What Should You Prepare for the Road Trip?

An unforgettable road trip requires plenty of preparation, so what do you need to do?

Get your car ready for the trip

  • Stereo system – You will spend lots of time on driving, which easily get tired and bored, then how you keep yourself awake and engaged? Installing a multifunctional touch screen Android radio is best. You can listen to music, apply Carplay, use navigation, connect backup camera and so on, to have fun and keep safe drive.
  • Tires – Check your tires for wear and tear. If needed, go ahead and replace them before your trip. And get tires to match the conditions. If you’re going to be staying mostly on the highway, then a pair of highway tires will be the quietest and get you the best mileage. If you’re going to be spending some time on dirt roads, then I’d recommend all-terrain tires, which will offer significantly better traction.
  • Engine and brakes – Check the health of your engine, your brakes, and your heating and cooling system.
  • Lights – Check all your lights and replace any that appear to be dim or dying.
  • Wiper blades – If your wiper blades are looking a bit ragged, don’t wait to replace them. You’ll thank yourself when the weather turns ugly.
  • Battery – Check the health of your battery. Replace if needed.
  • Wiper fluid – For winter trips, make sure that you have wiper fluid rated to -40 degrees F (-40 C).
  • Motor oil – If you’re going to be traveling through cold places, consider getting an oil change. And if you do, ask for a more winter-friendly oil (motor oils are rated by their viscosity levels at different temperatures) that still works with your specific engine. You may need to refer to your owner’s manual.

Must things to pack for your trip

Whenever you plan to go for a road trip, there are always good to have these things in your vehicle.

  • Flashlights – Have at least two in your car, and do yourself a favor: Make one of them a headlamp.
  • Food and water – If you get stuck in the snow, you will likely need some calories to sustain you. Look for non-perishable items that also won’t freeze into a brick. Because water most certainly will freeze into a brick, I’d recommend keeping spare bottles in the car instead of in the trunk.
  • Road flares – If you end up with a dead car on the side of the road in the middle of a storm, you want your car to be as visible as humanly possible so a driver (or a snow plow) doesn’t hit you. Road flares are cheap and highly visible. Use ‘em!
  • Jumper cables – Having one set of these can save you a lot of time waiting for a tow truck.
  • First aid kit – This is something you should always keep in your car in case of a minor accident.
  • Car charger and portable USB power pack – You likely already have some way to charge your phone in your car. If you don’t, get one. Additionally, carry a portable USB power pack to charge your phone and other gadgets should your car’s electrical system go out.
  • Spare batteries – For anything that takes batteries (flashlights, your car’s key fob, etc.).
  • Multitool – In addition to the tools you hopefully have for maintaining your car (a cheap socket set, a jack, a tire iron, etc.), it’s good to have a multitool for working on smaller things. It can be helpful for cooking, repairs, and even medical work.
  • Blankets and warm clothes – Got an old, heavy winter jacket that’s too ugly to wear in public? Keep it in the trunk! Add some warm gloves and a rain poncho as well.

How to Keep Comfortable Drive?

As far as i am concerned, a comfortable drive means fun and safe. So what should we do?

Best way to add fun to the drive

Install the touch screen car radio system

If you still use the standard radio which only comes few functions, we highly advise you to get a touch screen radio head unit to replace it. On one hand, touch screen radio is super easy to use and fast to response. On the other hand, it’s multifunctional, providing various useful functions such as FM/AM radio, Bluetooth music, HD video, Carplay etc. With such radio, your drive will never be boring.

Address your vehicle’s small irritations

It’s always going to be difficult to enjoy the driving process, or feel that it is anything other than a chore, if there are all sorts of small problems with your vehicle that you have to put up with each time you go for a drive. For example, your air conditioning or heating systems aren’t working properly. Or your vehicle suspension isn’t up to scratch. While these sorts of issues may seem “small,” getting them addressed, and getting your vehicle upfitted and improved, can radically enhance your overall sense of well-being and reduce a lot of the stress that might otherwise be present in your driving experience.

Consider bringing audiobooks along for the drive

If you frequently have to go on long drives, but find the process dull and frustrating, bringing audiobooks along for the drive might help to really add a bit of life, entertainment and even excitement to the process. This way, you can avoid feeling as though you are just totally “wasting your time,” and you can also, simultaneously, have a bit of fun and enrich your imagination at the same time.

