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Connecting your smartphone to an older car can be challenging. Thankfully, a wealth of aftermarket gadgets can upgrade any vehicle. This guide dives into the Best Gadgets For Your Obd2 port and other tech to modernize your car, focusing on enhancing connectivity, safety, and convenience.
Enhancing Your Car’s Stereo with OBD2 Gadgets
Smartphones are our primary source of information, even in the car. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto provide safe, hands-free access to calls, messages, navigation, and entertainment apps through your car’s stereo. While newer cars often include this functionality, older vehicles can be upgraded with aftermarket stereo head units. Look for double-DIN head units (7×4 inches) that support CarPlay and Android Auto. Professional installation is recommended.
Top Stereo Head Unit Recommendations:
- Sony XAV-AX8100: An 8.95-inch touchscreen single-DIN head unit packed with features like Bluetooth, SiriusXM, and wired CarPlay/Android Auto.
- Pioneer DMH-WC5700NEX: A double-DIN head unit with a 6.8-inch touchscreen, wireless CarPlay/Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa support.
- JVC KW-M865BW Digital Multimedia Receiver: Offers direct Wi-Fi connection for wireless CarPlay/Android Auto, Bluetooth, and GPS.
Wireless Adapters for Seamless Connectivity:
- CarlinKit 4.0 Wireless Adapter: Eliminates the need for wired CarPlay/Android Auto connections.
- Drivelink Carplay Wireless Adapter: Specifically designed for wireless CarPlay in vehicles from 2018 onwards.
In-Car Voice Assistants:
- Roav VIVA by Anker: A cigarette lighter adapter that adds Alexa to your car, along with USB charging ports.
- Amazon Echo Auto (1st Gen): Provides access to Alexa’s voice-activated services, including news, music, and more.
Enhancing Safety with Dash Cams and Radar Detectors
- Cobra DualPro 360° Radar Detector: Provides 360-degree radar and laser detection with voice alerts and crowd-sourced speed trap alerts.
- Pioneer VREC-DH300D: Dual-recording dash cam capturing 1440p video in the front and 1080p in the rear.
- Vantrue S1 4K Dash Cam: Dual dash cam with heat resistance and night vision, recording 1080p front and rear or 4K in the front.
- Garmin Dash Cam 66W: Compact dash cam with a 180-degree field of view and 1440p video recording.
Wireless Charging and Connectivity Solutions
- Kenu Airframe Qi Wireless Charging Car Vent Mount: Combines a phone mount with 10W Qi wireless charging.
- iOttie Wireless Car Charger: Dashboard or vent-mounted wireless charger with automatic clamping for secure phone holding.
- T-Mobile Inseego 5G MiFi M2000: Creates a 5G Wi-Fi hotspot in your car for multiple devices.
- weBoost Drive X: Boosts cellular signal strength for all major North American carriers.
OBD2 Vehicle Monitoring and Maintenance
Utilizing your car’s OBD2 port opens a world of possibilities for monitoring and maintenance:
- Vivint Car Guard: An OBD2 device that monitors your car’s location, driving behavior, and mechanical issues.
- Fixd Car Health Monitor: Provides maintenance reminders and diagnostic information via a smartphone app.
- T-Mobile SyncUp Drive: Offers in-car Wi-Fi, roadside assistance, and vehicle tracking.
Conclusion
Upgrading your car with the best gadgets for your OBD2 port and other innovative technologies significantly enhances your driving experience. By leveraging these advancements, you can transform your vehicle into a connected, safe, and convenient hub on wheels. From seamless smartphone integration to real-time vehicle monitoring, these gadgets empower you to stay informed, entertained, and protected on the road. Choose the gadgets that best suit your needs and budget to enjoy a truly modern driving experience.
