There are a lot of gadgets on the market for cars, which greatly facilitate the life of the motorist. We have selected for you gadgets that not only provide comfortable and safe use of your car, but also do not overload the cabin with additional displays and wires, since they work in tandem with your smartphone, and we also found out from our experts what nuances you need to pay attention to when choosing and using them.
GSM alarm system
This is a security system through which you can track the location and security of the car. In the case of burglary or external mechanical impact (for example, removing a wheel or loading the car on a tow truck), the system alerts the owner through a call to a smartphone. The device consists of a main unit and sensors that monitor the car itself and the space around it. You can disable the system only with a special key fob remote.
Choose an alarm system that is powered autonomously, not from the car’s battery. Because if the battery is discharged, the alarm will stop working, and with self-contained power (from batteries) – they are sold literally every step – tracking can be resumed in a matter of minutes.
Remote control
It consists of a module with a sim card installed in the car and a mobile application that is downloaded to a smartphone. Using the device, you can monitor the state of the car systems and remotely control them. In particular, the remote control will precisely indicate the location of the car, can start and adjust air conditioning and heating, as well as remotely start the engine, lock the locks and set the desired temperature in the cabin, with a sound signal to alert when you exceed the speed, in sync with the alarm system, to signal about damage to the car or an attempt to break into it.
The system works in the mobile network coverage, so if you leave the car in an underground parking lot, the application on your phone “will not see” the module in the car.
Bluetooth Auto Scanner
Wireless scanner for car diagnostics, which is connected to the diagnostic connector of the car and transmits messages about errors and problems in the system or mechanics to your phone via Bluetooth. You can also use the sensor to independently scan your car (like running an anti-virus program on your computer), such as in the case of high fuel consumption, ignition failure, etc.
Compatible with all operating systems of smartphones or tablets. But will be able to read the indicators of all vehicles only manufactured in China, but American – produced only after 1996, European – after 2001, domestic – after 2006, and Japanese – after 2003.
Night vision camera
It is an indispensable helper for those who often drive at night, especially out of town, where there is no street lighting. An infrared camera installed on the outside of the car on the front bumper or grill helps to see in the dark the objects in front of the car (animals, cyclists, pedestrians, as well as pits, etc.). The device transmits the image to a special program in the phone, synchronizing with it via Wi-Fi or Bluetooth, and in case of sudden appearance of an object the phone will give a sound signal.
Choose a device with a viewing angle of at least 30 degrees, otherwise the camera will not be able to capture objects that are not directly in front of the car: say, a rabbit running out on the track.
Smart Parktronic
A set of ultrasonic sensors that are installed (by means of adhesive tape or fasteners) on the front and rear bumpers of the car. The devices scan the space around the car and notify you when the car approaches an obstacle. Sound and graphic signals about the obstacle are transmitted to a special application on your cell phone, alerting and showing the actual distance to the obstacle.
Choose a set that includes at least six sensors (at least three in front and rear). A smaller number of scanners will not give a 3D image effect and will not be able to fully track obstacles, especially if they are narrow or low. Install the sensors (if they are attached to the tape), before degreasing the surface (bumpers) with alcohol or solvent, otherwise the device will not stick securely.
Wi-Fi rear view camera
Wireless camera is installed outside the car on the bumper, providing a complete view of what is happening behind the car, and transmits the video signal to your smartphone via Wi-Fi. It is convenient because you can fix your smartphone on the front panel in front of your eyes and simultaneously monitor the situation on the road in front and behind your car. In contrast to wired cameras, Wi-Fi is easy to install (the camera is simply mounted on the bumper with fasteners (bolts) and synchronizes with the application on your phone).
Choose a camera with a waterproof body (water-resist, waterproof), otherwise during rain, car wash or high humidity (as during thick fog) the device will not give a correct image, and after several trips in the rain will be damaged.
Antisleep bracelet
A smart bracelet that resembles a fitness tracker or watch, with a measuring sensor on the inside. The device measures travel time and continuously scans its wearer’s heart rate and skin, determining their nervous and cardiovascular health. If the driver feels tired, loses vigilance and falls asleep, the device sends an audible and vibration signal to the smartphone app, keeping him awake. Also, the device will remind you when it’s time to stop and rest, if the time on the road is approaching the maximum allowable (more than nine hours).
Almost all devices support iOS operating system, most – with Android over 4.2 and only some – with Windows. Check this information in advance in the instruction manual of the device.
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