From lane assistance technology to features that prevent drunk driving, car technology can make the roads more pleasant for everyone. Many drivers have already used a heads-up display (HUD), but those who haven't might see just how useful they are in the coming years.
, HUDs have existed for decades, but recently they’ve started to gain popularity. Adding a heads-up display can make driving safer and less stressful.
Futuristic car technology comes to life
Think of a heads-up display as an easier way to view the information on your dashboard, like the speed or navigation detail. Instead of being on the dashboard, though, HUDs are either projected onto the windshield or are on a transparent display panel in the same area.
This is similar to the concept of the disappearing controls in the Nissan Ariya, but it’s much more practical. The purpose of a HUD is to keep a driver's eyes on the road or, at the very least, closer to the road.
Looking down at the dashboard to check your speed does not take that long, but it’s still a distraction from driving. With a HUD, you can monitor this information while keeping your eyes looking forward.
Heads-up displays may seem like the car technology of the future, but versions of HUDs have been around in some form since the 1960s. The first HUDs were used in military aircraft, and by 1988, the first car received a heads-up display. Today, HUDs are offered by at least 30 manufacturers, but they are generally optional features.
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If you are interested in adding a heads-up display to your car, you have different options to pick from.
The simplest option is to choose a model of car with an optional HUD. Since this option is built-in, you won't have to worry about compatibility or anything like that. However, the downside is that you are limited to whichever vehicle models offer HUDs.
For a cheaper option that can work with essentially any model of car, there are phone apps that serve as heads-up displays.
Once you have the app downloaded, you set the phone on the dashboard, and it will project a display to the windshield. The two downsides to this are that these display minimal information, usually just speed, and that phones may not stay in place on the dash.
If you want something sturdier and don't want to be limited by manufacturer options, third-party HUDs are available. Like other
, these HUDs can give your car new helpful features based on your needs.
When buying a third-party HUD, it is important to note that HUDs vary greatly in price and quality.
What should you consider in this car technology?
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Regardless of which type of HUD you choose, it’s important to get one that works for you.
The first thing to consider is what sorts of features a heads-up display offers. A smartphone app might only tell you your speed, while a different HUD might give you more information than you need.
Price is another factor to consider with heads-up displays. This car technology can cost a little or a lot, so it’s important to weigh your options and consider how much you want to spend.
Comparison shopping is a great way to find cheaper prices and better deals in general, and it can be especially helpful in buying car insurance.
is a new car insurance comparison service that uses artificial intelligence to do the hard work of finding cheap insurance for you. Signing up takes 45 seconds, and you might be able to save enough money to buy a new heads-up display.