5 Must-Have Car Dashboard Accessories for Older Cars You Shouldn’t Ignore

Key highlights

• Car dashboard accessories not only enhance the convenience of drivers and occupants, but also make the car cabin feel like new.
• Dashcam, head-up display, and tyre pressure monitoring device enhance occupant safety.
• You can also opt for a touchscreen infotainment system and a smartphone holder with wireless charging to make your old car feel new.

With modern mass-market cars becoming richer in features, it is understandable that older car owners might feel the absence of these features. Some of these new-age features are vital for safety and convenience, so if you are an old-car owner, you have the solution in the form of car dashboard accessories.

Once available only as factory-fitted features in luxury cars, these car dashboard accessories can now be easily fitted in your old vehicle without extensive modifications. Besides enhancing the safety and convenience of occupants, these accessories also add a touch of newness to an old car’s cabin. Here, we take a look at five of the most sought-after car dashboard accessories that are affordable and readily available for all types of vehicles.

Accessory 1: Smartphone Holder with Wireless Charging

While smartphone holders have proven to be handy in operating audio and navigation suggestions while on the move, here’s an upgrade you shouldn’t miss. Nowadays, there are many smartphone holders available in the market, which serve the dual purpose of holding your smartphones firmly while on the move, while also juicing up their batteries with their in-built wireless charging pads.

Given the extent of use of mobile phones in all situations, their batteries drain much sooner than expected. The same is true when a smartphone is continuously used for navigation and for choosing preferred audio while driving, as batteries drain quickly. Smartphone holders with wireless charging keep batteries charged at all times while eliminating the clutter of charging cables.

When buying a smartphone holder with wireless charging for your car, look for options with a firm grip and magnetic phone hold, and fast charging up to 15W.

Accessory 2: Touchscreen Infotainment System

To make sure your older car doesn’t feel archaic in this era of new-age screens, you can equip it with an aftermarket touchscreen infotainment system. In some older cars, there is a provision to replace the old music system with a new touchscreen unit in the same housing. However, even if such a housing for an audio system is absent, there are ways to fit a standalone touchscreen system on the dashboard or the lower centre console.

A modern touchscreen infotainment system serves a purpose beyond just one – while it serves as a window for your car's audio system, it can also double as a navigation unit, reducing your reliance on smartphones while driving. However, make sure the infotainment system you choose does not protrude into the way of other controls in your car. Also, opt for a system that supports USB-A or USB-C ports for better connectivity and seamless operation.

Accessory 3: Head-Up Display

One of the most sought-after luxury features, which is gradually becoming popular even in affordable, compact mass-market SUVs, the head-up display is one you can fit in your older car as well.

There are aftermarket head-up display devices that can be fitted behind the instrument cluster of your old car and eventually project vital on-board information about your vehicle’s performance, navigation, and music on the windshield. Aftermarket head-up display devices can be connected to your car's OBD-II port, though GPS-based options are also available.

 Accessory 4: Dashcam (Dashboard Camera)

In this day and age, when incidents of road rage and accidents are much more frequent than ever before, fitting a dashcam even in your old car is more of a necessity than a luxury. Capable of continuously recording the surroundings of your vehicle while you are driving, a dashcam is handy for recording video evidence in case of accidents or road rage, or even suspicious activities such as theft attempts.

Modern dashcams have become advanced enough to support new-age features like 4K recording, wide-angle coverage, Wi-Fi connectivity and even voice commands. So give your old car a boost of safety and technology with a dashcam.

Accessory 5: Tyre Pressure Monitoring Device

Another safety feature that can be mounted atop the car dashboard is a tyre pressure monitoring device. Usually smaller than the size of a palm in width, the tyre pressure monitoring device can be placed beside the instrument cluster or behind it, so that you can be aware of the current air pressure levels in your car’s tyres.

Like a head-up display, a tyre pressure monitoring device can also be connected to your vehicle's OBD-II scanner for accurate readings. Some devices also feature sound alerts if pressure levels drop below the recommended limits.

Before/After User Experience

Some of these upgrades reflect what owners have experienced and vouched for.

Before: Messy wires everywhere.

After: Wireless, convenient charging for a clean dashboard.

Before: No screen and outdated audio.

After: Full touchscreen + navigation.

Before: No safety alerts.

After: TPMS for peace of mind on highways.

Tips From Car Owners to Transform Your Old Car

Here are some tips car owners have shared that will transform your old car.

• Regularly drive on bumpy roads? Choose a magnetic mount.
• Investing in a touchscreen? Choose a model with a smooth user interface.
• Keep the windshield clean to keep your HUD working at its best.
• Zipping through crowded city streets? Go for a dashcam with wide-angle coverage.

Modernise Your Old Vehicle with Dashboard Add-Ons

With car dashboard accessories, you have more ways than one to upgrade your old vehicle. Accessories like a touchscreen infotainment system and a smartphone holder with a wireless charger make your smartphone’s connection with your car more seamless. At the same time, you have accessories like a dashcam, tyre pressure monitoring device and head-up display to ensure that your and your car’s safety remains intact, even in unpleasant situations.

FAQs

1. Can I add wireless charging to my car?
You can add a universal wireless charger to your car by connecting it to the 12V power outlet.

2. Can I replace a non-touch screen with a touch screen?
You can replace the old music system in your car with a new touchscreen unit, provided both units have the same fixtures or housings. If not, you need to make slight changes to the housing so the touchscreen unit fits comfortably.

3. Do I need a special windshield for a head-up display?
While you do not need a special windshield for a head-up display, ensure your car’s windshield is always clean and free of marks and scratches for optimal system performance.

4. Can you install a tyre pressure monitoring device without removing a tyre?
Yes, installing a tyre pressure monitoring device need not require removing the tyre. Instead, they can be connected to your car's OBD-II device.

5. Is a car dashcam legal in India?
Using a dashcam in cars is common in India, though you should be careful not to infringe on other motorists' privacy.