When I was a kid, my two grandparents both had high-tech 1970s equipment in their cars. One had a compass attached to the windshield, a small floating ball that spins like BB-8 to show us the direction we’re going. Awesome! Another had a talking Chrysler giving warnings like “The door… is ajar!” or “Your turn signal is…still active!” It was amazing.
Today, they would probably drive at least one Toyota Prius with even more technology than a Federation shuttle. However, those of us with older cars may not be able to connect our smartphones to our outdated vehicles. What should an old jalopy driver do?
Fortunately, there is a huge aftermarket for equipment and accessories that will work with almost any vehicle today. Here’s our take on the tech you can add to your car to make it look a little more Tesla.
- Pandora / iHeartRadio / Spotify Control (Android/iPhone)
- K2 Technology for Enhanced Digital Sound Quality.
- 4 Phones Full-Time Connection – You can connect two phones full time via Bluetooth, with secure and simple pairing.
- Low Battery Information – When the battery of the connected Bluetooth device runs low, a beep sound is heard.
- Capture 4K Videos on the Details of Road Signs and Car Number: Front 4K(3840×2160) + rear 1080P resolution.
- Control Camera by Voice or Touch: 12″ IPS touch screen, easy to set the camera smoothly by your finger.
- The GPS module of the dual dash camera tracks your vehicle’s location, route, speed on each drive.
- Rear Mirror and Safer Parking Assistant: No more concern on installing the rear camera upside down.
- Auto sense: motion sensing technology automatically opens and closes mount for secure Phone Installation.
- Qi certified: Qi certified wireless technology charges phone without need for charging cables.
- Strong SUCTION: One time use dashboard disc and reusable suction cup combo offers superior stick strength.
- Proximity sensor automatically detects and secures smartphones.
This week’s best auto tech deals
STEREO SYSTEMS / CONNECTIONS
The smartphone is the first screen most people look at, even while driving. Making it a simpler and safer proposition is a big problem. That’s why Apple created CarPlay and Google created Android Auto. Each offers a way to connect your phone to the car’s infotainment system for hands-free access to calls, messages and many applications such as GPS, music and podcasts. We recommend using this in all cars. The user interfaces made for stereos by car manufacturers are mostly rubbish. (Tesla seems to be an exception.)
Many new cars support Android Auto and CarPlay right out of the box, but older cars aren’t completely out of luck. Many aftermarket systems support them and prices range from expensive to even more expensive. The brain of such systems is a box in the dashboard that we used to call simply the “radio” or perhaps the “stereo”, but which is now called the stereo main unit. It allows you to play music and much more – phone and text messages, GPS, etc. Usually you have to look for double DIN head units. The double-DIN drive goes into the 7-by-4-inch slot on the dash, which is now relatively standard. It can get expensive as professional installation is recommended and can cost a lot of money for parts and labor on top of the main unit. We recommend a few below.
Android Auto
Google’s Android Auto is our number one choice for identifying your car’s infotainment system. Bring voice control, Google Maps, hands-free access to calls and messages and a host of apps like GPS, music and podcasts all to your car dashboard.
Before Android 12, Android Auto didn’t need a head unit or car for full support. You can easily mount your phone or tablet to the dashboard and bypass the fancy hardware with the Android Auto app (opens in a new window). But Google dropped this feature from Android 12 for security reasons. Instead, it wants you to use Google Assistant driving mode (opens in a new window) if you can’t get a car with built-in Android Auto support.
Sony XAV-AX8100
This receiver’s 8.95-inch touchscreen will make you think you’ve registered an iPad mini on your dashboard. The Sony XAV-AX8100 (opens in new window) fits into a single DIN slot, the type that is only a few centimeters in size in older cars. Of course, it has all the great features you’d expect from a head unit: Bluetooth, SiriusXM, HDMI input, rear view camera support (with additional camera sold separately), MP3 playback, wired CarPlay and Android Auto support, and Web Link Cast (via cable) to mirror the screen of your smartphone. There is also a wireless remote control if you are not near the dashboard. The only thing it doesn’t do is play CDs.
