Copyright Digital Trends
Maybe your vehicle’s stereo has gone kaput, or perhaps it’s time for an upgrade. Maybe you’re just tired of humming along to a washed-out, tinny sound. Whatever the reason, an aftermarket head unit is usually the solution. Many people have Android smartphones and would also like to take advantage of Android Auto, which allows popular phone features to be projected into the vehicle’s dash. No matter the need, there are several options available, but before you run out and buy a new stereo, consider these things first: How much room do you have: Different vehicles have different dash configurations that make picking a head unit a bit more challenging. Some vehicles have what is known as a double-DIN stereo, which is essentially two “slots” stacked together. Others have a single-DIN stereo, which is a smaller space overall. You’ll need to know which units will fit before shopping. Installation: Many car audio shops will install anything purchased in their store, but if you’re buying online, you’ll need to make sure your local shop will accept the job. Installing yourself is an option, but newer vehicles’ electronics are very complex and there may be additional parts (brackets, mounts, etc) that you didn’t know you needed. Other vehicle systems: In some vehicles, removing the stereo will cause all sorts of problems with other systems, such as airbags, climate controls, and theft deterrent systems. It’s important to know how your vehicle will behave once the stock head unit is removed. Appearance: If you have an older vehicle, you may want to preserve the stock look of the dash. In these cases, a custom install or running your smartphone separately might be a good idea, because Android Auto head units take up a lot of space. They also don’t look particularly period-correct. In other cases, make sure that the head unit’s color scheme and appearance fit with the rest of your vehicle’s interior aesthetic. Google's presence in the auto industry isn't limited to developing autonomous technology. Millions of drivers power up its Android Auto software each day, either because they find their car's infotainment system confusing or because they want a more smartphone-like interface. Like CarPlay, Apple's rival system, Android Auto promises to make driving safer by reducing distractions. Whether it achieves this goal depends on who you ask; AAA found it helps drivers keep both eyes on the road, but a British study concluded that using it is more distracting than driving drunk. The truth likely lies somewhere in the middle, and common sense goes a long way when using in-car tech. Here's what you need to know about Android Auto. What does Android Auto do?
