There are plenty of high-tech cars to choose from if you’re looking for a new vehicle. But what if your current car works fine? Does that mean you can’t enjoy all the latest tech gear?
Not at all. You can upgrade your “low-tech” car with the same technology that comes in the latest vehicles.
And in many cases, you can do it for less than the options would cost on a new car.
Let’s look at 10 awesome car technology upgrades to bring your old ride up to date.
1. CarPlay and Android Auto
A lot of aftermarket car stereo systems have Apple’s CarPlay and Google’s Android Auto built-in. These technologies integrate with your smartphone to make it easier and safer to use them while on the road.
Make phone calls, send and receive text messages, listen to music, and even install more apps to make your car an extension of the phone in your pocket.
2. Dashcam
Dashcams let you record the road ahead of you while you drive, giving you a record of everything you see. This can be useful if you’re in an accident and need to have a record of how it played out or even as a running log of where you’ve been.
3. Back-Up Camera
A back-up camera lets you see what’s behind you when you’re moving in reverse. This makes it easier to get into and out of tight parking spots but it also alerts you if there’s any kind of danger, like an animal or child suddenly running behind your car.
4. Remote Starter
A remote start installation makes starting your car much more convenient. You can start it without leaving the house or office so it’s warmed up and ready to go when you get in.
This is a particularly great car upgrade if you live in a colder climate where the temperature can get pretty low in the winter. You’ll appreciate not having to climb into a frozen car.
5. OBD Scanner
Cars manufactured in 1996 or later have a feature called the Onboard Diagnostics II, or OBD. An OBD scanner plugs into your OBD port and provides all kinds of helpful information about what’s happening with your vehicle.
If your check engine light comes on, you won’t have to worry about a mechanic taking advantage of you – you’ll know what they need to do before you arrive.
6. Wireless Baby Monitor
A wireless baby monitor works with the internet connection in your smartphone or your car if it has a connection built-in. It lets you connect to a camera in your baby’s room (or anywhere else in your home) to see what’s happening while you’re not there.
If you want to keep tabs on your babysitter or just want to see every moment of your baby’s day, this is a great way to do it while you’re on the go. Of course, it works for other things too – watching your pets, keeping an eye on your empty home, or anything else that can be broadcast over the internet.
7. Home Automation Interface
Home automation systems like Amazon Alexa, Apple HomeKit, and Google Home let you control various things in your home automatically, including:
- Lights
- Drapes
- Temperature
- Electronics
If you install a CarPlay or Android Auto system in your car, they’ll connect to those systems to automate these things. But even if you don’t have one of those systems, you can get garage door openers and other things that will trigger those automations when you arrive home.
8. Cell Signal Booster
Most of us rely on our smartphones and an internet connection to get through our day. In fact, many of the technologies in this list need an internet connection to function.
A moving car is one of the worst environments for a good cellular signal though. Between the metal surrounding you, driving through or around obstacles, and not always being close to a cell tower, your signal will come and go.
A cell signal booster improves your reception and helps your phone and other devices stay connected no matter where you’re driving.
9. Tire Pressure Monitoring System
Low tire pressure has a negative impact on the drivability and safety of your car. But over-inflating your tires can be bad in different ways.
If your tire pressure is way too low, you’ll probably see it (assuming you check regularly) but a tire pressure monitor will help you identify the problem before it gets serious.
10. Blind-Spot and Cross-Traffic Warning System
Virtually every vehicle has some sort of blind spot, whether it’s a minor visibility issue or a design that makes it hard to see anything that isn’t directly in front of you.
When you add in the blind spots in the cars on the road around you (not to mention the people who just aren’t paying attention) it multiplies the danger of accidents.
A blind-spot and cross-traffic warning system “watches” the road around you for cars or other objects. When you start to change lanes or turn a corner, it will warn you that something is in the way so you can avoid hitting it.
These systems not only make you safer, but they can also save you money on both unnecessary repairs and in some cases by lowering your insurance premiums.
Upgrade Your Car Technology Without Replacing Your Car
Cars last longer than they used to. The build quality is better and the designs have come a long way. We’re at the point where new technology is one of the reasons people end up buying a new car, not because it’s worn out.
Why spend that money if you’re perfectly happy with the car you own? Upgrade your current ride with this new car technology and you’ll feel like you’ve got a new car, without the new car price.
Was this article helpful? Be sure to check out the rest of our blog for more articles about new car technology and how to get the most out of your current vehicle.