Pioneer DMH-WC5700NEX
This Pioneer digital media player (opens in a new window) fits into a standard double DIN slot in the dash and is perfect for most modern car upgrades. And whatever upgrade you get, the 6.8-inch touchscreen offers Bluetooth connectivity (for two phones at once) and wired or wireless Apple CarPlay or Android Auto. It even supports Amazon’s smart assistant Alexa in the vehicle. This is one of Crutchfield’s audio experts’ top picks for 2022 (opens in a new window).
JVC KW-M865BW Digital Multimedia Receiver
JVC KW-M865BW supports direct Wi-Fi connection to smartphones to provide wireless connectivity to Android Auto or CarPlay. Of course, the 6.8-inch resistive touchscreen gives you full access to many other things, including AM / FM radio, a built-in GPS antenna, Bluetooth for phone calls, and Bluetooth support for up to five audio sources. “Dj in streaming”. There’s a reason this $ 599.95 unit tops Crutchfield’s list of best car stereos of 2021 (opens in new window).
Retro Manufacturing Hermosa Radio
Do you want your classic car stereo to have a classic look, but with some modern digital features hidden inside? Retro Manufacturing offers just that. This Hermosa offers key tuning for AM / FM radio, but also secretly adds Bluetooth support and a USB input for flash drives full of music files. This Hermosa model (opens in new window) was made for some Chevrolet models from the 1960s, but you can find many more at retromanufacturing.com (opens in new window).
CarlinKit 4.0 Wireless Adapter
Frustrated with having to constantly connect your phone to your car to use Apple’s CarPlay or Google’s Android Auto? Sometimes you don’t want your phone to charge. Sometimes the connection is bad. It should be just like Bluetooth, no cables are needed, and in some vehicles with wireless CarPlay it is. If your car only supports wired CarPlay or Android Auto, the CarlinKit 4.0 wireless adapter (opens in new window) can change it. A wireless dongle is a lot to pay for, but the hassle it removes might be worth it if you spend enough time in the car.
Drivelink Carplay wireless adapter
Another adapter that turns your cars wired CarPlay into a wireless one, the DriveLink unit (opens in a new window) works in all cars with CarPlay starting model year 2018. Requires Bluetooth for initial connection, which is used to establish a 5 GHz WI-Fi connection. -send credentials to the iPhone, then the next connection is automatic. (If you want a dongle that only supports Android Auto, consider the $ 89 Carsif (opens in a new window).
Roav VIVA by Anker
Make your dumb car a little smarter with Anker’s Roav Viva (opens in new window). Plug it into your cigarette lighter and you’ll get some USB-A ports for charging, but your car now has the Amazon Alexa assistant to control things, including CarPlay and Android Auto. If you want a little more power, get the Roav Viva Pro (opens in a new window) – it has more microphones and support for audio that extends to auxiliary inputs and even FM radio.
Amazon Echo Auto
With Amazon Echo Auto, you can take your Alexa voice assistant with you on the go. It’s a discreet device that plugs into your car’s 12-volt outlet (or USB port if you have one) and connects to your phone’s Alexa app to provide any voice-activated service your Echo offers at home, including news, sports scores, shopping. Catalogs and streaming music.
Dashcam and RADAR
Whether it’s for safety, liability protection, or just catching the occasional spectacle on the road, a dash cam can be your second pair of eyes on the road.
Cobra DualPro 360° Radar Detector
Does $ 400 seem like a lot to spend on a radar detector? Compare that to the speeding fines you can avoid and suddenly that price becomes a bargain. Cobra’s DualPro 360 ° (opens in new window) gets its name because it searches for radars and lasers throughout your car. Arrows indicate where the source is, and audible alerts keep you informed. Owners can join a crowd-sourced alert network of other drivers that notifies them of speed bumps. Thanks to the magnetic attachment for the windshield, it is easy to carry it in and out as needed.