Tips to keep driving safety

1. Check the condition of the vehicle and go on the road without hidden dangers.

2. Fasten your seat belt and improve your safety awareness.

3. Do not drive with fatigue and do not play with mobile phones while driving.

4. Do not drink and drive.

5. When driving in bad weather, pay attention to road conditions.

6. If the vehicle encounters a situation on the road, it must be handled correctly.

7. Pay attention to traffic regulations and don’t compete for time.

8. On the way of driving, do not overcrowd, do not speed, and do not overload.

Best 9.7″ Tesla Screen Head Unit for 2013 Buick Regal Radio Replacement

One of good ways to improve driving experience is having a touch screen car radio system in your vehicle. That’s why I got my 2013 Buick Regal factory stereo upgraded. This Seicane Teals screen for 2013 Buick Regal makes my drive wonderful.

What are the benefits of using touch screen radio?

Compared to the old standard stereo, the big screen radio head unit brings various fantastic features and functions.

It’s equipped with 9.7″ HD touch screen, Android 10 system as well quality 8-core CPU, easy to operate and fast to response. With the 1024*768 resolution, you have a perfect viewing experience.

Provides high-speed WIFI/4G network, allowing you to easily get access to internet for online music listening, online videos watching, online games playing, e-mail checking etc., as long as you reach a WIFI hotspot or connect it to a 4G module.

There is built-in Carplay/Android Auto function. After connecting your phone to the radio via Carplay/Android Auto, the radio acts as the phone screen, you are able to use the phone map, phone book, phone music and more on the radio screen. This is the safest way to play phone when driving.

The unit can support rear view camera. When you reverse and park the car, the radio display will automatically switch to the parking images, you can check the rear situation clearly, avoiding any collision.

What’s more, with the large screen radio, you can use accurate navigation even offline.

How can we install the big screen radio to the car?

Following is a guide of installing a Tesla screen radio to 2013 Buick Regal.

– Toolbox: Plastic pry tools, screwdrivers, pliers, cable ties, tapes etc.

– Safety Tip: Cut off the car power before starting.

1, Firstly, use the plastic pry tool to remove the screen & A/C outlet structure, disconnect its plugs to the car.

2, Pry to remove the decorative frames on the left and right.

3, As well remove this small decorative piece.

4, Next, remove four screws that fixed the button panel. Take down the panel and unplug the connectors.

5, There are also four screws that fixed the main unit, remove them. Pull out the unit and unplug its connectors.

6, Remove the original A/C outlet.

7, And remove this button device.

8, As well as remove the original A/C control device of the button panel.

9, Now, install the A/C outlet, button and control device to the new Seicane radio head unit.

10, Correspondingly connect the Seicane radio to the car via the new cables.

11, Install the new radio to the dashboard, then turn on your car to test it. If it works well, install back all the car parts. If there is issue, you may need to check again the wiring condition. Ask the seller for assistance if you can’t handle the issues.

Factory Radio Upgrade for 2005-2010 Mazda 5

To have better driving experience, more drivers plan to replace their old radio to an aftermarket touch screen head unit. The big screen radio do greatly improve driving. It’s super easy to use, as well provides various amazing functions.

In fact, it’s not so hard to upgrade the factory car radio by ourselves. In this post, we’ll share how to remove and install Android radio to 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 Mazda 5.

Part 1, Removal And Installation Steps

Before working, you should prepare the tools including plastic pry tools, screwdrivers, pliers etc, and cut off the car power to ensure safety.

1, We need to remove the handbrake panel, follow the steps,

①Remove the left and right screws that fixed the panel.

②Remove the protective plastic frame of the handbrake.

③Remove the screws inside.

④Now you can remove the whole handbrake panel.

2, Remove the screws that fixed the radio unit.

3, Use the plastic pry to remove the radio unit. Pull out the unit and unplug its connectors.

4, Connect the new radio cables to the car, then connect the new car radio system.

5, Put the new radio to the dash, and turn on your car to test whether it works normally.

6, If the new radio functions well, install back all the car parts. If there is problem, you should double check the wiring condition. Or ask the seller for help if needed.

Part 2, Enjoy Great Drive with Android Radio

In the market, you can find different touch screen Android radio for 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 Mazda 5, choose the one you want.

Loaded with the latest Android system and high quality CPU, the car radio head unit is able to keep stable performance and smooth operation. Some of them are equipped with large capacity storage, so you can download many interesting APPs.

Apple Carplay or Android Auto, is the most powerful function. Once applied, the radio will act as your phone, you can freely use the phone applications such as map, music, phone book and so on. This function is considered to be the safest way of using phone when driving.

For drivers who always have troubles in parking a car, this big screen radio system is the best assistance. After installing a backup camera and connect it to the radio, the radio screen will automatically show the rear images, you can check the rear situation clearly and park the car easier.

