A Full Guide to Finding the Best Car Electronics

In the 21st century, we have access to a lot of advanced technology and equipment that makes our lives much easier and more convenient than previous generations. One of the main industries where technology is quickly advancing safety and reliability in the automotive industry.

With older model vehicles, luxuries like XM radio, power steering, and an integrated touchscreen center console largely used to be reserved for higher-end price models.

This meant that if you wanted more advanced features in your car, you would have to pay a lot more for those amenities. In today’s age, features like Bluetooth, AI-assisted driving, and electronic dashboards have become the standard with many entry-level vehicles which makes accessing these great technological advancements much easier. However, if you want even further heightened capabilities, you can still opt to install aftermarket accessories into your vehicle.

My Top Pick
ESCORT IX Laser Radar Detector | Amazon
$339.99

My favorite car electronic is the Escort IX Laser Radar Detector! It offers 360-degree protection when driving, and also gives you extra emergency and security alerts so that you can drive safely.

Buy at Amazon.com
We earn a commission if you click this link and make a purchase at no additional cost to you.
03/09/2024 08:20 pm GMT

These gadgets can range from things like wireless charging dashboard mounts, dashboard cameras, and much more. Due to consumer interest spiking in areas of automotive-related technology, many tech companies, and automotive manufacturers are starting to capitalize on the trend.

This means that there are an endless amount of car electronics for you the consumer to choose from on the market. However, this increase in readily available smart technology aimed at vehicles brings with it what every new hot trend brings with it, companies who simply want to make money without regarding your safety or value as a customer.

To distinguish between those companies who simply want to sell you the “latest tech” to those that are truly invested in making sure that you have access to high-quality car electronics, you must know what signs to look for. If you’re someone who just wants to install a bunch of fancy tech inside of your car, then you can begin shopping the endless sea of electronic car accessories this very moment.

For those that want to make sure what they’re installing in their car is a quality product, you’ve come to the right place. In this guide, we’re going to guide you through all of the important features and aspects that you need to consider before installing new electronics in your vehicle. We’re going to detail all of the most important information that you need to know before making the final decision about which automotive electronic option is right for your vehicle.

To begin, let’s look at all of the various types of car electronics that are currently for sale on the market.

Top Electronic Car Accessory Recommendation

ESCORT IX – Laser Radar Detector

The ESCORT IX – Laser Radar Detector provides 360-degree protection for yourself and vehicle while driving, and is our favorite electronic car accessory on the list. This detector also has the ability to give you real-time voice updates based on pre-configured metrics that you can input into the device yourself.

The Rader also provides information about the speed of emergency vehicles approaching your area so that you have enough time to get out of danger’s way. The device comes with over 1,000+ integrated locations so that you can begin receiving alerts as soon as you set it up.

My Top Pick
ESCORT IX Laser Radar Detector | Amazon
$339.99

My favorite car electronic is the Escort IX Laser Radar Detector! It offers 360-degree protection when driving, and also gives you extra emergency and security alerts so that you can drive safely.

Buy at Amazon.com
We earn a commission if you click this link and make a purchase at no additional cost to you.
03/09/2024 08:20 pm GMT

Types of Car Electronics on The Market

When it comes to choosing the right technology to install in your vehicle, there are several different categories that you can decide to indulge in. Determining what features you need most out of your automotive accessories is the first step in ensuring that you spend money on items that will increase the value, safety, and overall efficiency of your vehicle.

The last thing that you want to do is spend a ton of money on car accessories only to get rid of them in less than a month. This happens more than you think due to the fact that many people are quick to jump on a new trend without doing their proper amount of research first.

In this section, we’re going to go over all of the different automotive accessory types and categories so that you can make a lasting purchase. Make sure you pay attention so that you’ll be able to distinguish between accessories that you need versus the ones that you simply want.

Audio Systems

Probably one of the most common and regularly installed electronic car accessories is audio units. Audio systems give you the ability to enhance the standard sound system that comes installed on your vehicle by the factory. Audio systems come in all sorts of configurations and types which makes the possibilities endless in terms of how you can enhance your vehicle’s natural sound quality. When it comes to installing new audio systems in your vehicle, there are several components that you’ll need to but in order for the unit to work properly.

