Third Coast Auto Group Official Blog
Your old car can use some new technology
By Product Expert | Posted in Just for Fun, Technology on Monday, October 26th, 2020 at 2:10 pm
Options for Aftermarket Infotainment Systems
Modern automobiles are truly incredible. We (obviously) know that Third Coast Auto Group deals in pre-owned vehicles. However, the later model cars, trucks and SUV we’ve received at our various locations have some of the most advanced technology we’ve ever seen in the automotive space. The thought occurred to some of our product experts that our customers might want to know about some options for aftermarket infotainment systems. Just because the vehicle you take home from one of our dealership locations is a few years old, does it mean you can’t have the latest technology at your fingertips. Here are a few features you might want to consider adding to your car or truck today.
READ MORE: Electric vehicles might have some issues right now
Can I add a heads-up display to my car?
One of the most interesting features that are appearing on more and more top of the line vehicles is the heads-up display (HUD). These systems can help keep a driver appraised of their current speed and other important information by displaying it on the windshield. Just about every driver safety study completed in the last several decades says that few situations are more dangerous than a driver taking their eyes off the road. A HUD can pretty much eliminate the need to ever look down at the gauges.
Most modern HUD units will connect to the vehicle via its OBD-II port which is where it will get the necessary information. If the vehicle in question is so old that it doesn’t have an OBD-II port, some models will use a GPS signal to display speed information only.
What is Amazon Echo Auto?
Do you use Amazon Alexa in your home to order things you need or turn on the lights in another room? That capability can be expanded to your vehicle via the Amazon Echo Auto unit. Some vehicles can connect the Echo to a vehicle’s audio system wirelessly, but older models will require an auxiliary cord that is included with the box. Once the Echo is installed and paired to your smartphone, you can treat it like you would the Alexa unit in your home. Just use the activation phrase, ‘Hey, Alexa…’ and you can state your request in plain English.
Also, if you have lights attached to Amazon smart plugs, you can ask the Echo unit to turn them on when you get home so you’re not walking into a dark house.
If you’re looking for a new (to you) vehicle to go with your new HUD or Amazon Echo, make an appointment with a Third Coast Auto Group product expert today.
