5 Dashboard Gadgets for Those Who Dislike Touchscreens in Their Car

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One significant contrast between older and newer vehicle interiors is the introduction of touchscreen displays. While they are undoubtedly handy, touchscreens have also faced criticism for their distracting nature, overly large sizes, and their tendency to replace the satisfying use of physical knobs. Nonetheless, the expansive functionalities they offer—from GPS navigation and clear audio controls to smartphone integration—are hard to replicate in classic vehicles, right?

Surprisingly, numerous gadgets can enhance vintage cars with modern features without altering the head unit or making invasive adjustments to the dashboard. These devices are ideal for contemporary usage of classic cars, enabling drivers to preserve the original character while enjoying modern conveniences. Some products even provide capabilities that surpass those offered by touchscreen interfaces.

This selection is by no means exhaustive; in fact, the options are virtually endless, particularly if you’re open to changing out the head unit. However, if your goal is to maintain the classic aesthetic—be it through the inviting tactile sensation of physical buttons or a desire to avoid the stark simplicity of large touchscreens—here are several options worth considering.

Picture this: you own a vintage vehicle but want the features of a modern audio system, like Bluetooth and iPhone compatibility, without compromising the aesthetic integrity of the dashboard with a glaring aftermarket unit. Enter RetroSound—a company that specializes in retro-style modern head units, allowing you to discreetly modernize your classic car.

RetroSound provides comprehensive packages that let you pair the head unit with accessories such as concealed HD speakers and motorized antennas, seamlessly enhancing any car’s audio experience to modern standards with satellite capability. The head unit itself boasts various retro designs tailored for diverse classic models, while not being exact replicas, they generally maintain the necessary aesthetic appeal. They feature both analog and digital displays and tactile buttons, dials, and interfaces.

This gadget is both universal in appeal and, unfortunately, can be pricey; customized head units typically range in the hundreds, especially with added features like subwoofers. However, the investment helps retain the appearance and experience of a classic vehicle while ensuring modern audio capabilities. With countless combinations available, you’re likely to find an option that fits your needs.

One gadget that could fit effortlessly into nearly any vehicle is the Auto-Vox T2. With backup cameras becoming standard in modern vehicles since 2018—ranging from basic displays to advanced HD setups—this device takes a different approach. It features a discreet camera integrated into a license plate bracket and a straightforward wired rearview mirror, covering basic monitoring needs for cautious drivers.

Unlike many smart mirrors on the market, the Auto-Vox T2 lacks a touchscreen, opting instead for minimalist physical buttons situated on the bottom for ease of use. This simple design, with only three buttons to navigate various settings, makes it a particularly stealthy enhancement. However, this one-size-fits-all mirror may not suit every classic car’s appearance, as it tends to fit better in 2000s models, where backup cameras weren’t yet a standard feature.

Priced at $140, it’s relatively competitive among smart mirrors. However, its capabilities are limited to 480p resolution and a narrower field of view, making it less than ideal compared to superior alternatives. Still, if your preference leans towards inconspicuous updates that maintain a classic vibe, this remains one of the few options available that sidesteps touchscreen technology.

Traditionally found in performance vehicles and high-end cars, heads-up displays function similarly to projectors, casting images directly onto the windshield for the driver. While this technology may seem sophisticated, the core idea is quite straightforward: light reflects off the windshield, allowing readability without diverting attention from the road.

If one can mount a projector on the dashboard to provide similar functionality, then why not? Many heads-up displays are available online, like the 5.5-inch Arestec model, which connects to your car’s OBDII port to show essential data such as speed and RPM on the windshield. Simpler models don’t even require OBDII; they just need a power source. Additionally, there are high-end, smartphone-compatible options like the Hudway Drive that project onto their own glass.

While these devices may not match the quality of factory-installed heads-up displays—due to potential distortions or discrepancies in projection—their affordability and practicality make them worth considering if you’re looking for unobtrusive dashboard accessories.

Interesting fact: radar detectors are legal almost everywhere in the U.S., except in Virginia, Washington, D.C., and military installations, provided you’re not driving a commercial vehicle over 10,000 pounds. This gadget can be especially beneficial for those who enjoy driving on winding roads or have a lead foot—though we do not advocate for speeding. Still, a radar detector is a common item in many drivers’ kits.

These devices operate by detecting radar signals from speed enforcement tools, alerting the driver of their presence. Ideally, radar detectors would function with perfect accuracy, but law enforcement continuously adapts, creating an ongoing technological competition. Some premium models, like the Bluetooth-enabled Cobra RAD 700i, can significantly enhance driver connectivity and convenience.

Higher-end radar detectors may offer additional features, such as frequency isolation or sharing data, and some even come with ticket guarantees that cover your speeding fines. These devices generally mount to a vehicle’s windshield, although some states’ regulations may prohibit their positioning in visible areas. It’s important to note that technologies in modern vehicles, like adaptive cruise control and lane keeping, can sometimes cause radar detectors to provide false alerts. Newer models have filtering mechanisms to minimize these inaccuracies, offering a clearer sense of police presence compared to older versions.

Let’s be honest: connecting your smartphone to your vehicle for music playback is incredibly convenient. This isn’t a new concept; various phone adapters have existed for quite some time, dating back to cassette players, but with the shift to smartphones lacking standard headphone jacks, solutions have evolved.

Enter wireless FM radio transmitters, such as the Pyle Bluetooth FM unit that plugs right into the cigarette lighter. This device acts as a Bluetooth receiver for your smartphone’s audio, converting the signal to a designated radio frequency. All that’s left is tuning your car’s radio to match that frequency, enabling you to stream your audio through the vehicle’s speakers. Essentially, it overrides the set frequency with its own signal.

This tool is invaluable for individuals who rely on music and own phones without headphone jacks or those seeking to charge their devices while enjoying audio playback. While sound quality can vary based on your car’s audio system, it often improves with high-quality transmitters and remains a cost-effective way to boost capabilities.

The guiding principle for our selection was straightforward: no touchscreens. Next, we looked for items that are discreet or easily concealable. The intention behind avoiding touchscreen technology is to preserve the nostalgic essence of classic cars, and we focused on products that align with that objective. Additionally, we prioritized gadgets that wouldn’t require extensive modifications to the vehicles, with the exception of the head unit, which won a pass due to its vintage-inspired design.

We also ensured to choose devices that help maintain some modern functionalities often lost in cars without touchscreens. Infotainment systems offer numerous conveniences that may be lacking in older vehicles, and our goal was to present alternatives to retain those advantages without the encumbrance of touchscreen technology. We aimed to highlight products readily available for purchase online or in stores, all of which users could easily install themselves, avoiding the need for professional installation typically required for more specialized audio or video systems.