You’ve probably heard a lot about connected cars. Now many new cars can communicate over phone networks providing extra safety and convenience for their drivers. Including, alerting first-responders after a crash.

Now these subscription communication services have different names, often specific to the individual car brand. But, what if you car doesn’t have such a factory system? Well, it turns out; you can have that level of safety on most any car 1996 or newer by adding an aftermarket onboard communication system.

Now this is one example of these add-on communication units. This one comes in two parts: a module that plugs into your car’s ODB-II port and a hands-free Bluetooth speaker unit with microphone that clips on the sun visor. It connects to an app on your smart phone. 

Installing one of these units is pretty straightforward. Once you download the app and create an account, locate your car’s OBD-II port. That’s often under the driver’s side of the dash, but the app will help you locate it. Then, just plug in the module. Next, you clip the hands-free Bluetooth speaker to a sun-visor and you’re ready to connect.

Now, why do you need a system like this? Well, the biggest reason is to let someone know if you’ve been in an accident or have a health emergency. If it does detect a crash, it can automatically notify emergency services and send help your way even if you cannot make the call. If you break down, it can send roadside assistance to you even if you’re not sure where you are.

In addition to that, these connected services can provide peace of mind to parents of new drivers by letting them know where their car is and even if the car is being driven safely. It can even assist the police if your car is stolen or help you find it in a crowded parking lot.

Now, there is a car care assigned to it as well. Since it is plugged into your car’s OBD-II port, it can monitor your car’s basic systems and, this is a big one for families today, it can also provide you car with a Wifi hotspot.

That’s a lot of features for such a small and simple to use device. Now chances are you may never need to call for help in and emergency. But if you do, an add-on connected system can be ready to come to your rescue.

Now if you have a question or a comment, drop me a line; right here at Motorweek.