These things consist of add-ons like subwoofers, speakers, mounts, and more. Often times, a new audio system installation will require more than one piece of equipment which can make the process quite difficult for those who have no experience installing audio systems. Depending on the approach that you want to take in terms of installing an audio system in your car, they can either hurt or help the resale value of your car based on the model and market sector.

Most aftermarket audio systems come with advanced stereo receiver inserts that vary in feature and capabilities. Some car audio receivers come with a touchscreen however some still use the old model of a simple button system with a dial which allows you to change the channel on your radio as you please. A lot of audio receivers on the market today support a wide array of advanced features such as Bluetooth connectivity, streaming support for services like Pandora and iHeart Radio, wireless calling, and app downloads.

These type of audio systems can add a lot of inherent value to your vehicle easily into providing you with the sound quality and accessibility that you need. if you really want to add more technology inside of your car, you should opt to go with a stereo receiver that has a touchscreen interface which will allow you to easily and seamlessly operate it. Some new car audio receivers even come with built-in GPS which is a great add-on to have if you’re going to go through the trouble of installing a new audio system anyway.

Before installing a new audio system in your car, it’s important for you to check the compatibility of the model with your existing vehicle and speakers. Too many watts coming from your stereo receiver can actually damage your car speakers so you need to make sure that the set-up you have is compatible with all the accessories you plan on installing inside of your vehicle. You have to remember than when installing a new audio system, there are several components which must be installed in order to make the system function properly.

This includes things like amplifiers, subwoofers, and the speakers themselves. Before buying a new car sound system, you always want to make sure that your desired set-up will work properly and in a safe manner.

Check the best Audio Systems Reviews and comparisons here:

Dash Cameras

Dashboard cameras are also another really popular aftermarket add-on for many vehicle owners because they increase your safety while driving. Dash cameras come in all sorts of configurations and models which is something that you’ll want to pay attention to before making your final purchase decision.

Depending on your desired needs, you will want to check the sort of mount that your desired dash camera uses, how it connects to your car, the way in which it records and transmits the video feed it captures, how you will be able to access the video feed, and in what resolution it records video quality in.

All of the elements will play a major role in ensuring that the dash camera option you choose will provide you with the benefits that you need most. The overall video resolution of your dashcam is important because it will allow you to review the footage clearly without digital obstructions or frame drops. Dashboard cameras come in a lot of different configurations which essentially refers to the way in which they connect with the vehicle.

This is a very important factor because not all cars are compatible with certain dash camera connection types and that is the main which in which they provide video recording capabilities to the driver themselves. Some dashboard cameras also have audio recording capabilities so that you are completely covered in the event of an accident or another road-related incident.

Back-Up Cameras

Back-up cameras are the opposite of dashboard cameras, while dash cams face forward on your dashboard, back-up cameras provide a rear view of your vehicle to help you with situations like parking in tight spaces and avoiding rear accidents. Backup cameras also record video in real-time and allow you to cater your driving technique according to the rearview that you’re interacting with.

The camera itself is usually installed on the rear of your vehicle near the car receivers which enables it to pick up on audio in addition to video. This part of the installation process requires some knowledge about tech so often times the retailer that you purchase a dash camera from will offer some sort of installation package to make it easier for you to begin recording the rear view of your vehicle for enhanced safety.

A high-quality backup camera goes hand in hand with a reliable dash cam because the combination will provide total coverage and video monitoring for you while on the road.

We all have places to be and sometimes, we may not know the exact direction or coordinates of that particular location. Even if you know how to get to your destination, a quality GPS system can give you access to shorter route times, accident avoidance, traffic alerts, and much more. Navigation and GPS systems come with a lot of different features all depending on the brand and make of the particular model that you choose to purchase.

Car GPS systems come in two main configurations, one being dash-mounted GPS systems and the other being in-dash GPS systems. One of the main things to keep in mind when selecting the right GPS system for you is visibility, dash-mounted navigation systems can often time impede on your ability to see the road in front of you clearly whereas in-dash mounted navigation systems do not pose this issue due to their overall positioning and location in your vehicle.

Some navigation systems require a subscription for you to gain access to the integrated satellite positioning systems. GPS systems come with a lot of different features most of which we’ll cover later but to give you a quick glimpse, they include options such as voice control, downloadable maps, and smartphone compatibility.

