How to Test a Radar Detector

Testing your radar detector can be done fairly quickly and easily, and should be done on a regular basis. If radar detector is kept in proper working order, you will be alerted when there's trouble on the roads or when emergency crews are heading your way.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

1. Ask your local fire department or law enforcement agency if they can help you test your radar detector, assuming owning a radar detector is legal in your state. Many emergency agencies will be happy to run a test of their signals for you to determine if your radar detector is working properly, as this will make the roads safer.
2. Push the "Test" button on your radar detector. Today, many advanced radar detectors come equipped with such buttons in order to make the testing process easy. Check with your owner's manual to determine whether your radar detector can be checked electronically.
3. Test the alarms on your radar detector by pushing each of the alarm buttons down and waiting for a beep or a series of beeps. Each radar detector brand and model will be different. By testing the alarms, you can make sure that they will go off when you need them most.
4. Check the batteries and power cord on your radar detector. You should replace the batteries at least twice a year to make sure it's working properly. You should also make sure that your power cord is functioning correctly and not damaged or frayed in any way.

Tips & Warnings

• Do not ask your local emergency agencies to help you test your radar detector if it is not legal to own a radar detector in your state. They may confiscate the radar detector and issue you a ticket for owning it.

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