5 Modern Technologies To Add To Your Outdated Car
On average, drivers on American roads are riding in a car that is about 11 and a half years old, which means that many drivers still aren’t enjoying the many technological benefits that cars of today have. Luckily, all is not lost, as there is a way to bring these raggedy cars into the 21st century. Some of these systems can simply be implemented into their vehicles, and some even for free. Here are 5 Modern Technologies To Add To Your Outdated Car.
Collision Avoidance System
Its role: Senses a possible collision or hazard on the road and alerts the driver to avoid it.
How it operates: Uses a camera, dash-mounted display, and then with certain systems, sensors fixed in the car’s bumper detect traffic, traffic lanes, and people or objects nearby. It gives drivers a visual warning if the traffic slows down and if you’re wandering too much from your lane. Some systems can even read speed limit signs and will alert you if you are above that cap.
How it doesn’t operate: Keep in mind that this type of technology just provides a warning, so it does not operate as an automatic braking system, which you’ll find in most modern cars.
Average price and installation: Prices start around $65 and up; MobilEye 560 includes everything for $850. Some systems are easy enough for the driver to install, while more complex systems require a professional.
Rearview Camera
Its role: This allows you to see a video of the car’s rear when backing up, as well as monitoring the traffic from behind.
How it operates: The camera should be installed atop the rear license plate and will send a video signal to either a monitor or your smartphone. Certain systems are attached to the rearview mirror, while others are either mounted onto the dashboard or fixed to an existing touchscreen display.
How it doesn’t operate: It does not record images or brake automatically when an object is detected.
Average price and installation: Prices start around $15, while premium systems like Auto Vox have starting price of $130. Professional installation is advised.
Engine Diagnostics
Its role: Acts as the overseer to the health of different functions in the car, such as the oil level and what the check engine light is saying. One can view this information on the smartphone app, which provides alerts, allows you to remotely check systems, and will even send reminders around the time maintenance is due.
How it operates: This small device can be plugged into the vehicle’s on-board diagnostic port, and by using your smartphone, you can check the car’s systems and receive a notification if there are any concerns.
How it doesn’t operate: It doesn’t monitor systems that are connected to the engine, like tire pressure.
Average price and installation: Prices start at $30. Recommended systems include CarMD and Hum by Verizon. Installation is a no-brainer, as one simply has to insert the device into the OBD-II port (found in the owner’s manual).
GPS and Navigation
Its role: Virtual maps along with turn-by-turn directions that use visual, voice, and real-time instructions to guide the driver to his or her destination.
How it operates: One can use plug-in systems with dash-mounted monitors, in-house dash systems and apps on their smartphone to have access to real-time traffic and free map updates.
How it doesn’t operate: It does not read speed limit signs. While on one hand, it can pick up speed limit information from the GPS or map, it doesn’t usually mirror temporary speed limits like with construction zones.
Average price and installation: Has a starting price of $60 and up. Popular systems include TomTom and Garmin, which range in a variety of different prices. While most systems can simply be plugged in, in-dash systems should be professionally installed.
Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)
Its role: Average price and installation: Monitors the tires’ air pressure and alerts the driver if the pressure is low or if a tire is flat.
How it operates: Sensors in the tire valve caps are responsible for monitoring the pressure level of each tire. A signal is sent to the base monitor, which is plugged into the car’s power port/cigarette lighter. Some systems have an app that allows one to oversee the tire pressure from their phone and get alerts when the pressure is low and even if a sensor is missing.
Average price and installation: The starting price is $70$ and up. A recommended system is Fuelle’s, as its monitor is easy to read. Another is FOBO’s system, as it augmented for smartphones and watches. This system doesn’t require a professional.
Driver’s Auto Mart
One place that is guaranteed to give you an affordable price on a vehicle is Driver’s Auto Mart, we sell a wide range of pre-owned vehicles that are still come out swinging against those hot of the press. You’ll find that with most of our cars, the technologies are already up to the minute, as well as mechanics.
Those who are interested in any of our vehicles can simply view our online used car inventory and chat with a representative for further assistance.