Everyone is surprised by how rapidly in-vehicle technology is progressing, and it is now simpler than it has ever been to retrofit an older vehicle with features that are on the bleeding edge of innovation. Aftermarket firms are many, and they make it possible for drivers to enjoy the benefits of helpful connectivity and safety features without having to purchase a brand-new vehicle. Bluetooth is a great example of this because it has been around for years, and it used to be an expensive option that was only available on high-end cars. However, in recent years, it has become a cheap and easy upgrade that can be installed on any vehicle, regardless of how old it is or how much it is worth.
It is possible to stream music directly from your smartphone using Bluetooth, while some of the more basic systems are only capable of making phone calls. When you make a call using Bluetooth, the dialogue is sent through the speakers in your vehicle. In either case, it is a feature that allows the driver to always have both hands on the steering wheel and considerably decreases the number of things that may potentially distract them. Because of this, the majority of states have passed legislation that stipulates drivers must use a hands-free device when on the phone.
Keeping this in mind, let’s go through some of the simple and inexpensive methods by which you may add Bluetooth capabilities to your vehicle.
Universal systems
If separating cables doesn’t seem like your cup of tea, the simplest method to add Bluetooth is with a universal kit like the iClever Himbox Plus, which includes everything you need to get started. These stand-alone devices, which come with a speaker and a microphone already installed, are compatible with a wide variety of vehicles, as their names imply. A good many of these systems are designed to attach to your sun visor or to be put in any location that you want using suction cups or tape.
These methods each have their own set of advantages and disadvantages. On the bright side, many universal kits can be readily transported from vehicle to vehicle. This means that if you do a lot of car switching but don’t want to pay for several units, you can just carry the device with you instead of having to buy multiple units. Those systems that don’t plug into your factory audio unit won’t be able to interact with the music applications on your phone, which is a bit of a bummer. Take note that if you mount the gadget using tape, it may leave a terrible imprint on the dashboard of your vehicle.
There are a few universal devices that will wire into your head unit and can add music streaming to the list of features, but the installation process will become somewhat more difficult as a result of their use. The cost of one of these gadgets often falls around between $15 and $30.
Audio equipment sold in the aftermarket
Those of you who are looking for the widest possible variety of audio functions can accomplish this by installing a new head unit in your car. This procedure does entail some manual effort, and you will need to get used to the aftermarket appearance of your new system; nevertheless, the majority of the gadgets come with instructions that are simple to understand. The majority of people are capable of replacing their audio system on their own given a few hours, some basic tools, and some patience. You don’t want the bother, do you? There are several electrical retailers that provide installation for close to one hundred dollars.
There is a wide variety of alternative stereo systems available on the market today. To our relief, even the most budget-friendly models are equipped with Bluetooth so users can make calls without having to hold their phones. Text messaging (reading your messages out loud so you can keep your eyes on the road), voice commands, and music streaming via Bluetooth are some of the features that become available as prices rise. Other features include complete smartphone integration (so you can access your phone’s apps through the car stereo), music streaming via Bluetooth, and complete smartphone integration. You may also add systems that are compatible with Android Auto or Apple CarPlay.
Because there are so many devices now available, there is a good chance that you will be able to locate one that is of a color and style that is almost identical to the one that came with your original system. The price of one of these gadgets can begin as low as $40 and can go as high as several hundred dollars for a model with more advanced capabilities. There is presently a variety of cost-effective solutions available from reputable manufacturers including Pioneer, Alpine, and Kenwood.
Vehicle-specific adapters
If you adore the aesthetic of the radio system that came standard in your vehicle and don’t mind having your cables tangled up (no pun intended), then a vehicle-specific converter that also features Bluetooth capability could be the ideal accessory for you. A large variety of them may be purchased from Crutchfield and other shops.
The fact that a factory adapter has been meticulously designed for your particular make and model of automobile means that it offers the highest possible audio quality and comes with step-by-step installation instructions that are tailored to your automobile. There is no need to replace your complete head unit if all you want to do is use Bluetooth for hands-free calling and potentially music streaming (some systems just support phone audio).
To install the majority of aftermarket stereos, you will need to remove the original stereo, wire in the adapter, and route a wired microphone to the rear of the head unit. The amount of time and complexity required for installation may vary depending on the manufacturer. After all is said and done, you will be able to make and answer calls over Bluetooth through the factory system. This functionality will be available to you. In addition to preserving the original look of the device, these adapters are typically rather affordable, with the typical configuration costing less than one hundred dollars. It’s not unusual for luxury car manufacturers to ask for a higher price for their products, but what else is new?
FM transmitters
If you drive an older model that does not have an auxiliary input, purchasing an FM transmitter is one of the least expensive methods to add Bluetooth to your vehicle. This is especially true if you drive a car with a CD player. It is a gadget in the shape of a phone that plugs into the cigarette lighter in your car and transmits a signal on an FM frequency that is crystal clear. If you adjust your radio to the frequency of 106.3 and then set the transmitter to the same frequency, you will be able to listen to the music that is streaming from your phone or MP3 player. The majority of FM transmitters also provide a hands-free calling feature.
For roughly twenty dollars, you may get a respectable FM transmitter such as this Nulaxy device. One of the reasons why we prefer this option is that it comes at a reasonable price. Additionally, installation is not necessary in any way. After turning the device on, you will need to select the frequency that you want to use. If you often drive long distances, you may need to make some adjustments to this setting because FM frequencies differ from area to region. Hits from the ’90s might be received in Salt Lake City if they come from a station that is audible in Reno, for example. During the course of your travels, you will frequently find that you need to reset the station. Finding a frequency that isn’t being used is yet another possible obstacle. It is frequently simpler to say something than it is to really carry it through in a huge metropolis like San Francisco. In more rural settings, you may find that static interferes with your ability to hear things clearly.
Bluetooth reception apparatus
When you have a Bluetooth receiver, you may rapidly couple a Bluetooth-ready gadget with our car’s aux input by using a tiny device. This is possible when you have a Bluetooth receiver. There is an infinite number of possibilities. Once you’ve established the connection, you’ll have access to a wide range of capabilities, including the ability to play music through the car’s sound system, make or receive phone calls without having to use your hands, and a great deal more.
Bluetooth is comparable to an FM transmitter in both appearance and functionality. Both of these methods allow for connection to other devices without the use of radio waves. In comparison to a shaky FM frequency, the music that you get via Bluetooth is clear, sharp, and completely devoid of static. It is important to keep in mind that in order to utilize Bluetooth, your vehicle will still require an auxiliary input. The majority of newer automobile models already have these components installed, however, many older ones do not. If drivers of older vehicles want to take benefit of everything that Bluetooth has to offer, they will need to purchase and install a new sound system that is compatible with Bluetooth.
You are in luck because the market for Bluetooth receivers has been increasingly competitive in recent years. You should plan on spending around $20. Always expect increasing costs associated with more advanced technological capabilities. The Mpow is certainly one of our top picks for receivers. You’ll note right away that its design is sleek and appealing, which contributes to the aesthetic appeal it possesses. But what really sets it apart is the plethora of distinctive characteristics that it possesses. The Mpow makes available for download on mobile devices an application that assists users in locating their parked vehicles in busy environments like parking lots. This receiver also has the ability to connect to two separate devices at the same time without any problems. Using this function, you’ll be able to listen to music streaming on your iPod while simultaneously using your iPhone to make a call.
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