If you like to avoid trouble at all costs and have a lead foot, then a radar detector might be for you. To get the most out of a radar detector, you need to find one that fits your needs and has the necessary features, then decide whether you need the optional features. Be careful, though! In Virginia and Washington, D.C., radar detectors are illegal.[1] If you live outside the U.S., check your national and local laws before purchasing one.
Choosing the Type of Radar Detector
1
Choose a corded detector for the best range detection. A corded detector can detect all types of radar signals. It's inexpensive and easy to install. Use the suction cups to mount it to the windshield. Then, plug it in to your car's cigarette lighter or charging socket.
On the other hand, this kind of detector is very visible, particularly to thieves and police officers. Additionally, the cord is space-consuming.[2]
2
Pick a cordless detector if you drive two or more cars. The cordless detector is easy to install like its corded cousin. Mount it to the windshield using its suction cups. Remove it when you switch cars. Because the cordless detector runs on batteries, it doesn't take up as much space as a corded detector.
As a disadvantage, cordless detectors can be expensive. They also have a poorer range detection because of their battery power. Furthermore, they can't pick up fast-working POP radar signals as effectively as corded detectors can.[3]
3
Opt for a remote-mounted detector to prevent theft. A remote-mounted radar detector can be installed in hidden or inconspicuous places in your car, such as at the base of the rear-view mirror. This can help to keep it out of the eyeshot of thieves. Some models have radar-jamming capabilities.
On the other hand, remote-mounted detectors are the most expensive types. They also have to be professionally installed, which could cost extra time and money. Finally, if a police officer finds out you're using radar-jamming equipment, you could be charged with a felony.[4]
Checking for the Necessary Features
1
Choose a model with city mode and highway mode. Use city mode when driving in urban areas. This way, your detector won't be fooled by weaker signals like car alarms. Turn on highway mode for more open spaces, such as highways and country roads. Highway mode is more sensitive and gives you more advanced warning.[5]
2
Opt for 360-degree laser detection. Laser radar (LIDAR) works more quickly and gets a more accurate reading of your speed than traditional radar does. Radar detectors without laser protection won't detect lasers. Regular laser detection only picks up laser signals ahead of you. Shell out the extra cash for 360-degree protection, which will detect lasers from all angles.[6]
On the down side, if you have a heavy lead foot, by the time the laser detection alerts you, the police have already flagged you.[7]
3
Look for Spectre or VG-2 protection. Police use Spectre and VG-2 to detect radar detectors. Stealth protection can shut your device down before you get caught. Invisible protection allows the detector to operate without being noticed. Of course, invisible protection will cost you extra.[8]
The only disadvantage is that Spectre and VG-2 protection can't tell you whether you've been targeted. They can only let you know if such technology is being used in the area.[9]
4
Go with voice alerts. With older models, you have to look at the display to see what your detector has picked up. Voice alerts allow you to keep your eyes on the road while you receive your alert. This feature is more expensive, but it's less likely to cause an accident.[10]
5
Look for high K-band sensitivity. Traditional X-band detectors alert you to radar guns that are already on before the police can catch you. They can't detect Instant-On radar in time for you to slow down. Only a detector with high K-band sensitivity can alert you to this more sophisticated radar.[11]
Deciding on Optional Features
1
Choose GPS technology to pinpoint cameras. These days, authorities use speed and red-light cameras in many cities and on highways. GPS alerts you to the locations of these cameras. Spend the extra money if you frequently drive in a community with these cameras installed.[12]
2
Choose auto-mute for hands-free volume control. With traditional models, radar alerts continue to sound until you're out of range of a radar gun. Many models have a mute switch that you have to activate manually. Auto-mute lowers the volume and then shuts it off automatically. Choose this option if radar alerts distract you or if you don't feel comfortable muting the alert while driving.[13]
3
Pick smartphone compatibility to receive crowdsourced alerts. Expensive newer radar detector models allow you to download an app to your smartphone. Enter enforcement regions into the app as you encounter them. Other drivers will do the same to alert you. This allows you to give your detector a break, especially if you're driving in a state that bans radar detectors.[14]
4
Purchase an extended warranty, if necessary. Most detectors come with a one-year warranty. In many cases, this is enough. Go for an extended warranty if you live in a high-crime area or a region prone to frequent natural disasters. This is also a good idea if you're accident-prone.
