A quality radar detector can be difficult to choose, considering the many options on the market. Radar detectors come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and types to suit the needs and preferences of different drivers. If you can find one that suits your vehicle and driving habits perfectly, you’ll have an effective tool for avoiding those dreaded speeding tickets. As a result, you gain more freedom and confidence behind the wheel. Discover the top-rated radar detectors, according to expert recommendations.
What Is a Radar Detector?
A radar detector is an electronic device specially designed to detect the radar guns law enforcement officers use to measure the speed of your vehicle. If it detects radar waves from a radar gun, the device will provide an audible or visible alert to suggest you slow your vehicle. By doing so, it can help you avoid getting a speeding ticket. The benefits of installing a radar detector in your vehicle include:
- Save money: In the United States, a speeding ticket costs an average of $150, but this figure can vary depending on how fast you were driving and whether you have previous speeding charges. You must also pay legal fees, which can significantly increase your overall cost. In addition, a speeding offense can cause your auto insurance rates to go up by hundreds of dollars a year. By helping you escape a speeding charge, a radar detector can save you a lot of money down the road.
- Prevent license suspension: Driving above the speed limit is an infraction, meaning it won’t result in jail time. However, if you’re a repeat offender, you might have your driver’s license suspended or even your vehicle confiscated. If being able to drive is important to you, you might consider investing in a good radar detector.
- Improve safety: One common misconception about radar detectors is they make people drive faster. In reality, the primary function of these devices is to remind you to slow down. For enhanced safety, consider getting one of those radar detectors that give an alert when you go over a certain speed limit. Additionally, a radar detector can help you avoid an accident by preparing you for police presence. Many drivers have caused accidents by braking suddenly when they see a cop car.
So, is it legal to use a radar detector? Other than Virginia and Washington D.C., every state allows the use of radar detectors in personal vehicles. However, radar detectors with laser jammers or other functions that interfere with police tech might not be legal.
Types of Radar Detectors
Before you start shopping for a radar detector, make sure you understand your options. Below are the three main types of radar detectors:
Corded Radar Detectors
Typically, corded radar detectors attach to the windshield via a suction cup. They’re usually the most reliable radar detectors and have the longest detection range.
Cordless Radar Detectors
Cordless radar detectors run on batteries, allowing you to transfer them easily from one vehicle to another. If you don’t want to have a cord dangling from your windshield, a cordless detector is the way to go.
Remote-Mount Radar Detectors
These are the least common types of radar detectors. They’re permanently mounted behind the grille and come with controls hidden under the dashboard. Due to their clean installation, they’re virtually undetectable.
How to Choose a Radar Detector
Radar detectors can vary greatly in terms of quality and features, making it difficult to pick the right one. The following are factors to consider when choosing a radar detector:
- Range: The range of a radar detector refers to the distance at which it can detect a radar gun. Basically, the longer the range, the more time you’ll have to slow your vehicle. A radar detector with a greater range is often more expensive, but it can substantially reduce your chances of being caught speeding. If you want to invest in a long-range radar detector, choose one from a reputable brand. Bear in mind that some manufacturers have been known to publish inaccurate range information.
- Filtering: Police radar guns use X-, K-, and Ka-band radars. However, many other devices use these types of radar bands, including traffic sensors, automatic doors, and driver-assistance systems. If your radar detector can’t effectively filter out interference resulting from these devices, you’re going to get a lot of false alerts. High-quality radar detectors usually have better filtering capabilities.
- Smartphone or GPS connectivity: A radar detector with smartphone connectivity gives you access to the internet. This allows you to receive alerts from other drivers, resulting in an extended detection range. In some cases, a radar detector might provide GPS data via a smartphone. With GPS connectivity, you’ll be able to know the locations of false alerts and red light cameras, which a radar detector alone can’t detect.
The main factor affecting your choice of radar detector is your budget. If you’re willing to spend more money, you can get a truly reliable and feature-rich radar detector that’s highly effective at helping you avoid speeding tickets. Even a high-quality radar detector shouldn’t cost more than a speeding ticket and its associated expenses. Consider reading reviews to discover expert-recommended radar detectors.
How to Install a Radar Detector
Disclaimer: The guidelines in this story are general and not meant to replace instructions for your specific vehicle. Please consult your owner’s manual or repair guide before attempting repairs.
A cordless or corded radar detector is very easy to install. It usually comes with a suction cup for mounting on the windshield or dashboard. Whether you’re installing your detector on your windshield or dashboard, make sure you clean the surface properly before doing so. A corded radar detector requires the additional step of plugging into the cigarette lighter. If you opt for a remote-mount radar detector, you should have it installed professionally.
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Source: www.caranddriver.com