Pros and Cons of Cell Phone Car Mounts
Your smartphone is doing its best to become indispensable to you. Not only does it call and text people, but it can serve as navigation and entertainment. To keep it in view at all times, you might be tempted to buy a cell phone car mount for your car. Before you make your decision, consider the pros and cons.
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Pro: It makes your phone easier to see
If you’re driving in unfamiliar territory, being able to see your navigation maps is important. Mounting your phone to the windshield or dashboard of your car can make that simple and free up both of your hands to hold the wheel. It’s also an essential tool if you drive for Uber or Lyft, since it puts your phone in a convenient spot to accept fares and conclude rides.
Con: It’s distracting
Sure, you mount your phone on your dashboard so you can see navigation. But will you have the willpower to stop yourself from checking messages, or digging deep into your music library to find that perfect ride tune? Before you add that phone mount to your car, make sure that you’re committed to staying focused on the road instead of a text chain from your friends.
Pro: There are types for all phones and cars
No matter what kind of car you drive, there’s probably a phone mount for you. You can get technical and permanently install something to your dashboard, or you can buy one that hooks into your air vents. Other popular versions use adhesive or magnets. If you can’t find room on your dash, there are also suction cup options that attach to your windshield.
Con: A mount could be illegal
When making your final decision, consider your area’s local laws. Some city or state ordinances explicitly ban windshield mounts for smartphones or GPS devices, and the ones that do allow them sometimes have specific zones you can place the device in. It might sound annoying, but it’s all done to make sure you always have a clear view of the road in front of you.
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Car cell phone mounts could be a great idea or an accident waiting to happen. Make sure you think about all the pros and cons before you make a purchase.
Fact sources: Komo News, Ranvoo, Consumer Reports
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