GPS

GPS Units were once an indispensable part of navigation for many drivers. However with the advent of Smartphones and their increasingly sophisticated mapping and navigation capabilities, some wonder if standalone GPS units are becoming obsolete.

There are a few key considerations in this debate. Many newer vehicles now come equipped with built-in navigation systems reducing the need for an aftermarket GPS unit. Smartphones can provide turn-by-turn directions via Google Maps, Apple Maps, Waze and other apps often for free. The quality of maps and navigation on smartphones has improved dramatically in recent years as well.

However standalone In Car GPS units still offer some potential advantages, as they are purpose-built for navigation and mapping with larger screens and user interfaces optimized specifically for use in the car. They can access enhanced map data and routing sometimes not available on phones in some cases and aren't reliant on cellular signals which can drop out in rural areas. They are less prone to overheating compared to smartphones running navigation apps for long periods, and portable GPS units offer unique capabilities for hiking, geocaching, marine navigation and more.

While the role of standalone GPS devices is diminishing for casual drivers in urban areas, they still serve specialized niches and remain an important option.

GPS Trackers are small devices that use global positioning satellites to determine and track the precise location of vehicles, equipment, pets or even people. They work by receiving signals from GPS satellites orbiting the Earth which identify the tracker's coordinates. These locations are then transmitted via cellular networks to an online account or app.

GPS Trackers are commonly used to monitor vehicles and provide real-time location updates. Parents can use them to keep track of teen drivers or elderly family members and companies install them on company vehicles to improve fleet management and monitor driving habits. They can also help retrieve stolen vehicles by transmitting location if a theft occurs, track pets, luggage, assets and more.

Most GPS trackers are battery powered and compact in size, about the dimensions of a smartphone but a bit thicker. Waterproof models allow outdoor and marine use. Trackers relay location data via 4G/5G LTE signals where cellular network coverage permits. Entry-level trackers record and transmit basic location reports while high-end trackers can include extra inputs for vehicle diagnostics, driver ID, geofencing, speed alerts and more.

GPS Trackers provide actionable intelligence on the location and movements of anything valuable. Their small size and falling price have made them a versatile tool for personal and commercial tracking applications. Consider trackers connectivity options, battery life, durability, accuracy and the capability of the accompanying software/apps when shopping for these GPS Accessories.

Dash Cams have soared in popularity among drivers looking for an extra layer of security and protection on the road. There are some compelling reasons why dash cams can provide value, such as saving money on insurance rates as in the event of an accident, dash cam footage can protect drivers from fraudulent claims. This allows insurers to determine fault more accurately and dispute questionable claims against their customers with some insurers even providing discounts for using a Dashcam.

Dash Cams provide vital video evidence and clarify accident responsibility giving an objective record of any collision, hit-and-run or road incident. This evidence assists greatly in filing police reports and insurance claims after accidents and settles disputes over liability or fault.

Dashcams can also monitor teen or elderly drivers for added safety and peace of mind to coach better driving habits, plus deter crime and protect against vandalism or car theft while parked. Visible dash cams make criminals think twice about targeting a vehicle with some models including motion sensors to record suspicious activity.

Considering these benefits, Dash Cams can provide ample value especially at lower price points under $100. Key features to compare include video quality, viewing angle, night vision capability, GPS tracking, impact sensors and Wi-fi connectivity.

Dash Cams provide continuous recording whenever a vehicle is operating, raising concerns over battery drain, but modern Dashcams are designed to avoid excessive battery usage or interference with normal vehicle function.

Most Dash Cams connect directly to a car's fuse box to draw power, bypassing the main car battery, as hardwiring this way prevents significant load on the battery during operation or when parked. No battery drain issues result with a properly wired fuse connection. These Cameras have either a super capacitor or built-in battery backup to allow shutdown procedures whenever the vehicle turns off, preventing the camera from staying on too long and taxing battery reserves. Voltage protection circuits cut off power when the vehicle battery drops below safe operating levels as well.

Advanced Dash Cams include a parking mode or time-lapse recording features for monitoring incidents when the car is off. These modes place the camera in standby, only drawing enough power to detect motion or impacts and the small power draw in parking modes has negligible impact on battery charge.

Battery discharge prevention technology built into Dash Cams monitors voltage levels and adjusts recording times accordingly. Auto power off and delayed shutdown gives the battery time to recharge to sufficient levels between recordings. As long as the unit doesn't have any defects and is installed properly, motorists can feel confident using a dash cam without compromising battery performance or electrical systems.