Diagnostic Accessories

All cars manufactured after 1999 come with this convenient and easy to use connection known as an OBD. The OBD connection on your particular vehicle will vary in terms of location however all of them give you access to the same capabilities being car diagnostics and internal tracking of your vehicle’s systems overall. There are several different car accessories which connect directly to the OBD port on your car in order to provide you with in-depth analytics such as diagnostic information which can be very useful for you in various different areas.

One of the most useful diagnostic features that many OBD accessories come with includes engine health monitoring which ensures that you get daily updates about how your engine is performing over time. Many OBD diagnostic tools also give you information about the health and conditions of your battery which can help you avoid unnecessary breakdowns or accidents while out on the road.

These different OBD tools are a great way to help you avoid costly repairs before they become a big issue in addition to providing you with historical data on how your car’s performance has either improved or declined over time. Most of the OBD extension tools currently available even give you the ability to monitor your car’s internal operating conditions via an app on your smartphone which is really convenient.

Vehicle Security Systems

Nothing is more important than making sure your vehicle is safe and protected, with the help of an add-on security system, you can do just that and without much effort. Car security alarms and monitoring sensors have increased in popularity over recent years and for plenty of good reasons.

A lot of car security systems come with integrated remote start capabilities as a standard function which allows you to start your vehicle once the system detects your wireless remote within a certain predetermined range.

Most of the remote start buttons that you’ll come across on the market today give you the ability to control functions such as locking, unlocking, starting your car, and even sounding off the alarm if you happen to see someone near your vehicle.

The great thing about vehicle security systems is that many of them will give you the ability to configure customized settings in order to get the most out of the unit.

Technology has increased the safety and reliability in many different vehicles over the years with advanced features such as collision detection, theft prevention, and much more. Before deciding to install a security system on your vehicle, however, you should always make sure that your desired model is compatible with the vehicle you have. This will ensure that no issues arise during the installation or actual use of the system once it’s installed correctly.

Digital Accessory Extensions

There are also a lot of different accessory extensions that you can install in your vehicle which will improve its overall functionality and capability. These things include wireless dashboard mounts, Bluetooth accessories, assisted driving features, and much more. If you own a piece of unique technology designed for your car, there are an endless amount of opportunities for you in terms of expanding the functionality and efficiency of your vehicle overall.

Aftermarket dashboard units are a really popular option with many vehicle owners because they give you the ability to add certain functionalities that your car may have not had before. This can include things like a touchscreen dashboard display, lane assist, automotive door locks and openers, and a lot more features that can be really useful when out on the road.

Radar Detection Systems

When you’re out on the road, other passengers are not the only thing that you need to look out for. In the event of an emergency, it can be very helpful knowing exactly where and when a particular emergency response service will be near your location or passing your vehicle. In order to detect instances like this, you will need to use a radar detector. Radar detectors come in a wide range of different configurations and types all of which have their own benefits and special features.

You want to make sure that whatever radar detection system you use has an easy to read display. This will allow you to stay on top of any emergency alerts of broadcasts which may be impacting your immediate driving location. Emergency services operate on a wide range of different frequency bands in order to distinguish one from the other. This is something that you’ll want to keep in mind when installing a radar detector in your vehicle.

Not all radar detection systems are equipped to sense certain frequency bands, for this reason, choosing a radar system that can pick up on a wide range of different frequencies is the best option to go with. The standard for being able to capture all sorts of emergency response communication frequency bands tend to be in the range of 10 decibels so look for a radar detector that has this sensitivity or higher.

Now that we’ve gone over some of the most common types of aftermarket accessors and extensions that people install in their vehicles, let’s look at some of the upcoming technology and standard feature sets that you can expect to see come pre-installed in all vehicles very soon.

Emerging Car Technology

In recent years, the automotive and technology industry have merged in a way that we’ve never seen before. There are a lot of new developments in the areas of driver safety, vehicle reliability, self-driving cars, and much more. Because of this increase in readily available advanced technology features, many car manufacturers have decided to begin implementing these features into even their lowest tier model production vehicles. Many of these new features have already proven to be mainstays in terms of the reaction from the general public and leading car producers around the world.

Because of this, we feel that it’s only right to share with you some of the latest and greatest in terms of automotive technology that you can expect to see implemented in your vehicle very soon. In the following section, we’re going to go over some of the most exciting advancements to be made in the automotive industry as of late so that you can prepare yourself for the next generation of driving.