Choosing the Type of Radar Detector
1
Choose a corded detector for the best range detection. A corded detector can detect all types of radar signals. It's inexpensive and easy to install. Use the suction cups to mount it to the windshield. Then, plug it in to your car's cigarette lighter or charging socket.
On the other hand, this kind of detector is very visible, particularly to thieves and police officers. Additionally, the cord is space-consuming.[2]
2
Pick a cordless detector if you drive two or more cars. The cordless detector is easy to install like its corded cousin. Mount it to the windshield using its suction cups. Remove it when you switch cars. Because the cordless detector runs on batteries, it doesn't take up as much space as a corded detector.
As a disadvantage, cordless detectors can be expensive. They also have a poorer range detection because of their battery power. Furthermore, they can't pick up fast-working POP radar signals as effectively as corded detectors can.[3]
3
Opt for a remote-mounted detector to prevent theft. A remote-mounted radar detector can be installed in hidden or inconspicuous places in your car, such as at the base of the rear-view mirror. This can help to keep it out of the eyeshot of thieves. Some models have radar-jamming capabilities.
On the other hand, remote-mounted detectors are the most expensive types. They also have to be professionally installed, which could cost extra time and money. Finally, if a police officer finds out you're using radar-jamming equipment, you could be charged with a felony.[4]
Checking for the Necessary Features
1
Choose a model with city mode and highway mode. Use city mode when driving in urban areas. This way, your detector won't be fooled by weaker signals like car alarms. Turn on highway mode for more open spaces, such as highways and country roads. Highway mode is more sensitive and gives you more advanced warning.[5]
2
Opt for 360-degree laser detection. Laser radar (LIDAR) works more quickly and gets a more accurate reading of your speed than traditional radar does. Radar detectors without laser protection won't detect lasers. Regular laser detection only picks up laser signals ahead of you. Shell out the extra cash for 360-degree protection, which will detect lasers from all angles.[6]
On the down side, if you have a heavy lead foot, by the time the laser detection alerts you, the police have already flagged you.[7]
3
Look for Spectre or VG-2 protection. Police use Spectre and VG-2 to detect radar detectors. Stealth protection can shut your device down before you get caught. Invisible protection allows the detector to operate without being noticed. Of course, invisible protection will cost you extra.[8]
The only disadvantage is that Spectre and VG-2 protection can't tell you whether you've been targeted. They can only let you know if such technology is being used in the area.[9]
4
Go with voice alerts. With older models, you have to look at the display to see what your detector has picked up. Voice alerts allow you to keep your eyes on the road while you receive your alert. This feature is more expensive, but it's less likely to cause an accident.[10]
5
Look for high K-band sensitivity. Traditional X-band detectors alert you to radar guns that are already on before the police can catch you. They can't detect Instant-On radar in time for you to slow down. Only a detector with high K-band sensitivity can alert you to this more sophisticated radar.[11]
Deciding on Optional Features
1
Choose GPS technology to pinpoint cameras. These days, authorities use speed and red-light cameras in many cities and on highways. GPS alerts you to the locations of these cameras. Spend the extra money if you frequently drive in a community with these cameras installed.[12]
2
Choose auto-mute for hands-free volume control. With traditional models, radar alerts continue to sound until you're out of range of a radar gun. Many models have a mute switch that you have to activate manually. Auto-mute lowers the volume and then shuts it off automatically. Choose this option if radar alerts distract you or if you don't feel comfortable muting the alert while driving.[13]
3
Pick smartphone compatibility to receive crowdsourced alerts. Expensive newer radar detector models allow you to download an app to your smartphone. Enter enforcement regions into the app as you encounter them. Other drivers will do the same to alert you. This allows you to give your detector a break, especially if you're driving in a state that bans radar detectors.[14]
4
Purchase an extended warranty, if necessary. Most detectors come with a one-year warranty. In many cases, this is enough. Go for an extended warranty if you live in a high-crime area or a region prone to frequent natural disasters. This is also a good idea if you're accident-prone.
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