How to Choose Products Compatible With Bluetooth for Your Car

Bluetooth wireless technology is spreading to every sect of the technological universe with surprising rapidity and efficacy. It seems like just about everything is Bluetooth capable, and now, automobiles are joining the club. However, not everything works with your car’s Bluetooth. Here is how to choose products that will work with the Bluetooth in your car.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Check your wireless phone. By and large the most products that work with automobiles are cell phones and the accessories that go with them. When you already have a phone with Bluetooth, try connecting to your car.

2. Make your cell phone and your car match. There are many Bluetooth capable phones and Bluetooth auto kits available, and they use two basic interfaces (SIM and the hands-free profile). Make sure yours match.

3. Buy a Bluetooth capable phone that is compatible with your automobile’s Bluetooth system. Ask your auto dealer and cell phone dealer which units are compatible with your vehicle’s system.

4. Buy a Bluetooth car kit which is compatible with the device you want to use it for. Car kits are available online or from local auto dealers and tend to run about $100 depending on how advanced they are.

5. Buy a GPS system which coordinates with your Bluetooth car kit. The same rules about matching the interface apply to the GPS system as they do to cell phones.

Tips & Warnings

• The best bet is to get a factory installed Bluetooth system. They come standard on many luxury cars now and will be covered under the warranty.
• Some kits can be installed by you, but some Bluetooth car kits require professional installation.
• If you can, test out the device you intend to use before committing to buy it to make sure it works.