Friday, 6 May 2016

Are dash cams the future of driving?

Just recently there seems to have been an influx in the number of videos popping up on social media which show footage captured by a car’s dash camera, or ‘cam’ for short.  Although dash cams are certainly not cutting edge technology, they do seem to be increasing in popularity and there are many useful reasons why having one installed would be a wise decision.  We take a look at some of them below.

In case of an accident
Having a dash camera could prove to be an invaluable resource if you were to ever find yourself in a road accident.  Not only would it accurately record what had taken place, should you find yourself wrongly accused, but it would also capture driving conditions, road surfaces and what was happening in terms of traffic at the time of the incident as well.  Your dash cam could back you up in a situation where it was your word against the word of the other drivers involved and could also prove to be useful in terms of insurance claims as well; there is very little another insurance company could dispute when the evidence is right there in front of them.

Making a video
If you want to record yourself or your journey as you drive then a dash cam is the perfect way to do this safely.  Not only will you be able to capture the whole journey and not miss out on any beautiful scenery because you couldn’t turn your phone or camera on in time but the footage should also be steadier than it would be if you were holding a camera by hand whilst someone was driving.  It’s also ideal if you are travelling alone and want to be able to record your view on your drive as well.

When someone uses your car
If you have teenagers who want to borrow your car then having a dash cam installed, and insisting it remains on for the duration of the car’s use, is a great way of ensuring that everyone behaves themselves and drives sensibly whilst using your car.

Types of dash camera available
If we have tempted you to invest in a dash cam for your own vehicle then there are a number of different types you can choose from.  You could have just a single camera at the front or opt for a rear view camera kit to give you a dual aspect as well.  Lots of cameras have different features such as being able to track routes taken, for example.



Whilst we aren’t certain whether dash cams will become part of the standard spec for new cars, we are fairly sure that they are going to become an increasingly common feature for drivers.  They are a great protection tool for when you are out and about as well as giving you the opportunity to share any exciting journeys you may take with others.  And you never know just what you might catch on film the next time you take a drive.

Wednesday, 4 May 2016

Gift Ideas for Car Lovers

If you need to buy a present for someone who loves their car but are a bit stuck on where to begin then look no further. We have created a snappy little guide to talk you through some of the coolest gadgets and technology on the market which will be sure to bring a smile to the face of the recipient; and earn you some great brownie points in the meantime: -

Dashboard Camera
Whether the person you are buying for has a love of taking long and scenic drives or would simply be entertained by the idea of filming every day occurrences whilst out and about, a dashboard camera is one of the must-have car accessories of the moment. Prices start at around £50 for a semi decent camera and we are sure that great fun will be had by all watching footage back at a later date. Not to mention all the great safety benefits of buying and installing a dashboard camera as well.

DAB Digital Radio
A good quality stereo system is something which every car lover should have and a DAB radio is the ideal choice. There are numerous local companies who can help to install a radio once it has been purchased; a simple internet search such as ‘car audio London’ should throw up possible options and if you look for a radio which has additional features such as a USB point then even as technology moves on and advances, your chosen radio should continue to be a useful and high tech addition to your car lover’s vehicle.

Build Your Own Engine Kit
What car lover wouldn’t relish the opportunity to have a go at building their own car engine? Whether they have previously shown an interest in tinkering around under the bonnet of a car or you think it’s something they will enjoy experiencing for the first time; buying a kit is a great way to kick start what could turn out to be a lifelong interest and hobby. There are a number of different kits on the market; whilst the engines wouldn’t actually be suitable for use in a real car, it is certainly a unique gift to give someone who has a great interest in cars.

Off-road driving experience
For something a little more active; you could purchase an off-road driving experience to really let your recipient let their hair down. Most car lovers would adore the idea of being able to escape the restraints of day to day driving and really put a car through it’s paces and an off-road experience is designed to allow people to do just that. If speed is more their thing then there are plenty of racing driving experiences too; in some of the best cars in the world to boot.

USB Charger
In today’s technology driven world we are always draining the battery on some kind of smart device so why not purchase a decent in-car USB charger? One with a high output and multiple sockets would be the perfect choice.