborghini gift guide]{href='https://products.carmagazine.co.uk/car-accessories/gifts/best-lamborghini-gifts/' } for example includes everything from posters to model cars and everything in between.

Even something as simple and silly as :a[Car Christmas jumpers]{href='https://products.carmagazine.co.uk/car-accessories/gifts/best-car-themed-christmas-jumpers/' } might be more than enough to make your recipient smile. The key to someone's heart is to study which area of car culture they like the most and check out the web accordingly.

If your loved one is a rallying enthusiast, then a :a[Subaru Impreza gift]{href='https://products.carmagazine.co.uk/car-accessories/gifts/impreza-gift-guide/' } might be the answer. Car advent calendars offer something incredibly sweet and different though. Some may be more comprehensive than others in terms of what you get, but the thought is amazing. Building a 911 or a Type 2 Camper is more involving than swallowing a small block of chocolate each December morning. They may cost a little more than a Cadbury's calendar from Tesco, but the rewards are so much more satisfying.

### Are car advent calendars any good in terms of quality?

A lot of the time, they're a step or two below a bespoke die-cast model. The novelty of them being an advent calendar that you gradually build until Christmas is the selling point - so don't expect Minichamps level of model quality in a Franzis or Revell model for instance.

With that being said however, in a Hot Wheels or Matchbox advent calendar, the toys within are the same as the ones you find in regular form. So, there's no real difference between those whatsoever - maybe apart from a few decorative features on the paint.

**_:a[Aaron Hussain]{href='https://products.carmagazine.co.uk/author/aaron-hussain/' } is a commercial content writer at Bauer Media writing for Parkers and CAR. He is obsessed with classic cars and anything with a fascinating story to tell._**

### For verdicts, scoops, news and analysis from the team, delivered direct to your inbox, subscribe to the :a[CAR newsletter]{href='https://www.carmagazine.co.uk/car-newsletter/' }. {#h-for-verdicts-scoops-news-and-analysis-from-the-team-delivered-direct-to-your-inbox-subscribe-to-the-car-newsletter}

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The best car advent calendars

Black Friday 2024 takes place on November 29th, which will be followed by Cyber Monday on 2nd December. It's the time of year when deals begin to pour in, giving you a chance to save massively on your favourite automotive products.

It may be a little early before Black Friday week, but we've began to notice deals cropping up in places already. This even includes top brands such as Nextbase, Kärcher, and much more.

We've compiled our favourites here, and it's on this page where you can keep a close eye on deals in the run-up to the magic week.

### For verdicts, scoops, news and analysis from the team, delivered direct to your inbox, subscribe to the :a[CAR newsletter]{href='https://www.carmagazine.co.uk/car-newsletter/' target='_blank' rel='noreferrer noopener'}.

### You can enjoy CAR in its traditional :a[print format]{href='https://www.greatmagazines.co.uk/car-magazine' target='_blank' rel='noreferrer noopener'}, or one of the swelling number of :a[digital editions]{href='https://www.carmagazine.co.uk/car-news/magazine/digital-preview-of-the-new-issue-of-car-magazine/' }, optimised for Apple iPhones, Android devices, iPads, tablets and desktop computers.

_Just so you know, we may receive a commission or other compensation from the links on this website - :a[read why you should trust us]{href='https://products.carmagazine.co.uk/about-us/' }_

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