Pioneer VREC-DH300D
Pioneer dual record front and rear dash cams (opens in new window) capture 1440p video in a 135 degree field of view in the front and 1080p in the rear 128 degrees. The front camera has a nice 3-inch LCD display for recording and playback. The system is equipped with Sony Starvis sensors, which ensure a clear image and a view in low light conditions. The built-in motion sensor records 20 seconds of video before and after the accident, just in case. It comes with a microSD card up to 16GB for video recording.
Vantrue S1 4K Dash Cam
The Vantrue S1 (opens in new window) is not a camera, there are two: one for 170 degrees of view, the other mounted on the rear window for 160 degrees behind. They record simultaneously in 1080p at 30 frames per second – if you want 4K close-ups, just use the front camera. The units can withstand temperatures up to 158 degrees Fahrenheit and feature Sony Starvis night vision. The front camera display shows what the camera is seeing, as well as a continuous view of your speed (a handy aid for the rear passenger). It also has a 720p parking mode so you can later see what happened to your car while you weren’t inside.
Garmin Dash Cam 66W
66w (opens in a new window), Garmin’s premium compact dashcam with a 180-degree field of view for the road and records 1440p video (also known as QHD or Quad HD) to a microSD card. card (sold separately). You can place up to four cameras around the vehicle to record and control playback via a smartphone app. With voice commands, you ask the 66w to take a photo or record a video whenever you want.
Lanmodo Vast Pro
The Pro version of this dash camera and display combo is a minor upgrade over the original, costing $200 less. The Lanmodo Vast Pro (opens in a new window) costs just $299.99, but still offers 1080p wide-angle infrared night vision on an 8-inch screen to help navigate what might happen in the dark, rain or fog.
WIRELESS ACCESSORIES
Kenu Airframe Qi Wireless Charging Car Vent Mount
Hand-holding the phone is the basic function of the fan-mounted phone holder. Kenu Airframe takes it a step further with built-in 10W Qi wireless charging. It’s smart enough to turn off the power when the temperature rises (always a potential problem in a hot car). A 1.2 meter cable goes to the 12V DC car charger, which includes an extra USB port for friends to use. Read more about our best car phone holders.
iOttie Wireless Car Charger
To charge your phone in the car for charging, you no longer need a cable, because most can charge wirelessly. Few cars have a place where you can put the phone down to do this. Plug in an iOttie charger (opens in new window) that mounts directly to the dash (or buy a version that goes over a vent or cup holder). When you bring the phone closer to the base, it is automatically detected and locked to hold the device in place. Then the Qi charging can begin. Fits phones up to 3.64 inches wide. The stem extends from 4.9 inches to 8.3 inches and pivots 225 degrees so you or the front passenger can steer.
T-Mobile Inseego 5G MiFi M2000
Our favorite 5G mobile hotspot is what every traveler needs for complete and convenient WiFi connectivity on the go. It costs $50 a month, but it gives you 100GB of data on the T-Mobile network, be it 4G or 5G. That’s better than any T-Mobile hotspot deal on a phone, over 40GB per month. The device has a 2.4-inch touchscreen for controls and full Wi-Fi 6 support for up to 30 devices.
weBoost Drive X
If you need a better cell phone signal in your car, use a booster. With the $399.99 weBoost Drive X (opens in new window) (and external antenna outside), you can get up to 33% signal boost across all major North American carriers for multiple users in the vehicle, the company says.
WeBoost Drive Sleek
WeBoost’s Drive Sleek is a phone holder that includes a signal booster for your cell phone, giving it that little bit more to connect to the next tower. You need to attach the magnetized fin antenna to the top of the car to get a full signal.
Aluratek Universal Bluetooth Audio Cassette Receiver
The Bluetooth option is for those whose car stereos are so old, so archaic, that they have a cassette player. The affordable Aluratek Bluetooth Cassette Adapter (opens in a new window) looks like a cassette and slides into the deck as one unit, but pairs with your smartphone to play audio through your car speakers. Remove it and it will turn off automatically. The adapter requires power, so you’ll need to plug it in or unplug it from the built-in battery for about eight hours.
