[Philkotse guide] How to properly install Bluetooth in your car

In this faced-paced world, where everything is connected conveniently, it’s simply hard not to keep up. Connectivity today isn’t like what it was ten years ago. If you remember connectivity with wires and car antennas, you may have gotten lost in the twist in time. Today almost all forms of connectivity are wireless, and it just keeps getting better.

One of the proprietors responsible for this technological advancement is Bluetooth technology. This technology became a hit in the Philippines the moment it landed just two or three decades ago.  It’s a form of wireless tech that lets fixed devices and mobile gadgets connect over short distances. It uses short-wavelength radio waves in the medical, scientific, and industrial radio bands.

It was first used in phones for sharing files and data until it provided connectivity with other media. Before we knew it, Bluetooth technology was everywhere. And we mean this in every sense of the word.

The short-wave connectivity is even used in vehicles. In fact, it’s fair to say that it’s quite impossible to see a vehicle out there with no Bluetooth technology. If you don’t have one in your yet, don’t worry. We’re here to provide you with all the info you need. Get Bluetooth in your ride easily by applying Philkotse.com's suggestions below.

1. Ways to add Bluetooth in your car

Though a lot of the latest vehicles today have a built-in Bluetooth connectivity system, you won’t have to spend on a new car just to get the feature. It doesn’t matter how old your car or how cheap you got it for.

The only thing that will matter is that the methods we teach you today actually work for you. You can choose from these three ways on how to make Bluetooth available for your car. Note that you will need to have a handheld device with Bluetooth capability. This could either be a phone or a tablet.

Choice 1. Get yourself a universal Bluetooth kit for your car

Universal Bluetooth kits can vary in price and component inclusions. Depending on the retailer, these kits can cost from Php 300 up to Php 1000. Choosing this kit comes with a few advantages, including:

• Among the three ways of adding Bluetooth to your car, this is the most affordable kit out there.
• These universal kits fit almost every vehicle out there. There may be some vehicles where it doesn’t fit, but this is very seldom.
• The different kits are available in the market offer different functionalities. OEM companies compete for the customer’s approval, so you have a lot of choices to choose from.

  These universal Bluetooth kits fit almost in every vehicle out there

>>> Check out: Top 4 best Bluetooth kits for your car and its cost.

Choice 2. Get a Bluetooth adapter specifically designed for your vehicle

Bluetooth adapters come in various shapes and sizes. The prices can also vary depending on the manufacturer. However, you can order some dependable units online for only Php 300. If you’ve never used this method before, here are the things you can look forward to:

• Bluetooth adapters only work in vehicles equipped with “Bluetooth-ready” head units.
• A positive side to this method is that you can keep your factory radio even after Bluetooth installation.
• Compared to a universal Bluetooth kit, Bluetooth adapters actually offer a wider range of features. It also provides better integration.

Bluetooth adapters come in various shapes and sizes

Choice 3. Pick out a Bluetooth car stereo

A good-quality Bluetooth car stereo will let you pair your device to your unit seamlessly. It should also let you stream your music wirelessly while in the cabin. Bluetooth Car Stereos come in all sorts of forms. But you can get one for the price of Php 600 onwards. If you’re not familiar with this device, here are the things you should look forward to:

• Getting a Bluetooth car stereo is the only way to get the full in-car Bluetooth experience.
• This is also the most expensive way to get Bluetooth functionality in your car.
• If you choose this method, you would have to replace your entire radio unit.

A good-quality Bluetooth car stereo will let you pair your device to your unit seamlessly

Getting Bluetooth for your car will depend on other factors. Examples are your budget and the type of stereo that your car originally has. If your vehicle is already installed with Bluetooth-ready aftermarket stereo, a stereo-specific adapter is usually the recommended choice. A Bluetooth car kit, on the other hand, is the cheapest choice. It is also the easiest way for you to have Bluetooth for your vehicle.

>>> Also check: Must-know tips to choose the best aftermarket car head units

2. What to expect from a Bluetooth car kit

If you can’t find a Bluetooth adapter for your head unit, you may need to consider a universal Bluetooth kit instead. It’s another low cost but effective way to add Bluetooth functionality to your car. There are plenty of OEMs out there, so you will have to narrow down your options. Here are the usual inclusions of the common Bluetooth car kits in the market:

• Hands-free calling kits
• Combination kits
• Speakerphones
• Music-streaming kits

If you can’t find a Bluetooth adapter for your head unit, you may need to consider a universal Bluetooth kit instead

The Bluetooth speakerphones are very simple and easy to use. In fact, they don’t even have to interface with your car radio. You simply have to pair your smartphone to the car’s speakerphone.

After that, you can pretty much use it like a headset that doesn’t need to be worn. Although it is super quick and easy, you are still missing out on a lot of Bluetooth functions. However, if that’s fine with you, then go for it!

3. Why upgrade a Bluetooth car stereo

Getting a new Bluetooth car stereo to replace your head unit is definitely an expense. However, it’s the only way for you to have a complete Bluetooth experience while you’re in your car. Considering this option is actually a good choice if you were already making adjustments to your in-car sound system already.

Bluetooth was first used in phones for sharing files and data until it provided connectivity with other media

However, the vast availability of Bluetooth car stereos out there doesn’t make it easy to choose.  You may need to zero in on a head unit that will have all the functionalities you need.

A complete Bluetooth experience means that your stereo will be able to display caller ID when you’re on the phone. It should also display info about your chosen track whenever you play music. Aside from that, it can also let you control apps using a touchscreen surface.