You can also use the Android radio to play Bluetooth music, listen to FM/AM radio channels, watch 1080P videos, use 3D navigation, check emails and more. Wherever you go, it makes your drive wonderful.

Aftermarket Touch Screen Radio Installation on the Peugeot 207 (2008-2014)

9 years ago, I bought the Peugeot 207. I drive the car to many places, it’s like one of my family. Till now, the car still works well, but recently I was thinking about replacing its factory radio system as some of the buttons are broken. Most surprisingly, on my birthday last month, I was given a Peugeot 207 aftermarket touch screen radio by my best friend Peter. I would say that’s the best gift I have.

Few days after the birthday party, Peter helped me install the new radio to the car. I do love the new radio system, it’s very nice.

Amazing Functions

This radio fits Peugeot 207 from 2008 to 2014 years. It’s equipped with a 9-inch HD screen, showing everything super clearly. On the other hand, it’s loaded with the latest Android system and high quality CPU, being able to keep stable performance as well as provide smooth operation. Compared to the old radio, the touch screen head unit is easier to use, it also has many useful functions.

For me, the most power function is it can support backup camera. To be honest, I often have troubles in parking the car. After connecting the car camera, I can see the rear situation via the images shown on the radio screen, which greatly helps me when park the car.

Another good function is it comes built-in Carplay. That’s to say, I can connect my phone to the car radio, then the radio acts as the phone. In this situation, we get the safest way to use phone application freely, such as make phone calls, play music, apply navigation, message someone etc.

There are many other functions provided by the touch screen Android radio, I am sure your drive will be much fun and convenience with such radio.

Installation Guide

Adding this aftermarket radio to Peugeot 207 dashboard is not so hard, we’ll show you how we do that.

Two important tips,

  • For toolbox: Prepare plastic pry tools, screwdrivers, cable ties, tapes etc.
  • For safety: Cut off the car power before working.

S1, Use the plastic pry tool to remove the decorative frame.

S2, You can find there are two screws that fixed the air conditioner outlet, remove them and pull out the outlet, as well unplug the connector.

S3, Next, we need to remove the CD unit, and also unplug all the connectors.

S4, The removal is done, we’ll got to install the new radio to the car. Check and make sure the new radio comes every part we need.

S5, Correspondingly connect the big screen Android radio to the car via the new cables. Make sure they are correctly connected. You should check the manual if you are not sure their interfaces.

S6, Once connecting, you’d better test the radio in advance. If it works well, you can install back all the parts. If there is problem, you may need to check the wiring condition.

Adding Touch Screen Android Radio Head Unit to VW Volkswagen Golf

When it comes to car radio system, there is huge difference between the old standard radio and new touch screen head unit. The former is normally designed with many buttons and complex operation, but only offers few function. The latter equips large screen, which is super easy to operate. It also provides various amazing function, greatly improving our driving experience. That’s why I got an aftermarket touch screen radio for VW Volkswagen Golf.

How my drive will be with the touch screen radio?

Convenient operation – When I used the old radio, I had to focus on recognizing which button I need to press, sometimes it does take time. On the new screen radio, I just need to touch the screen slightly to operate everything. On the other hand, the exquisite screen makes my car look high-end.

Carplay functions – It’s the best way to connect phone to the car, giving us the ability to use phone applications freely on the radio screen. For example, we can use the phone map, phone call, contact books, phone music… keeping the historical usage records, more convenient.

Offline navigation – I love to drive for road trip, and a reliable car navigation system is very important. This touch screen radio is with built-in high quality GPS module, supports various navigation map. What’s more, even when there is no Internet signal, it still works well. You will never lose the way wherever you go.

Backup camera – Are you often trouble in parking the car? For many drivers, they do need a good parking assistant, and the rear view camera is perfect. Install the backup camera to the car and connect it to the touch screen car stereo, the radio screen will be able to show the rear images when we reverse and park the car, so helpful.

Internet connection – Now we can also access the Internet on the big screen car stereo system, via WIFI or 4G network. You can listen to the latest songs, watch Youtube videos, go online shopping, check Google emails and so on.

Having touch screen radio, having better drive!

How to replace the factory radio by ourselves?

If you are also planning to upgrade your Volkswagen Golf’s factory stereo, take a look at this DIY installation guide.

Notes

– Toolbox: Plastic pry tools, screwdrivers, cable ties, tapes etc.

– For safety, must turn off the car power.

1, Use the plastic pry tool to remove the frame, mind your hands’ force.

2, Remove 4 screws that fixed the radio unit.