Vigo Bluetooth Headset
The Vigo Bluetooth Headset (opens in new window) allows you to make hands-free calls with noise cancellation, but is also an alarm system. It plays sounds, vibrates or flashes LEDs to keep you awake when it detects the driver drowsy.
Nekteck PD 45W Type-C Car Charger
Even if your car has a USB port, you may want more, especially as more and more devices are being charged via the USB-C port instead of the traditional USB-A port. Nekteck PD 45W (opens in new window) includes both. Plug it into your car’s cigarette lighter and with 45-watt USB-C you get three times the charging speed of the iPhone.
Tecknet USB Car Charger
The more new technologies you add to your car, the more you’ll need USB charging. Especially in an older car that doesn’t have built-in USB ports. This device (opens in a new window) goes directly into your car’s cigarette lighter / charger and offers four fast charging ports that you can use at the same time.
TomTom Go Comfort
You may be thinking of a standalone GPS that doesn’t require a smartphone. But TomTom Go Comfort is a great model that also uses your smartphone for map updates. Also, it shows your messages on the screen as they appear. For our top rated reviews, see Aren’t you crazy about Waze? Try one of the best GPS devices.
Apple AirTag
Want an almost foolproof way to find your lost (or possibly even stolen) vehicle? Hide the Apple AirTag somewhere. These reliable and accurate trackers are convenient, tell your iOS or iPadOS device where your car is miles away, and track it even while you drive. The closer the car is to other iOS devices, the more accurate it is.
Of course, Apple has also released ways to prevent AirTags from being used for stalking, so do it yourself. For more information, see How to Protect Against AirTags and Tile Stalking. Android users should consider using Tile Pro to achieve the same effect.
VEHICLE MONITORING SYSTEMS
Vivint Car Guard
Chosen by our editors for car monitoring, Vivint Car Guard connects directly to your vehicle’s OBD-II port and allows you to track its location and receive alerts in the event of an accident or movement. It also reports irregular driving such as speeding and braking, diagnoses mechanical problems and activates Vivint Smart Home devices such as cameras, exterior lights and sirens. You pay $ 9.99 a month for it, and you can add units for other drivers for $ 4.99 a month.
T-Mobile SyncUp Drive
Most wireless operators offer a way to connect almost any car to the cloud by connecting an internet adapter to the OBD (On Board Diagnostics) port. T-Mobile SyncUp Drive (opens in new window) adds the ability to create a Wi-Fi hotspot for vehicles and offers free roadside assistance through the Allstate Motor Club. It also offers vehicle tracking for fleet managers – or really large families – as up to 24 vehicles can be added to one account.
Hum+ Gen 2 by Verizon
With Verizon Hum + Gen 2 (opens in new window), you get an OBD-II adapter, a Bluetooth speakerphone / controller to click the visor, and a USB charger to plug into a DC socket. It’s like an easy-to-use OnStar replacement: it detects accidents and airbags and, with Verizon’s built-in cell phone service, can call emergency services and even report information to the police in the event of a car theft. Sure, it has mobile apps to track data from the OBD-II port, but it also helps you find your car in large parking lots and offers service reminders. That’s $ 99 plus $ 10 per month after the $ 35 activation fee.
Alternatively, you can get the HumX Gen 2 (opens in a new window), which is pretty much the same but includes a vehicle Wi-Fi hotspot and speaker. Both support the use of the Google Assistant in the car.
Fixd Car Health Monitor
Affordable $ 59 Fixed Active Car Status Monitor plugs into your vehicle’s OBD-II port and connects to an app on your phone to provide service reminders and other useful information to keep your car in tip-top shape.
Nonda ZUS Smart Tire Safety Monitor
Properly inflated tires save fuel. But removing a tire pressure gauge can be a pain, and before you know it months have passed without checking. This is not the case with Nonda’s SISTER Smart Tire Safety Monitor (opens in a new window). Anti-theft tire pressure sensors screw into tire valves (regardless of brand or model) and send pressure and temperature data to your smartphone in real time. You’ll be notified if something seems out of place, and you’ll be warned about slow leaks before they get more serious.
