Automotive Blog

With 150 million iPods sold (as of April 2008), it’s no wonder that iPod integration is one of the biggest trends in car audio today. These millions of iPod users simply want a way to easily listen to their music collection while in the driver’s seat. But until recently, there hasn’t been a truly good solution to the problem “How do I get my mp3s from my music player to my car stereo.” FM transmission systems have been tried (and are still available for those who don’t mind mediocre sound), but offered only so-so performance. So when iPod integration systems became readily available in the last several years, sales have gone through the roof! If you’re ready to enjoy quality sound and easy operation of your mp3 device while on the road, iPod integration is probably the solution you need.

iPod integration is the best way to connect your mp3 player with your car stereo for top-notch sound quality. Unlike the FM transmitter iPod connection systems of the past, new iPod integration technology directly interfaces your music player with your stereo: you get easy operation right on your deck as well as high-quality sound from your vehicle’s speakers.

Continue reading ‘iPod Integration – Today's Hottest Trend in Car Audio Customization’ »

Now you might have a pair of those sweet subs in the back of your car, but do you know how they work? And what makes some speakers sound crisp and clear but others tinny. And what really is volume?

First off what is a speaker? Well for one in the dictionary it is known as a loudspeaker. It basically is a device that converts electronic signals into an audible sound at different intensities. Loudspeakers are divided into different drivers (a.k.a. components): the subwoofer, woofers, mid-range speakers, and tweeters.

Where did the loudspeaker come from? In 1874 Ernst W. Siemens first described the phenomena of the dynamic moving-coil transducer. But it was Alexander Graham Bell (the inventor of the telephone) who first patented it and put it to use. Yes that’s right. Telephones were the first use of speakers ever. After this discovery many patents and improvements on the technology set the groundwork for what we use speakers for today.

Continue reading ‘The Complete Noobs Guide to How Speakers Work’ »

Kids often get bored when traveling and this spells trouble for some parents. To keep kids busy during trips especially if they are between the ages of 2 and 9, one will need to bring some games with them. One of the most common games usually known to keep children busy is How to Make a Cootie Catcher. This game involves one person picking a color and a number. The two will reveal one’s fortune for the day. This game can go on for hours. Printable Car Bingo Games can come in handy as well. Some of the thongs one can print are a map, lines and dots, bingo for road trips and so on. Helping kids make their own travel journals can help keep them busy and keep the memories of the trip for as long as they like as well. Singing games have been known to help shorten many car journeys especially if kids are involved. One does not have to rely on music to get music to sing to, they can sing other songs they know.

A piece of string or yarn can help one come with a game that will have the children make things like “kitty whiskers”, “Jacobs Ladder” and “cup and saucer”. Scavenger hunt games are also popular. In this game the children are given lists of the things they should watch out for during the trip. Aluminum foil can also help during the trip. The foil will help kids make anything of their choice according to their creativity. One should try to look at photos and read widely to be able to help kids come up with great ideas. The counting cow game is not only engaging but it is also very entertaining and could be helpful as well. Another game that could be helpful in car full of kids is the License Plate Game. This game includes a page that is printable on which the children mark the sightings of their license plates.

Continue reading ‘Car Entertainment For Kids’ »

Just about everybody has a mobile phone (Cellphone) i think a statistic shows that over 250 million people own a mobile in America alone. In England that figure is close to 100 million phones sold. Our dependence on them is now more obvious than ever! we live in an environment where we need to be contactable 24/7, and feel exposed if we are not.

However this reliance on mobile phones is leading to a willingness to use mobiles in dangerous situations, even when we know we shouldn’t. For example using the mobile whilst driving is becoming more and more common leading to an increased number of serious accidents. There are two main reasons why using the phone whilst driving is a serious hazard, firstly operating the mobile whilst driving involves looking away from the road and physically removing your hand from the steering wheel whether to answer or dial a number. Secondly people can become absorbed in the conversation or texting and not pay attention to the road.

Continue reading ‘Improve Driver Safety – Use a Handsfree Bluetooth Kit’ »

From an Avalon to a Yaris, connecting you iPod to your Toyota can be very tough. There are a multitude of options that can just be overwhelming. The three main types of iPod adapters for Toyotas are wireless FM transmitters, direct audio inputs, and wired FM modulators.