3, Pull out the main unit.

4, And unplug all the connectors.

5, Connect the new Android radio system to the car via the new cables. Carefully check the manual if you are not sure the wiring interfaces.

6, After connecting all the cables, you are advised to turn on the car to test the new car radio system. If there is any problem, check again the wiring condition or ask the sell for assistance. If the unit functions well, go next steps.

7, Fit the new radio to the car.

8, Install back the frame.

Upgrade 2012-2015 VW Volkswagen Polo Factory Radio to Touch Screen Carplay Head Unit

If you are still using the old button-operated factory radio in your Volkswagen Polo, you lost much fun. That’s same to you use an old Nokia while other use big screen Apple phone. You won’t know how’s amazing having large screen head unit until you get one for your loved vehicle.

Whether you are replace the factory radio now or later, you can take a look at this post about how to install touch screen radio to 2012 2013 2014 2015 VW Volkswagen Polo. It’s not difficult, most people can do it themselves.

Section 1, Install Touch Screen Radio to 2012-2015 VW Polo

Important Notes,

  1. Prepare toolbox: Plastic pry tools, screwdrivers, cable ties, tapes etc.
  2. Safety tip: Power off the car battery before working on the radio system.

1, Use the plastic pry tool to remove the frame of the radio system.

2, You’ll see 4 screws that fixed the radio unit. Remove them.

3, So you can pull out the main unit, unplug the connectors.

4, Next, you can connect the new cables of the new Volkswagen Polo Android radio to the car. Make sure they are correctly connected.

5, Connect the new screen to the car via the new cables. The interfaces are different,  they are easy to distinguish and connect well.

6, Install the new screen well.

7, Turn on the car to check whether it works normally. When there are problems, you are advised to double check the wiring conditions, or ask sellers for assistant.

Section 2, Having Wonderful Drive with Big Screen Radio

Compared to the old radio, the new touch screen radio head unit provides various amazing functions and features.

  • It’s made of 9-inch touch screen, you can see everything clearly. On the other hand, it’s equipped with Android 10 system and high quality CPU, offering fast respond and smooth operation.
  • You can apply Carplay/Android Auto in the unit. This function allows you to use the phone applications such as contact, maps, music etc on the radio screen freely and conveniently, also helping improve driving safety.
  • Having a big screen, you can connect rear view camera to help you park car well. The screen will automatically switch to the rear images every time when you reverse and park the vehicle, so you can see clearly the rear situation to avoid any possible accident.
  • As to entertainment, it also offers different ways. You can enjoy high quality Bluetooth music, you can listen to real-time FM/AM radio, you can watch 1080P videos, you can also access the Internet to visit different website. Never get boring on a long drive!

How to Install Big Screen Radio Head Unit to Porsche Cayenne 2003-2011?

If you decide to get and DIY install the touch screen Android radio to 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 Porsche Cayenne, here you can find the detailed and reliable installation instructions. Are you ready for that?

Important Preparation Information

Basic Tools: Plastic pry tool and screwdriver.

A Safety Tip: Power off the car batter before working.

Removal & Installation Steps

1, Carefully pry to remove the plastic frame.

2, Remove all the screws that fix the main unit.

3, Pull out the unit.

4, You can see that there are various wiring cables, we need to unplug them all from the unit.

5, Reconnect to the car via new cables of the aftermarket touch screen radio.

6, Then connect the new radio head unit.

7, Put the new radio to the dashboard.

8, Turn on the car to test whether it functions well.

You Can Enjoy Wonderful Drive

With the big screen head unit, your drive must be greatly different.

There are various amazing functions offered by the Android radio system, including:

Playing Bluetooth Music – It’s built-in Bluetooth module, you can directly connect your phone to the radio via Bluetooth, then you can play phone music. Just enjoy your favorite playlist whenever wherever you go.

Applying Carplay/Android Auto – This function gives you the safest way to play phone when driving. Once you apply the Carplay, the radio acts as your phone, you can use phone applications freely on the radio screen, such as phone map, phone music, contact books etc.

Connecting Backup Camera – Will you be able to park car well just with the help of the front mirrors? The new radio makes car parking easier and safer. After installing car cameras, images from the radio display show situations clearly, assisting you park the car quickly.

Watching 1080P Videos – On one hand, you can insert a USB memory card to play videos. On the other hand, you can connect WIFI to access the Internet to watch Youtube videos or movies online. With the 1080P resolution, get perfect viewing experience.

In fact, you can use more other functions than above mentioned. Compared to the original button-operated radio, the aftermarket touch screen radio makes our driving better.

