Dashboard Car Mounts
There are many devices that can be mounted to your dashboard. Dashboard car mounts are excellent choices because they are usually portable, can be easily put away, and don't leave telltale marks to let thieves know that you have expensive electronic devices in your car. There are a couple of different kinds of dashboard mounts that you can purchase for your car.
Devices You Can Use with Dashboard Mounts
One common device to use with a dashboard car mount is the GPS Navigation System. GPS Systems have built-in satellite antennas which need to have a clear view of the sky. Other devices that can be mounted onto the dashboard include iPods, phones, radar detectors (these can be illegal in some areas, so check before you use one), and satellite radios. Satellite radios also have antennas that need a clear view of the sky to work, although the antenna can often be placed in a different location than the actual radio. Video cameras with DVRs can also be mounted on the dashboard; these have the ability to record your trip for proof of what happened in case of an accident, to record beautiful scenery on a road trip, or to monitor a teen's driving habits.
Types of Dashboard Mounts
There are a few different kinds of dashboard mounts. One is a weighted mount that you place on top of your dashboard. It stays secure where you place it, and you can secure many kinds of devices on top of it. Another kind of dashboard mount uses Velcro to secure the mount in place. Once placed, Velcro mounts cannot be moved, and over time, sun can damage it's ability to keep devices in place. Other dashboard mounts can attach to a car's air vent. These usually clip on, and often need to be car-specific. The kind of car mount that you choose depends on your car, the need for portability, and where you want to place the electronic device.
Safety Concerns with Dashboard Mounts
When choosing a location to mount an electronic device, you need to make sure that the location is safe. Your car mount should not interfere with the car's air bag system; doing so could cause it to fly at you or a passenger at speeds of over 100 mph in the event of a crash. You should also place your car mount in a location that will not interfere with your vision of the road. Not only is it unsafe, it is probably illegal in your area. If you have several car accessories that you need to mount, you might need to use different kinds of mounts to keep them all in different locations.