Wireless FM transmitters are the simplest type of Toyota iPod adapter. These devices usually plug into your cigarette lighter. Once you plug in your iPod, the adapter will transmit the audio using a wireless FM signal to your factory Toyota stereo. Also, if you get an iPod specific FM transmitter, it will charge your iPod. So, like most people you are thinking easy enough, I’ll just buy one of these transmitters, plug it into my cigarette lighter, and my problem is solved. In most cases, it’s not that easy. Most people find FM transmitters pretty horrible. No matter what, you will have some sort of static in the background. Plus, the audio will drift in and out according to how powerful the radio stations are transmitting in you area. After about a month of owning one you will probably search for a better type of iPod adapter.

Continue reading ‘Connect an iPod to a Toyota Stereo’ »

Installing car speakers can be somewhat overwhelming if it is something that you have never done before. You must feel comfortable with your car and the speaker setup before you attempt taking anything apart and putting in new speakers. Installing speakers sounds hard but it doesn’t have to be. It is quite likely that after you’ve done it you will be surprised at how easy it really is. If you do not know what you are doing, you can easily learn. It also may be a good idea to have a friend help you if you have several speakers to install.

If you really do not feel comfortable installing the speakers yourself, seek out a professional to do it for you. There are many professionals that offer speaker installation. However, it can become quite expensive. If you choose to have someone else install them, shop around for someone that will do it at a reasonable price. You may want to ask around or look online for good customer reviews as well. Ask friends and family if they can recommend anyone. For such a simple procedure, you do not want to pay too much or have it done incorrectly.

Continue reading ‘Install Car Speakers’ »

Radar laser detectors & GPS navigation systems are some easy ways to improve your driving experience. A radar detector gives you easy peace of mind by monitoring the surrounding area for any police radar which could easily cost you a few hundred bucks & points on your license. A GPS navigation systems saves you the hassle of getting lost easily & having to navigate complex roads in big cities or unknown dirt roads where one could easily lose their way.

Radar Laser Detectors

A radar detector works by catching any police radar which may close to your vehicle. It quickly identifies the threat & alerts you with a beep or other warning noise. The main difference between a cheaper radar system & a more high end radar is the risk of false alarm.

Continue reading ‘Radar Laser Detecors & GPS Systems – Essentials to a Worry Free Driving Experience’ »

You have come to this article to determine if it is worth the money to buy a laser/radar detector. For many people out there they think that they can just keep an eye out and they will be fine. However, from personal experience that will not always work. I have done just that and to my great suprise I ended up with a ticket. The problem with trying to “look out” for cops is that you are eventually going to get distracted or slip up. And even if you say you don’t speed there are still going to be those times where you unknowingly go a little bit fast.

The fact of the matter is that you are going to get yourself into a position where you can be pulled over and given a ticket. Lets just hope there are no cops around to give you one. That is more likely with the economy in the position that it is and cities struggling with money the police force is getting more nosie and strict when it comes to speeding. There are a lot more cops on the road in most places and they are looking for some much needed money for the state.

Continue reading ‘Laser/Radar Detectors- Is it Worth It?’ »

The Brodit 907255 makes using your iPhone easily in the car a reality. Because the iPhone does not have a keypad like other mobile devices, it needs a special holder to be mounted on the dashboard in order to use it properly. Because the multi-touch screen makes it a little more difficult to use in the car, Brodit designed the 907255 specifically so that this mobile device could still be secured to the dashboard and function as it should. Still within easy reach, of course.

The Brodit Active Car Cradle Holder, with tilt swivel function is a high-end car mount from Brodit. It mounts to the dashboard with the Brodit Proclip, and makes the Apple iPhone 3G much easier to use. This is because this car holder swivel and tilts. With the Apple iPhone 3G, you can’t use it if you can’t see the screen. This car holder allows you to tilt and swivel the iphone until you get a screen with no sunlight on it. This means that you can you your iPhone in many more places than if you just had a stationary dashboard cradle. You can also rotate the iPhone in the holder to enable coverflow in landscape mode.

Continue reading ‘Was the Brodit 907255 Designed For the Apple iPhone 3G?’ »

There are a variety of car alarm systems you can choose from to protect your car from being broken in to or stolen. Car alarms are electronic devices setup in or to your car to keep it protected. Some car alarms are built into car when they leave the factory others have to be put in. Many are reasonably priced and do indeed work. They are available at stores such as Best Buy as well as auto shops.

A great car alarm system to have is a kill switch. A kill switch is actually a small switch that you hide somewhere in your car that when you flip it on doesn’t allow gas to get to the car making it inoperable to a thief. The switch is put in a place of your choice and can be installed at auto installation shops. They are reasonably priced and give you the piece of mind that you car will be safe.

Continue reading ‘Car Alarm Systems Guide’ »