How Easy to Add Tesla Screen to My 2017 Ford Escape

The fact is I almost only use the A/C setting on my 2017 Ford Escape radio system. As playing music and navigating, I use my phone to do. Some people may love to use the classic button-controlled radio, like the one in my 2017 Ford Escape. But as to me, it’s almost useless. That’s why I decide to get an aftermarket touch screen head unit to replace it.

I finished the installation job last month. So far, the new screen works so good, greatly improving driving experience. At this post, I would like to share everything about this Tesla screen to you.

Section 1, About the installation

DIY installation is not so difficult. Get your toolbox ready. Make sure the car battery is off before starting.

1, Pry to remove the top cover of the radio system.

2, There are two screws that fix the factory screen. Remove them to take off the screen and disconnect the plug.

3, Remove this screw.

4, And pry to remove this plastic piece. After that, remove these two screws.

5, Now we can pry to remove this plastic cover.

6, The next we’ll go to remove the button panel. Firstly, remove the screws.

7, Then pry to remove the whole panel and disconnect its plug.

8, Following is to remove the screws that fix the main unit.

9, Pull out the unit and unplug the connectors.

10, The removal job is finished. Have a check for the new touch screen radio system. Make sure it comes everything we need.

11, Before installing this Teals screen radio to the car, we need to remove the A/C outlets of the original button panel and install them to the new radio.

12, Connect the new wiring cables to the new radio.

13, And connect the radio to the car. In this step, you should pay more attention and check the wiring condition carefully.

14, Put the radio screen to the dashboard, then power the car to have a test for it.

15, If the new radio head unit functions well, install the cover and other needed parts to the dashboard. If there are problems, check the wiring situation or contact seller for assistant.

Section 2, About the benefits

Obviously, the new radio stereo system is big big different to the old one. There is large touch screen, many apps, plug and play, super easy to use and fast to response.

In terms of entertainment, I can connect Bluetooth to apply Bluetooth music at high quality sound effect. I can also listen to FM/AM radios. On the other hand, I can watch 1080P videos on the screen, what a great viewing experience!

When it comes to driving safety, sure it’s also a good assistant. On one hand, when there is call during driving, we can answer it by Bluetooth call function. On the other hand, it’s able to support 360 cameras, which help us check driving conditions clearly to avoid accident.

What’s more, it comes with Carplay, that give us ability to use phone maps, music calls freely on the radio screen once connected. It’s a safest way to use phone.

Using a big screen radio system, I am sure you will have amazing drive.

Step-by-step Radio Upgrade Installation on 2013-2018 Audi Q3

Big screen are more and more commonly applied to car dashboard, because it does bring more convenience and comfort to driving. Drivers now can easily upgrade their small screen radio to the big screen head unit. They can go to car store to do that, or by DIY.

The following is a radio replacement guide for 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 Audi Q3. After checking the content, you may have new thoughts on car radio upgrade.

Part 1, Remove the Old, Install the New

For DIY radio upgrade project, we should have some tools in advance, including plastic pry tools and screwdrivers. Another important thing is that the car power must be cut off before working on the dashboard.

Step 1, Use the plastic pry tool to remove the A/C outlet and unplug its connectors.

Step 2, Remove the screw that fixed the radio screen. See in the picture.

Step 3, Before taking down the screen, we also need to pry this plastic frame. Then take down the whole screen and unplug the connectors.

Step 4, Now let’s move to the CD part of the radio. Use special key fobs to insert the slots, then pull them to pull out the CD unit.

Step 5, Next turn to the A/C controller part. It must be pried from the top, not from the left and right.

Step 6, The removal job is finished now, next step is to install the new unit. As we just need to replace the screen, the original CD unit is still kept. We need to reconnect it to the car with new wiring.

Step 7, Connect the new large touch screen stereo head unit.

Step 8, After connecting all the new cables, have a full test for the new radio system. If there is no problem, then we can install back all the parts.

Part 2, About Big Screen Radio Head Unit

It is an obvious fact that when there is bigger screen, information shown in a clearer way. On the other hand, it’s easier and fast to operate than the button-operated radio.

There are so many applications on the touch screen Android radio, greatly adding joy and convenience on driving. For example, we can play various music online/offline, watch HD videos, listen to FM/AM/RDS radio channels. Besides, we can also apply Carplay, then we can use phone apps like music, call, map etc. freely.

Some people love to use big screen head unit because it can show rear view situation when reverse, helping park car easier. That’s really a powerful function we need.

In a word, new cars come with the factory big screen radio head unit, old cars will be added aftermarket touch screen radios by their users.