Unless you own a state-of-the-art car with advanced safety features, you may want to give it a touch up to match the needs of modern driving. Now, that sounds like a lot of work, right? On the contrary, updating your vehicle isn’t as hard or expensive as you think. He’s a rundown of the small things that will give your ride a serious upgrade.
The Stereo
Sure, your automobile will come ready with a music system. But let’s be honest for a sec. Most factory-made car radios are lousy so it makes perfect sense to get a new one to allow you to enjoy your favorite tunes in style. Latest sound systems feature innovative functionality such as Bluetooth connectivity, allowing you to receive calls without taking your hands off the steering wheel. Others are even compatible with GPS systems. A good music system will cost you as low as $200. Even then, it is essential to choose a model that has as many features as you can.
Be sure to read reviews from previous users to have an idea of what to expect. Plus, when you finally get your radio, go through the user’s manual to know how to make the most of what it has to offer. Also, unless you have got the knowledge to install it, consider taking your vehicle for professional installation. And, don’t worry that your car’s dashboard won’t support the slim, stylish sound system seen in most cars (more so if it is a late model). Newest radios can fit just about any vehicle so that shouldn’t be a problem. If your factory-made radio is larger than your replacement, you may opt for what is known as DIN stereo to occupy the empty space. Or, you can simply seal the space below and above the system for a flawless look.
As stated, a stereo system that’s worth your money will sound entirely different from your current one. We recommend that you invest in a good set of speakers with good quality audio and bass. Speakers range from inexpensive to premium models. Of course, your spending power and needs determine which set you end up with. Again, just like with the stereo system, make sure that you read some reviews to be sure that you’re spending your money on the correct speaker with the right sound output for your entertainment.
GPS
This is a must-have gadget any serious driver should invest in. The primary reason you’d want to have a GPS system is to help you to navigate your way through various locations. Take the best GPS for truck drivers for instance. A good model will among other things provide traffic alerts allowing you to reroute so as you get to your destination quicker. On top of that, almost every other truck GPS comes with updatable maps so you’ll always be in the loop about new business and Points of Interests (POIs) such as hotels, gas stations, accommodation and more.
There’s a collection of car GPS units on the market. Look for one that’s easy to install – typically sticking to your windshield. A standard model with all the functions you need to navigate any location shouldn’t cost you more than $300. However, you can go for high-end models with a lot more capability such weather forecast if you have the money to splurge. We recommend that you choose a model with a larger display screen (at least 4.3 inches diagonally) to ensure that you don’t strain to view the information. A system with Bluetooth connectivity is great so you can make and receive calls without touching your phone which by extension, translates to safer driving. Be sure to read our best GPS reviews to sample some of the most sought-after navigation systems to give your vehicle a much-needed boost.
Remote Start
If you reside in cold areas such as Alaska or Dakota you have to warm your car before leaving for your destination. The problem is, you don’t want to storm into the cold weather just to start your car – and that’s where a remote start comes in handy. While most modern vehicles have a remote start already installed, you may have to install one in yours if it doesn’t have it. And, as you may have already guessed, all you need to do is to press a button at the comfort of your house the ride’s engine will start to run.
You can get a good remote system for as little as ninety bucks especially if it comes packaged with the alarm. You may, however, have to fork out up to $550 if you decide to go for a high-end model. Installation is somewhat technical, so if you’ve never done it before, be sure to seek the services of a professional. He/she will configure the car’s wiring to incorporate the remote and alarm system.
Cell Phone
Nowadays, you can do more with your cell phone that just to receive and makes calls. Smartphone models such as Apple iPhone or Garmin Nuviphone come with features such as GPS capability. That way, you can mount it on your car’s dash for navigation. In fact, this would make an excellent alternative for a fully-fledged navigation system. Indeed, these phones also allow hands-free calling complete with the ability to read out text messages. And, because talking on your phone while driving can get on the wrong side of the law, such a phone will make a brilliant update. Sure, a top-flight smartphone doesn’t come cheap, but it is totally worth it.
Besides, you can pick other hand-free options such as the stylish Bluetooth Jawbone. It is compact, trendy and equally efficient. The idea here is to ensure that you’re not always docking your phone every time you are on the road. Again, we insist that you choose a cell phone with a relatively large screen. The last thing that you want is to struggle to read directions from a tiny screen. Other than that, make sure that your smartphone as enough battery power to last your entire journey. We recommend that you keep your phone connected to the cigarette port to prevent it from running out of juice while you drive.
Radar Detector
A speed ticket is expensive and time wasting. Ask any driver and they’ll tell you that one they dread on the road is getting booked. However, with a radar detector installed in your car, you can reduce your chances of getting a speeding ticket by up to 90%. In our best radar detector reviews, we’ve gone over ten models that will come in handy in your quest to avoid getting caught for driving beyond the set speed limit. While we are not encouraging over speeding, it is essential to be privy to the fact that there’s every chance you’ll step on the gas pedal harder than you should. In this fast-paced world, you’re likely to have other things on your mind, causing you to over speed without your knowledge.
With a radar detector, you can always know when your vehicle under monitoring by the police, enabling you to slow down before you get booked. Radar detectors come in a host of models, some cheap and others expensive. At the very least, choose a model that can pick all common signals from police radar. Even then, we recommend one that can give 360 degrees protection such as the Valentine One – arguably the best radar detector on the market. While you have to fork out more than 500 bucks, it will give you the peace of mind you need to drive safely on the road.
Most radar detectors are windshield mounted so installation shouldn’t be much of a hassle. The only time you’ll need to call a professional is if you want to hardwire yours.
In Conclusion
Your car should be in the best “shape” possible. That said, you don’t have to invest in an expensive model to take advantage of what technology has to offer. And as you’ve read above, it doesn’t really take a lot of money to upgrade your vehicle. The secret is choosing the best device you can for your budget. Whenever possible, go for an updatable gadget, in this case, a radar detector and GPS navigation system. That way, you can rest assured it will serve you for the longest period possible as long as you keep updating software via your home internet connection.