Jansite Tyre Pressure Monitor
You don’t need to connect the advanced TPMS (Tire Pressure Monitoring System) to your phone. Buy a third-party device like Jansite (opens in new window), put waterproof sensors on each tire trunk, put a solar-powered display on your car’s dashboard, and get ready for surveillance. It alerts you to low pressure, high pressure, leaks, high temperatures and more.
SMARTPHONE APPLICATION Google Maps
Google Maps
There’s little reason to buy a separate GPS device when Google Maps is the best way to add GPS directly to your vehicle (whether bike or walk, for reference only). If you don’t like Google (or its sister map product Waze), read a rundown of the most popular GPS devices. But if you give Google Maps a shot, check out our list of the top tips.
Parked Car Locator
If you are the kind of person who loses their whole car in a parking lot, consider using the Parked Car Locator app (opens in a new window) for your Android phone. Tap it when you get out of the vehicle; when you return, the app will show an arrow pointing in the right direction.
Honk
Honk (opens in new window) (not to be confused with messaging app Honk (opens in new window)) helps you when you run out of gas, get into a ditch, get an apartment, lock yourself out, or jump ( unless you are in Oklahoma or Montana). Collect cash to pay for a service that assists you, such as Uber for a towage service. No subscription fees are required.
Urgent.ly
Another AAA ride-hailing app/service meets Uber, Urgent.ly (opens in new window) has iOS and Android apps to help you quickly. There are partnerships with other services that make access very easy. Your company can even become a roadside assistance service.
AAA
The American Automobile Association’s application (opens in a new window) also initiates a road service request if necessary, so that startups aren’t completely disappointed. Of course, you must have a paid AAA membership.
GasBuddy
GasBuddy (opens in new window) has been around in one form or another for years, helping you find the cheapest way to get gas everywhere.
ParkMobile
Many municipalities have switched to digital parking. If you live in a place (opens in new window) that supports it, or plan to visit it, the Parkmobile app (opens in new window) will be invaluable to you. Instead of running to the ticket machines to print the paper that comes on the dashboard, you get out of the car and send the payment and zone number via the app. The payment is linked to your license plate (just select the correct car if you have more than one listed). As the air traffic controllers hand out tickets, a scan of your sign shows you’ve all been paid. Most importantly, if your “meter” is low, you’ll receive push notifications or text messages, and you can charge for as long as you need.
(ParkMobile experienced a data breach once (opens in new window). Similar apps include SpotHero (opens in new window), PayByPhone (opens in new window)), just to name a few. The service you choose may depend on where the service is supported.)
iExit
iExit (opens in a new window) provides information on gas prices, but perhaps more excitingly, it lists the cool stuff found at nearly every exit on every highway in the United States. Download it for iOS or Android or try it online.
EXTRA interesting
Dewalt 20V MAX Cordless Tire Inflator
Regardless of whether you’ve invested in Dewalt tools that use 20V batteries or less, the Dewalt inflator (opens in new window) is a must because it also connects to your car charger. On one side there is a high-pressure hose that attaches firmly to the vehicle’s tires and can be screwed on to prevent leaks. You set the required PSI, press a button and inflate (or deflate) to the correct amount. The tube, on the other hand, is ready to fill balls, cushions and floats of all shapes and sizes. It also has a light in case you fill up your tires at night.
Noco Boost Plus GB40 1000A 12V Ultra Safe Portable Jump Starter
Jumper cables hanging from another machine are clever, but a little dated. For emergencies, you should have a fully charged starter battery box in your car. The cables for fixing to the battery are integrated. The Noco Boost plus GB64 (opens in a new window) is affordable and comes with a 100 lumen LED flashlight that can blink and a power bank to charge phones and tablets. Get a bigger Boost starter, depending on your vehicle and battery size, up to 24V 3000A GB251 + Noco Boost Max (opens in new window) for just over a thousand euros.
