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Technology has transformed the automotive industry enormously over the last decade. From self-driving vehicles to radar cruise control, modern cars pull out all the stops in terms of tech. If you want to elevate your vehicle – old or new – consider these five exciting tech add-ons currently on the market.
Fobo Tire Plus
Accurate tire pressure is critical for the safe and efficient performance of your vehicle. Tires that are too flat or overinflated could put you at risk of serious malfunctions and auto accidents. Underinflated tires press against the ground and experience wear and tear more easily, reducing the lifespan of your tires and putting you at risk of blowouts and flats. Overinflated tires are too tight and rigid, reducing the traction with the road and risking loss of vehicle control.
Most vehicle owners know how to manually check their tire pressure and refill tires with air as necessary. What if you could receive readings of your tires’ pressures in real time, however, without any elbow grease? The Fobo Tire Plus is a piece of technology that does exactly that. It is an advanced wireless tire pressure monitoring system that connects to your smartphone via Bluetooth. It also has an intelligent in-vehicle monitoring unit.
The Fobo Tire Plus is the world’s first all-Bluetooth smart tire pressure monitoring tool. The system comes with four wireless sensors to attach to the tires, and one wireless unit to place inside the vehicle. There is an optional feature to connect the devices to your mobile device. It can work on its own or simultaneously with your phone. You will receive alerts to changes in your tire pressure through both outlets. Fobo will monitor your tire pressure 24/7. The price starts at $180.
Garmin Dash Cam 55
Dashboard cameras, or dash cams, boomed in popularity with the increased demand for video. Today, drivers use dash cams to record what’s going on around them for future use, in case of accidents. If a collision occurs, the dash cam could record important evidence as to who or what caused the wreck. This can help drivers avoid liability for accidents they didn’t cause. Dash cams can also record evidence during thefts and hit-and-run accidents.
The Garmin Dash Cam 55 is a miniature, GPS-enabled dash cam with voice control. It’s compact, extremely small design makes it easy to place discreetly on the windshield. It provides high-quality 1440P video footage (even in low light) you can sync to your smartphone. It comes with G-sensor, driver alerts, loop recording, and a memory card. Drivers can purchase the device on Amazon for $199.
Viper SmartStart
If you’ve ever wanted to monitor your vehicle while you were away, the Viper SmartStart is the tech for you. This device is a remote vehicle starter, but it’s much more than that. It lets drivers use their smartphones to track, monitor, and control their vehicles. You can use the app to receive alerts if your car is moving without permission, track your vehicle’s location, see its speed if someone else is driving, unlock the doors, set off the alarm, and more. It’s simple to install and easy to use from most smartphones.
The SmartStart lets you change the temperature in your vehicle, lock and unlock doors, and find where you’re parked – all remotely using your smartphone. You can even have multiple cars on one account, or multiple users connected to the same vehicle. Enjoy fast connection speed, smartwatch capability, and an ultra-accurate GPS system. The retail price for this add-on starts at $49.
Escort Max 360
If you’re like most drivers, you may occasionally drive over the speed limit – either accidentally or intentionally. Either way, speeding could earn you a traffic citation, hefty fine, and even mandatory driver’s education school. If you’re a driver who would like to avoid attention from police and prevent traffic tickets, invest in the Escort Max 360.
This powerful piece of technology is a highly reliable radar detector. It yields an impressive range, picking up any law enforcement radars in the area using dual antennas. Arrows appear on the radar to tell you where the police officers are stationed. Special technology reduces false alerts using GPS AutoLearn. The app connected to your phone can give you live updates to local threats, and let you network with other nearby drivers. It’s a higher-priced piece of tech at $649, but it comes with several exceptional features.
OBD-Link ScanTool
If you’re a driver who likes to self-diagnose your vehicle and attempt do-it-yourself repairs, the OBD-Link ScanTool is a must. This piece of technology will prevent you from driving all the way to the mechanic to resolve a check engine light. It uses your vehicle’s Onboard Diagnostic capabilities to provide you with detailed information about what’s going on under the hood. Note, however, that this device only works in vehicle model years 1996 and newer, and it is not compatible with Apple iOS devices.
The high-speed scan tool turns phones, laptops, or PCs into fast and accurate automotive troubleshooting devices. It comes with an easy-to-install Bluetooth scanner that’s safe to plug into your vehicle without worrying about it draining the battery. It has hacker-proof wireless security. Download the free software or app onto your desired device. Then, complete a scan to receive a diagnostic breakdown of what’s going on. At just $49, this vehicle tech could save you considerable time and money.
Looking for new ways to ramp up your vehicle? Try these five tech add-ons to boost the functionality, usability, and enjoyment of your car today.
I’m a kid at heart disguised as an auto researcher and business owner. I’ve always enjoyed providing insight in the form of reviews (anime, video games, autos, etc.) When I’m not researching, I’m spending time with my family, driving my Dodge Challenger, riding my motorcycle, and finding new entrepreneurial pursuits.