Time for an Apple CarPlay/Android upgrade?

Welcome to our series of blogs and content about completed jobs at Sandgate Auto Electrics and Automotive. Whether it be a service, repairs, upgrades or insurance work we will share the issues, the work completed and our process.

Today we feature a Polaris Head Unit installation in a 2015 Isuzu MUX in addition to a caravan camera kit that will be coupled with the existing vehicle reversing camera. The key stages of the install process is the removal and replacement of panels to allow the cables to be hidden in the cabin of the vehicle, the removal of the stock head unit and placement of the new Polaris head unit, the correct placement of the camera, integration of the 2nd camera (caravan reversing camera) and a thorough testing of the unit.

A second option is an external head unit display that you could purchase in addition to your current head unit. These types are available from big box stores and can be ‘plug and play’ but that means cables and things can get a bit messy, maybe not stay still, visually can be annoying and the quality may not be there but you get what you pay for.

The option we are featuring today is Polaris head unit replacing the stock head unit. There is the option of using the upgraded screen in addition to the stock unit as recently featured in a video with Josh and a 70 Series Landcruiser

With the caravan reversing camera being placed on the rear of the caravan the cable runs along the chassis to the drawbar at the front of the caravan. This may require conduit for extra protection from the elements. See more about this install in the video below with Josh.

Is it time for an Apple CarPlay/Android upgrade?

We are all aware that we shouldn’t be touching our phones while driving. Current fines in QLD are $1,161 and 4 demerit points!! So that should be enough incentive to look at options to stay within the laws.

Some options to avoid this temptation include locking your phone in the glovebox or turning it on silent while driving, but with the reliance on phones these days this isn’t going to be a popular option.

but most people prefer to have the single screen rather than losing valuable real estate and view lines to a 2nd screen. This sentiment was backed up by some comments in our recent post of a job showing the two screens, but at the end of the day it is personal choice.

A number of apps are compatible with CarPlay, and unsurprisingly include many of Apple’s own. Maps, phone, messages, podcast and music platforms are all available to use with a (legal) touch of the screen.

Siri is a very important part of the CarPlay system, since it enables you to control what’s going on using your voice. That way your hands can stay on the wheel, and you won’t be blindly tapping at a touchscreen. Just be aware you might look a bit crazy at the red light with it looking like you are talking to yourself!