While there are a lot of extra tech accessories and add-on currently on the market for vehicle owners of all types, these new technologies will more than likely come pre-installed in your vehicle if you happen to purchase it anytime in the near future.

Adaptive Cruise Control

While you may be familiar with the standard cruise control feature that has come on many models and makes of cars in years past, this new technology is completely different. With standard cruise control, you simply accelerate your vehicle to your desired rate of speed and then click a button which locks that speed into place until you decide to manually change it.

Adaptive cruise control, on the other hand, utilizes new technology like satellites, sensors, and radars which actively monitor the road and driving conditions around you at any given amount of time. These various radars and sensors will automatically measure the speed of your vehicle in order to adjust it when you enter a new speed limit zone or slow down when there is traffic ahead.

The integrated sensors can even bring your car to a complete stop once it senses another solid object or vehicle directly in front of you. This is very useful for those who regularly drive in heavy traffic areas or for those who want a little extra assistance while out on the road. Adaptive cruise control can also help you avoid accidents which will save you tons of money on unnecessary repairs.

Lane Departure Systems

We all struggle to keep our vehicle in the lane which we are driving due to uneven lane strips and damaged roads. Most new cars being released in the future will come with an integrated feature known as lane departure assist or lane departure warnings. Lane departure assistance uses a pre-installed camera either on the front or rear of your vehicle’s grill, some models even use both for extra added security and protection.

The camera outlines the lane lines of the particular area that you’re driving in against the overall dimensions of your car. When your car begins to drift to the other lanes on the road, the lane assistance feature will either vibrate or make an alert sound which makes you aware of the fact that you’re drifting into another lane so that you can correct it before an accident happens. Lane assistance also steers the car back into the center lane if you happen to ride over the line markings on the road which you’re driving on.

Blind Spot Detection Systems

Another great technologically advanced feature that will come installed with most new vehicles is blind-spot detection. The vehicle will use sensors and radars usually positioned on the side or rear of your car, these features serve the purpose of alerting you about other vehicles that may be coming up to your current position while attempting to make a lane change. Some of these blind spot detection systems will alert you when a car is coming up on the side of your vehicle while another only alert you once the vehicle is actually right by the side of your car.

Either way, they do a great job at helping you avoid accidents when trying to change lanes due to you not being able to see cars that are behind you. A lot of car manufacturers are beginning to take out patens on blind spot detection systems however the great news is that you can also find aftermarket products to install on your car that work in much the same manner.

Now that we’ve covered some of the most exciting automotive technology to be implemented in vehicles soon, it’s time to look at the main considerations that you need to take before making a purchase of any electronic car accessory.

Main Features to Consider When Choosing the Right Car Electronics

Electronic car accessories are designed for a wide range of different purposes and they come with a lot of varying features. When you’re deciding on which electronic car accessory you want to install in your vehicle, you need to consider how it will improve your overall safety while driving, and what advantages doe it brings if any to your existing vehicle set-up.

Check out the list below to see what you should look for when choosing the right car electronics for your needs.

  • Safety
  • Security
  • Performance
  • Monitoring
  • Accessibility
  • Connectivity
  • Functionality
  • Mode of Operation

By taking all of these different variables into account, you will be able to make sure that you’re spending money on an electronic car accessory that adds real value to your driving experience instead of new tech that just looks nice but serves no actual purpose or function.

Top Car Electronics Recommendations

Now that we’ve gone over all of the most important information you need to know when choosing the right electronic car accessories for your vehicle, it’s time to list some of our top recommendations for various car accessories that you can purchase and install in your vehicle today.

All of the recommendations we list below will vary in terms of their category and features so that you can see the full scope of options available to you.

#1 Cooluli Mini Fridge Electric Cooler and Warmer

The Cooluli Mini Fridge Electric Cooler and Warmer gives you the ability to take your favorite food and drinks on the go. The cooler comes with a USB and AC/DC power adapter which gives you the ultimate versatility in terms of how you can connect the device.

It also has integrated thermal insulation which automatically transfers heat from one side of the cooler to another in order to add more warmth to a particular food item or beverage or vice versa.

The cooler features a very modern and sleek design which makes it easy to fit into just about any vehicle out there. The cooler has the ability to warm items up to 144 degrees Fahrenheit and it can cool down items at a temperature as low as -45 degrees Fahrenheit.

Cooluli Mini Fridge Electric Cooler and Warmer | Amazon
$49.99

Use it anywhere to store food, drinks, beer, snacks, Breast milk, Insulin, skincare and medications.

