In Hawaii, distracted driving laws are strict, which is why more than 17,000 citations were issued during 2017 due to driver distractedness. That’s why it’s so important that, if you plan to talk on your cell phone while driving, you get Bluetooth installed in your car so you can use your phone hands-free and listen to music.
But How Do You Install Bluetooth in a Car that Doesn’t Already Have it?
Basically you have three options. Either you use a universal Bluetooth kit, a vehicle-specific Bluetooth adapter, or an aftermarket stereo with Bluetooth functionality. Each one has its benefits and drawbacks as far installation, features and ease of use.
To help make the process of selecting and installing a hands-free system like Bluetooth in your vehicle easier, we’ll run through each one of these options.
Universal Bluetooth Kit Installation and Overview
As you might guess by the name, you can make the universal Bluetooth kit work in any vehicle. These devices vary quite a bit in terms of functionality and hardware though.
Some kits are as simple as a small microphone and speaker that mount on the dashboard or clip to a sun visor. These work okay except that you won’t be able to listen to music—you’ll only be able to do hands-free calling. This also means your stereo isn’t integrated with the Bluetooth so when someone calls you’ll need to remember to turn down the music.
With other kits, you can wire the adapter to the stereo so you can stream music. For this, you’ll need the pros at UNIBODY Autotech Collision Center to remove your car’s stereo and wire the adapter to your stereo wiring.
Vehicle-specific Bluetooth Adapter Installation and Overview
These adapters are specially designed to work with your car’s factory stereo. With a vehicle-specific adapter, you’ll need professionals to remove your radio and wire the adapter to your vehicle’s radio and wiring. The upside here is that you can keep your radio and get all the perks of Bluetooth just like you would if the car came with it.
You’ll be able to see info from your phone on the display of your stereo and you can stream music and make calls. The last thing you’ll need is a microphone which will either sit on your dashboard or clip on a sun visor.
Aftermarket Stereo With Bluetooth Functionality Installation and Overview
If you’re installing an aftermarket stereo, it’s a great time to install Bluetooth in your older car. Plenty of new stereos come with Bluetooth capabilities so you won’t even need to buy the most expensive one (unless you want to). Plus, you’ll have all the benefits of Bluetooth that you’d have with a vehicle-specific adapter except that you don’t have to install a separate adapter box.
Ready to Stop Getting Distracted Driving Tickets in Hawaii?
Come by the UNIBODY Autotech Collision Center shop and ask us about our Bluetooth or hands-free installations. We’ll get you back out on the road safely and focused on your driving (not your phone) in no time.
