This article was written by one of our amazing contributors! Content may include promotional links.
A radar detector helps you realize that you are speeding. More specifically, you will slow down as soon as you notice that an active radar device is nearby. This device helps you in other ways as well. For example, there will be a drop in the average number of traffic tickets that you receive. This drop will save you loads of cash because the fines you usually pay will be reduced. Moreover, your insurance premiums will drop or remain as they are. Here are 5 tips to buying a good radar detector.
1. Limited Number of False Alarms
An automatic door for a grocery store sets off some radar detectors. These false positives confuse you unnecessarily when you are on the road. They also annoy you unnecessarily. You need a radar detector that detects the right device. For example, detecting active police radar should be possible because that is something that might interest you. Knowing the police are around would surely remind you that you should stay within the speeding limit regardless of where you are.
2. The Widest Possible Range is Ideal
The purpose of this detector is to detect active radar devices. Therefore, the identification of these devices should be possible within the broadest range possible. Select a radar detector that has modifications to enhance its range. For example, does it have multiple radar antennas? Having them is an excellent feature for a radar detector because they can identify the direction of the signal. However, determining this direction is not as important as the range of the radar detector is.
3. Invisibility to Other People
The devices you have and their capability is a secret. No one needs to know as long as the gadgets you have are legal and you are using them lawfully. Remember, radar detectors are only illegal in military bases, Virginia, and Washington DC. Check if the radar detector you want to buy has a laser jammer to make it invisible to other people. Buy it if it does, but ascertain if using these jammers is a legal practice in your state before you purchase it.
4. GPS and Smartphone Enabled
Most radar detectors work as singular devices without any connection to other devices. Today, some of them have several these connections thanks to advances in technology. For example, radar detectors with GPS capabilities communicate with orbiting satellites as you drive the car. They can determine your location, direction, and speed with incredible accuracy. Smartphone functionalities are fantastic as well because they facilitate communication between you and other drivers.
5. The Cost of the Radar Detector
Spending a considerable amount of money is likely if you want the best radar detector. Fortunately, this level of spending is worthwhile because you will get a fantastic gadget in return. For example, it will have most of the features mentioned above. It will be durable and aesthetically pleasing as well. More importantly, it will be useful. However, paying handsomely for a radar detector does not guarantee its quality. Examine its features first and then determine if it is worth the price tag on it.