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03/09/2024 06:15 pm GMT

#2 FRiEQ Car Air Purifier, Car Air Freshener, and Ionic Air Purifier

The FRiEQ Car Air Purifier, Car Air Freshener, and Ionic Air Purifier have the capability to release up to4.8+million negative ions into your vehicle which helps to remove strong odors completely.

The purifier also uses a 12V power supply which you can easily plug into the integrated cigarette lighter inside of your car to begin using it.

The purifier has a built-in LED light that turns blue when it’s plugged in alerting you that it’s ready to be used.

FRIEQ Car Air Purifier | Amazon

The strongest car interior accessory releases 4.8 million negative ions per cm³ in your car for massive odor-fighting power.

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#3 Anker Roav SmartCharge F2 Bluetooth FM Transmitter

The Anker Roav SmartCharge F2 Bluetooth FM Transmitter is operated using your car’s cigarette lighter and it is compatible with a wide range of different vehicle models and types.

This unique Bluetooth FM transmitter gives you the ability to listen to all of your favorite FM channels even if for some reason your radio isn’t working.

The best part about is that it comes with integrated Bluetooth which you can connect to your car’s existing sound system for enhanced performance and listening.

The device also comes with a car tracking features which allows you to see where your car is in the event of theft

Anker Roav SmartCharge for Car| Amazon

With just a simple tap of the Channel Button (CH), T2 automatically searches for and connects to unoccupied FM frequencies.

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#4 Nonda ZUS Smart Car Charger

The nonda ZUS Smart Car Charger is a full-on car monitoring and a diagnostic unit that gives you the ability to charge your mobile device at the same time.

The device itself uses your car’s cigarette lighter to gain power which then gives you access to all of its unique features such as parking meter alerts, mileage reports, car locator, and much more.

This device can even monitor the current health of your vehicle battery by simply downloading and pairing the charger with your smartphone

Nonda ZUS Smart Car Charger | Amazon
$20.00

Say good-bye to time-consuming searches for your car at the mall, stadium, outdoor event or a busy neighborhood. The ZUS App automatically saves your parking location Simply open the ZUS App to find your car with the Map or compass

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02/19/2024 12:00 am GMT

#5 Uniden BCD436HP HomePatrol Series Digital Handheld Scanner

The Uniden BCD436HP HomePatrol Series Digital Handheld Scanner uses advanced GPS features and it has a very large display in addition to radio wave analysis to alert you of certain accidents or incidents while on the road.

You can adjust the device to read data according to your specific location by entering in your zip code and the device does the rest.

Uniden BCD436HP HomePatrol Series | Amazon

Simple to operate, no programming needed. Simply turn it on, enter your zip code, and TrunkTracker V does the rest.

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FAQ’s About Finding the Best Car Electronics

How do I install my new electronic accessories?

Depending on what type of car electronic accessory you purchase; the installation method will be vastly different. If it’s a rather complex accessory like an enhanced sound system, most retailers who sell the equipment will offer an installation package that you can purchase to avoid having to deal with it yourself.

How do I know if the car electronic I want is compatible with my vehicle?

This is a really good question because it’s one of the main problems that many people run into while choosing which electronic accessories to install in their vehicles. Before you purchase any car electronic accessory, you need to make sure that it is compatible with your specific make and vehicle model.

Often times you can do this by visiting the manufacturers’ website or by checking your driver’s manual for more information. You can also ask store clerks where you purchase the item to see if they will be able to offer any assistance.

How much do car electronics cost?

The cost of electronic car accessories varies drastically all depending on the category and type.

Conclusion

We’ve gone over all of the various factors that you need to consider before installing any sort of car electronics in your vehicle. By using this guide to help you make your purchase decision about which automotive accessory will provide the safety, convenience, and reliability that you expect, you will be able to make the right decision in no time. Remember all of these and information so that you can begin enhancing your car the way in which you desire.

My Top Pick
ESCORT IX Laser Radar Detector | Amazon
$339.99

My favorite car electronic is the Escort IX Laser Radar Detector! It offers 360-degree protection when driving, and also gives you extra emergency and security alerts so that you can drive safely.

Buy at Amazon.com
We earn a commission if you click this link and make a purchase at no additional cost to you.
03/09/2024 08:20 pm GMT

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