Many people are driving vehicles that work perfectly well but are lacking some of the more modern features found in newer vehicles. If you’re one of these people, you probably don’t want to spend a ton of money on a new vehicle just to get some of these features. Luckily, in many cases, it’s possible to add some of these features to your older car. Below are 6 tech upgrades you can make to older vehicles, allowing you to experience these features without having to buy an entirely new car.
Media Center
The first tech upgrade you’ll likely want to consider is a new media center. The media center is the device that goes in the center of your dashboard and allows you to control all your media. In newer cars, this takes the form of a touch screen that can connect to smart devices. A lot of older cars don’t have this technology but it’s fairly easy to add.
All you have to do is buy the center console separately then find a local service to install it for you. When shopping for a console, be sure to get one that works with your particular type of smart device. For example, if you have an Apple device, you’ll want to look for an Apple Carplay aftermarket device. Once you have this console set up, you’ll be able to do things like stream from your favorite music apps, get directions and even check your email.
Radar Detector
A radar detector is a small device that goes on your dashboard and detects if there are any radar signals nearby. Radar signals appear when police are nearby tracking the speed of drivers. By having a heads-up when these radar guns are in use, you can slow down if you happen to be speeding before passing by the police officer. These little devices are a great way to ensure that you remain within the speed limit and that you don’t get pulled over for speeding. Before you buy one, however, just be sure they are legal in your state.
Remote Starter
A remote starter is a great convenience in any car but particularly if you live in an area with more extreme weather. With a remote starter, you can start your vehicle with the push of a button from yards away. Therefore, if the weather is especially hot or cold outside, you can start your vehicle while you’re still inside your home and allow the interior temperature to adjust before you get in.
Anyone who has sat in a cold car waiting for it to heat up, or a hot car before the AC kicks in, knows how uncomfortable this can be. Many new cars come with this option but it’s fairly easy to add it to your older vehicles as well. However, you’ll likely need a professional installer to do it for you, as it can be a little complicated if you’re unfamiliar with working on cars.
Dash Cam
A dashcam is just as it sounds – a camera that goes on your dashboard. It records the view in front of your vehicle as you drive. The most practical use of dashcams are in case you get into an accident while on the road. Having footage of the accident can help if there is any dispute or problems with your insurance agency. For the times when you’re not getting into accidents, it can be fun to look back on the route you traveled, especially if you’re on a long road trip through along a scenic road.
Backup Camera
Another type of camera you can add is a backup camera. This camera goes in the back of your vehicle, with a live look displayed on your dashboard. You use it when you back up, allowing you to get a better view of what’s behind you as you go in reverse. This can be useful when you’re trying to parallel park or if you just want to ensure there’s nothing behind you. Again, this feature is now fairly common on newer models but if you’re driving something older, it’s fairly affordable to add.
OBD II Car Monitor
Lastly, consider adding a car monitor to your vehicle’s OBD II port. Most cars have an OBD II port underneath their dashboard on the driver’s side. When you plug a small car monitor into this port, it tracks essential information about your vehicle. You can get real-time data about the status of your vehicle, such as if the engine is experiencing any issues or if someone hits it while you’re not in the vehicle. These small devices are easy to set up, so if you want more information about your vehicle, consider going with this upgrade.
Bring Your Vehicle Up to Date
As you can see, it’s easy to add some modern features to your older vehicle. Think about which features you want most, then how much money you’re willing to spend on these tech upgrades. You’ll likely find that with just a small investment you can make your vehicle a lot more enjoyable to drive, and safer, making it well worth the cost.
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