5 Modern Gadgets for Older Cars

Whether a brand-new car loaded up with all the bells and whistles isn’t in your budget, or you’re quite content with your older car, there may come a time when you’re looking to make some enhancements to your vehicle. From gadgets that make service easier to innovative tech, there are plenty of ways to bring your older car into the 21st century. Here at McCluskey Chevrolet, we strive to stay up to date on all of the latest goodies you can add to your car so that it continues to perform at its peak with convenience features to make the ride better. Whether you want to know if it’s time for a quick oil change or you’re in need of more charging ports in your vehicle, there are plenty of gizmos out there that can help. Take your car from outdated to innovative with the top five modern gadgets for older cars.

#1. Oil Change Monitor

Servicing your car is perhaps one of the most important aspects of owning a vehicle, and oil changes need to be performed regularly to keep your car running smoothly. Oftentimes, drivers are unsure about when they need an oil change, especially since there are so many factors that go into it. How old your vehicle is, as well as your driving habits, can have a significant effect on how frequently you need an oil change. This isn’t much of a problem in newer cars, as more modern models have sensors and alerts in place, letting you know when it’s time to take your car in for service. Older cars, on the other hand, don’t have this type of technology, which is where an oil change monitor is a helpful gadget to have in your possession.

A portable oil life monitor will use cutting-edge software and sensors to give you a clearer idea of the condition of your engine oil. It analyzes your driving habits and your vehicle’s performance to get a better picture of the condition of your oil. For instance, you may not realize that you’ve been traveling more than normal. Excess miles placed on your car will warrant more frequent oil changes to keep your engine and its components properly lubricated and, thus, performing optimally. An oil life monitor will let you know these details so that you’re able to call and make an appointment for a quick oil change at your local trusted service center.

#2. Tire Pressure Monitoring System

Like the oil in your car, your tires are also extremely important to your overall journey. After all, they’re what separates you from the road, providing much-needed traction and control so that you can travel safely. Just like failing to get an oil change, failure to inspect your tires, rotate them regularly, and replace them when needed can result in blowouts, accidents, and overall unsafe driving conditions. Newer cars will have tire pressure monitoring systems built in; however, older cars may not, which is where a portable tire pressure monitoring system will come in handy.

Opting for some of the newest innovations out there, you’ll be able to utilize Bluetooth to check your tire pressure to ensure it’s adequate. Bluetooth-connected sensors attach to the valves of your tires, sending the data captured to your smartphone or any internet-ready device. This will alleviate having to slide under the vehicle or get down on the ground to check your tires. We always recommend getting your tires checked when you schedule an oil change to make sure they’re being addressed on a regular basis.

#3. Head-Up Display

Now that you’ve learned the importance of maintaining your vehicle and keeping up with service, made possible by helpful gadgets, let’s talk tech. It’s very noticeable that older cars lack the tech features that many of us rely on for our journeys. The great thing is that many of these advanced features can be added to an older car easily to make the most out of your drive.

Many new cars are being outfitted with Head-Up Displays (HUD), which showcase pertinent details about your ride at eye level on the windshield. From your speed to speed limit changes, navigation prompts to incoming calls, and much more, Head-Up Displays make it safer for you to view all of this information without taking your eyes off of the road. Choosing to add a portable HUD unit, which mounts to the dash, will allow you to enjoy the benefits of this level of technology without overspending on a pricey built-in unit. Just connect the device with your smartphone and take advantage of a better driving experience.

#4. Remote Starter

When it’s the middle of winter and you want to ensure that your vehicle is warm and toasty when you’re ready to depart on your journey, a remote start system can save the day. Likewise, when it’s humid and sweltering outside, starting your car and cooling it down before you have to leave is highly desirable. If you thought that you would never be able to take advantage of this level of innovation in your old car, think again, with a smartphone remote start system. Many remote start systems can be installed on any type of car with little electrical expertise. Simply connect it to your car, sync your device, and get ready to transform the way you travel.

#5. Portable USB Charger

We also want to be sure that all of our coveted devices are charged up and ready to go, especially on the road. Older cars tend to lack charging ports, but with a portable USB charger, you’ll be able to plug this gadget into your auxiliary power outlet, and voila! Instant charging capabilities.

Other Cool Gadgets You Won’t Want to Miss

Transforming your older car into a more modern machine is possible, especially with some of these nifty gadgets. Some of our top picks include:

Portable Espresso Maker: Plugs into the auxiliary outlet, making a gourmet drink in minutes.
Air Purifier: Eliminates odors from food, pets, dust, and more to make your car smell brand-new.
LED Ambient Lighting Kits: Set the mood for your drive with customizable LED lighting kits to make your journey more enjoyable.
Smartphone Holders: Multiple configurations are available to keep your phone in view so you don’t miss out on important notifications on the road.

Upgrading Your Vehicle

You don’t have to spend a lot of money to get the upgraded look and functionality you’re looking for in your vehicle, and you certainly don’t have to trade it in for a newer model if that’s not in your budget. With these innovative gadgets, you’ll be able to make your older car more convenient. From letting you know when it’s time for an oil change and when your tires need to be addressed to being able to brew a cup of coffee and charge up all of your devices, there’s a gadget out there that can make your travels better.

Here at McCluskey Chevrolet, we like to keep our customers informed of their options. Perhaps nothing is more important than driving a vehicle that’s safe and reliable, which is why we’re elated that there are so many helpful gadgets out there that can assist with keeping you updated on the status of your vehicle. So, if you’re riding around in a car that doesn’t have all the tech you really want or doesn’t let you know when you need important services, like oil changes and new tires, consider adding some of these enhancements to it. You depend on your car for so much, so be sure it’s working at its best for you.