More and more, new cars come with nifty options to help keep you safe, save fuel and even get you there a little faster. Even if you’re not on the hunt for new wheels, you can go the extra mile with these aftermarket accessories that make a difference.
Safety, fuel efficiency and the best route — no matter where the conversation takes place, drivers never seem to tire of those topics. No wonder GPS systems, rear-view cameras and fuel scan gauges are among the top useful accessories on an experienced driver’s list.
Thinking of buying one — or all three? Here are some tips to help you choose wisely.
1. Scan gauge — fuel efficiency in real time
If your car was bought in Canada or the U.S. after 1996, it comes with an On-Board Diagnostic version two — or simply OBD II — connector. Add a scan gauge to the OBD II-port in your car and the minute you start the ignition, the scan gauge goes to work. You’ll get instantaneous, real-time information including:
A scan gauge will cost about $200. Visit ScanGauge.com for more information or ask your local car accessory retailer.
2. Rear-view cameras — help with reverse
No vehicle can completely eliminate blind spots. While sonar devices — which use beeps to let you know when you’re approaching an object — are popular, many drivers are turning to rear-view cameras to avoid that stray skateboard or bicycle.
Aftermarket rear-view cameras come with brackets so that they can be installed on your licence plate and transmit video signals to an interior display (either purchased or in-dash). The camera will start to work when your backup lights have been activated.
When shopping for one, consider:
There are many different aftermarket options available covering a wide price range (approximately $200 to $500), often depending on whether you’re buying just the camera or the camera and a monitor. Also available are combined GPS/rear-view camera devices that start at about $400.
3. GPS navigation — say good-bye to “lost” hours
While drivers have a range of GPS options, your budget may be the deciding factor — especially when it comes to features and professional installation (if required).
Car-specific GPS navigation systems can be portable (great if you use it in more than one car) or installed in your dashboard. Portable ones usually use suction cups to mount on your dash and can be transferred from one car to another.
As with other tech devices, the features you need will determine the price:
There are many other features to consider, including voice activation and text-to-speech voice prompts, traffic alternatives (which require a monthly subscription to a service), information on points of interest and Bluetooth and Wi-Fi enabled models.
Portable GPS systems can run you anywhere from $150 to $1,000. If portability isn’t a concern, you can find in-dash models that act as your car’s entertainment centre, complete with a CD and DVD player and AM/FM radio, and have an input for your MP3 player to boot. As you might expect, these can cost as much as $2,000.
Don’t forget to check out all the helpful safety tips.
Did you like this article? Check out Fuel-efficient driving by the numbers.