If you find yourself in the uncomfortable situation of having a few extra dollars that you just must get rid of, there are a number of possible additions to your vehicle of choice that can easily rectify the situation. And while they won’t necessarily make your car any safer or more fuel-efficient to drive, they will make the journeys that you make in it far more efficient, convenient, and relaxing. And if none of those things, they will at least make your car farinaceous.
Rear Seat DVD Players
If you happen to be a parent, I’m not sure that it’s possible to find a more useful in-car feature than a rear seat DVD player. For all the talk of improved handling and lower petrol consumption, there is little that can make driving more pleasant than simply being able to do so without your kids screaming both at you and each other. For the low cost of a rear-seat DVD player and the latest DVD about a frog or a cat, you can drive in relative peace. Most systems even include headphones.
OnStar System
On the other hand, if you would like to increase the number of voices that you hear while driving, the OnStar System could be for you. At the touch of a button, a human voice will emerge from your dashboard ready to offer you all kinds of assistance. They can even open your car door remotely if you happen to lock yourself out.
Voice Control
While we are thankfully not quite yet at the stage where one can drive their car with their voice, a range of in-car devices now come with the functionality to be controlled using nothing more than carefully worded dialogue. The days of attempting to drive while toggling with your radio, desperately trying to find your favourite channel, could indeed be all but over.
Bluetooth Hands Free Car Kits
If you’re tired of almost getting a fine/crashing your car every time your phone rings, now could be an excellent time to get a Bluetooth and a free system installed. While these are the norm in most new vehicles, many car owners still drive cars without this useful functionality. Once installed, you can answer your phone by simply pressing a button near your steering wheel, and the voice on the other end is simply broadcast through your car speakers as your own is transmitted via the in-built microphone.
The Latest GPS
If you are one of the surprisingly large number of drivers who still haven’t fitted their car out with a GPS, you are missing out. While you may argue that you already know how to get everywhere that you want to go, a few new features are making these devices more and more popular, including live congestion reports, optimal route calculation, and even Bluetooth connectivity, allowing you to make and receive calls with the built-in microphone and speaker.
IPod/MP3 Audio System
If you’re tired of hooking up your traditional car stereo to your iPod, a car audio system that has been specifically designed for MP3s could be the answer. For under $200, many manufacturers produce systems that store your MP3 files and allow you to browse your music collection on their easy-to-use interface. More expensive installations will even enable you to browse your extensive music collection from your steering wheel.
Autonet Mobile
Subaru has recently added built-in Wi-Fi connectivity to its Outback models and, in doing so, has certainly made some waves in the car industry. But did you know that you can get a wi-fi hotspot installed in just about any car? One of the most popular companies offering the service is Autonet, and for just $29 per month, you and anyone else within one hundred and fifty feet of your vehicle can stay connected at all times.
Back Up Parking Cameras
Finally, if you happen to be less than an expert when it comes to parking or you are simply tired of worrying about that damn blind spot, a wireless backup parking camera could be the perfect solution. Installed at the rear of your car, a camera can broadcast what you are unable to see onto your dashboard. Not only are these gadgets incredibly useful, but they are also an excellent safety feature for any parents out there.