If you’ve gone car shopping anytime after the summer of 2022, you know that new vehicle prices are crazy. The days of negotiating a deal for a car that has been on a dealer lot for a few months are long behind us, as inventory levels are at an all-time low. One reason people buy new vehicles is for the impressive accident-prevention technologies.
Years ago, you had to buy a BMW, Mercedes or Audi to get a full suite of Advanced Drivers Assistance Systems (ADAS) to help prevent accidents. Now, cars like the Toyota Corolla and Honda Civic are well-equipped with collision-prevention technology. Don’t fret. You can upgrade your Volkswagen Beetle, Porsche Boxster or Subaru WRX with technologies that will dramatically reduce the possibility of accidents or injuries. Best of all, the upgrades cost a fraction of the price of a new vehicle.
Backup Camera System Upgrade
If your vehicle doesn’t have a backup camera, it’s a perfect candidate for one of the most prevalent accident prevention technologies available. Look in your rearview mirror next time you get into your vehicle. If a toddler were standing behind your rear bumper, would you be able to see them? A backup camera system will automatically show you the area behind your car or truck when you put the transmission in reverse. Not only can you see kids, but bicycles, skateboards, the parking curb or a lamp post are all easily seen – even at night.
Parking Sensor Systems
Another popular upgrade for older vehicles is the installation of a parking sensor system. These systems use ultrasonic transceivers that work like radar to detect objects. Unlike a camera system, they alert the driver with a loud beeping sound when they detect the risk of a collision. The sensors can be retrofitted to vehicles with metal or plastic bumpers. The sensors can also be installed on front bumpers to make parking your car or truck in the garage easier. Speaking of parking, most of these systems will indicate how far your vehicle is from an object based on the speed of the beeps. The first beeps start at a distance of about 4 feet. Then, the beeps get faster until the system produces a steady tone when the vehicle is roughly 12 inches from an object.
Blind Spot Monitoring Systems
Not many consumers know that aftermarket blind spot monitoring systems can be retrofitted to older vehicles. The blind spot is the area in an adjacent lane between what is shown in your side-view mirror and what you can see in your peripheral field of vision. An entire car will fit in this space. Radar-based blind spot monitoring systems use sensors similar to parking sensor systems to detect objects on either side of your vehicle. When the sensors detect an object, a visual indicator in the A-pillar illuminates to alert the driver. If you activate your turn signal while something is alongside your vehicle, an audible warning lets you know it’s not safe to change lanes.
Upgrade Your Vehicle’s Accident-Prevention
These days, it seems like everyone is in a rush to reach their destination as quickly as possible. Even the simplest accident prevention technologies, like a backup camera or parking sensors, can help prevent an expensive accident and serious injury. If you have an older vehicle that you want to upgrade, use the Vision Zero Dealer Locator to find a specialty mobile enhancement expert that can assist you in picking the perfect solution.