Wagan 12V Cooler Warmer
This may be the closest thing to using a refrigerator or oven in your car. The Wagan Cooler / Warmer (opens in new window) connects directly to a 12 volt DC power supply or to charge the battery. Go from hot (140 degrees Fahrenheit) to cold (36 degrees) with a switch. The 46-liter capacity holds up to 60 12-ounce cans.
Audiovox 7-Inch Headrest DVD Player
DVDs are one more thing – and they allow you to entertain the kids in the back of the car. There are many options for buying monitors with seat-mounted DVD players; becomes part of the seat and the headrest itself has a built-in 7-inch screen (opens in new window). It can work with headphones or play through the car stereo via FM transmitter.
Handpresso Auto Capsule
You can spend a lot of time drinking coffee in the car. But make it a little more interesting, tastier and probably more dangerous with the Handpresso (opens in a new window), an in-car espresso machine that plugs into a 12V cigarette lighter socket. Add a new espresso capsule to each cup. Each hit of hot bean juice lasts about 2.5 minutes, but bring enough small cups for all the other vendors.
Technaxx Portable Car Alarm System
The Technax TX-168 (opens in a new window) is a car alarm that can be installed by any owner. It consists of two parts: a siren speaker which is installed in the engine compartment and connected to the battery, and a wireless transmitter in the car with an integrated motion sensor. The latter is connected to your vehicle’s cigarette lighter, so it charges while driving. With the key fob, you can turn off the device before getting into the car. If you don’t want an extra loud engine alarm, the TX-100 version (opens in new window) only comes with an internal motion sensor with its own loud siren. Take it with you to act as a panic button.
STKR Concepts Garage Parking Sensor
Need help parking in a tight garage without scratching the front or rear bumper? This wall mounted ultrasonic sensor (opens in new window) glows green when you are close enough and red when you are about to hit the wall.
ZoneTech Garage Parking Assist
Are you looking for more high-tech parking assistance? Fix the Zone Tech Parking Assist double laser guide on the roof of one or two car garages. Aim each laser at the perfect spot on the dashboard of an already parked car. Remember the place. So when you drive, line it up and do a perfect parking job every time.
FRiEQ Car Air Freshener and Ionic Air Purifier
Have you found a subtle smell in the car of kids, pets, sporty clothes, or that one carpooler that doesn’t turn off the straw man? Connect the FRiEQ car air box and the ionic air purifier (opens in a new window) and let the interior have a new scent.
Turbotube 2.0 Car Vacuum
Is there a lot of dirt in your car? Make sure Turbotube 2.0 (opens in new window) is handy and loaded. The tubular vacuum cleaner consumes 135 watts of power and vacuums with a power of 15,000 Pa (Pascals) (5-7 times more than many robot vacuum cleaners). With normal use, the battery lasts up to 50 minutes, but full suction power requires turbo mode. It also has a flashlight to find crumbs in the nooks and crannies of the vehicle. Attaching the blowpipe blows out the vents and other places that need a little extra air in the opposite direction.
ColorCoral Cleaning Gel
Keeping your car clean is a never-ending battle. An irreplaceable “technology” on the keyboard also works in the car: cleaning gel (opens in a new window). It’s like a child’s slime, working in impossible places like vents to get rid of dust and other grit that builds up over time. Don’t let it dry out and it will keep your dashboard and steering column clean for months. Throw it away if the color becomes too ugly to look at.
Snow MOOver
The best tool in your arsenal for removing the soft (or heavy) white stuff from your car is a retractable snow brush, and the Snow MOOver (opens in a new window) is one of the best. With this foam brush, you can remove every drop of ice from your car without scratching, and on the other hand, it also has a scraper for ice.
Camping Mattress for Car
Planning a long trip that may require you to sleep in the car? This camping mattress (opens in a new window) is designed for the back seat and measures 35.4″ x 55″ x 17.7″ for a more snug fit, with part of the mattress filling the arches for support. It also comes with with a self-filler that you can plug into your cigarette lighter (although we recommend getting the Dewalt above for more versatile use) Recommended for long journeys with a sleepy baby or for next year’s best cell phone drivers who need a siesta before their hire .
