Do you want to exchange your vehicle for one with more bells and whistles?
According to Fortune, the average price for a new vehicle in the U.S. is $47,338, while Cox Automotive says the average cost for a used one is $25,415. Whether new or used, you should think twice before forking over tens of thousands of dollars for more tech.
If your car otherwise functions just fine, consider these 16 tech accessories that’ll make it feel more modern.
Backup Camera
If your vehicle was manufactured before 2018, it might come without a backup camera. Backup cameras were optional features before then. A backup camera can help you park, eliminate blind spots, and even lower insurance premiums. Aftermarket units are inexpensive and aren’t difficult to install, so consider getting one to make your older vehicle feel brand-spanking new.
In-Dash Navigation
Installing an aftermarket in-dash navigation unit used to cost an arm and a leg. It can still cost a pretty penny if you go with certain makes and models. But you don’t have to pay an arm and a leg anymore. Check out sites like Amazon or AliExpress to find dirt-cheap Android-based models. Some of them are plug-and-play units that can be installed quickly and easily.
Tire Pressure Monitoring System
Tire pressure monitoring systems (TPMS) ensure drivers receive notifications if their tires are substantially underinflated. They only became required equipment after September 2007.
Depending on your vehicle’s age, it may or may not have it. The good news is many aftermarket TPMS units are available to upgrade your vehicle’s tech without you having to go car shopping.
Hands-Free Bluetooth
Another must-have for your older vehicle is hands-free Bluetooth capabilities. Driving while holding a smartphone is a no-no. If you’re involved in an accident while gibber-jabbering away, the authorities could charge you with distracted driving. It’s best to avoid talking on the phone while operating your vehicle. But if you must, go the hands-free route with a Bluetooth adapter.
Bluetooth FM Transmitter
Some older cars are super-reliable. But if they’re too old, they might have tape decks. If you don’t want to buy a new car stereo head unit, you can get a modern upgrade with a Bluetooth FM transmitter. After plugging it into the cigarette lighter port, you can listen to MP3s, audiobooks, podcasts, and more. A Bluetooth FM transmitter will be a game-changer tech-wise.
Heated Seat Covers
Planting your hiney onto a cold car seat for the morning commute can be difficult. Some vehicles come equipped with heated seats — but not all do. But there’s no need to worry since you can buy heated seat covers that plug into cigarette lighters. Going with that tech upgrade will make driving in the car more pleasant on cold days.
Remote Start System
Remote start systems are useful for so many situations. Starting your car from indoors on a cold winter day will ensure it’s toasty and warm inside for a more comfortable commute. You can get an aftermarket unit if your vehicle isn’t equipped with one. Depending on your car, you might find a plug-and-play remote start system you can install independently.
Radar Detector
While it’s always best to drive within the posted speed limit, that doesn’t mean a radar detector unit isn’t a good idea. It’s a piece of technology that can detect if a law enforcement official is using a radar gun to track the speed of vehicles. You’ll get an audible notification if a radar gun is detected ahead so you can adjust your speed accordingly and avoid a day-ruining ticket.
Bluetooth Scanner
Whether you have an old car or a new model, no one wants to see trouble codes on the dashboard. All vehicles manufactured after 1996 have Onboard Diagnostic II. You should have an OBD II scanner in your glove box. If not, buy a Bluetooth scanner. Once paired with your smartphone, the Bluetooth scanner will offer useful information about your car.
Cell Phone Signal Booster
According to one source, a cell phone signal booster can boost signal strength by up to 32 times for improved talk, data, and text capability. It can be the perfect addition to your car.
Bluetooth Headset
Another useful technology for your vehicle is a Bluetooth headset for hands-free calling and messaging. Keep your hands on the wheel if you need to take or make a call while driving. You can get models with voice assistant features, which are useful if you want to use your voice to initiate phone calls.
Touchscreen Multimedia Player
Adding a CarPlay/Android Auto touchscreen multimedia player to your vehicle can be a game-changer. It’s one way to turn your old car into a modern marvel. You can attach the device to the windshield, dashboard, or elsewhere and enjoy the same functionality as an in-dash unit. All you have to do is link your smartphone to the device via Bluetooth.
LED Car Light Strips
Just because you don’t have a newer model car doesn’t mean you can’t have some fun tech. Consider LED car light strips, for instance. When the sun sets, you’ll enjoy a different level of driving fun with LED car light strips. They’re actually dirt cheap and are an easy DIY project.
Portable Air Purifier
Buying a portable air purifier for your car is a good idea. You can use it to eliminate bad odors, airborne allergens, and unhealthy particles inside your vehicle. They’re small enough to place in a cup holder, so they’ll do you and your passengers a favor without taking up much space.
Car Power Inverter
A power inverter plugs into the cigarette lighter. It can charge laptops, phone chargers, and other devices. You’ll wonder why you didn’t get one sooner.
Dash Cam
By now, it should be evident how valuable dash cams are. You can use it to safeguard against fraudulent insurance claims, reduce insurance premiums, and get car thieves to think twice before messing with your car. You can get them inexpensively too, which is a bonus.
Don’t Change Your Car — Get Some New Tech Instead
If you wish your vehicle had more modern tech and creature comforts, all you have to do is consider some of the options above. You don’t have to buy a new or used vehicle just to get some new tech. It’s much cheaper to add the tech you want to the car you have.
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