Bluetooth handsfree headsets (see our other Bluetooth headset buying guide) are the most popular and preferred choice for handsfree talking, but there are other choices. For the real road warrior there are Bluetooth installed car kits. These are professionally installed car kits that tie into your existing car audio system, so voice and audio come directly through your car speakers. There are a few models that come with just an external speaker if you want less installation hassle. The problem with having just an external speaker is that it competes with your car audio so you have to manually turn down the radio to accept a call. Fully integrated car kits will automatically mute the radio or pause your MP3 device when a call comes in. The microphone is usually installed just above the driver next to the sun visor.

The really nice benefit of a bluetooth installed car kit is that you can get in and out of your car without taking your phone out of your pocket or purse and begin to immediately use your phone through your car system. With a bluetooth system, your phone automatically “pairs” or connects with your installed car kit as soon as they come in range of each other. And having the microphone right above your head along with the audio coming through your car stereo speakers, your handsfree conversation is loud and clear. With Bluetooth, you can upgrade and change phones without having to install a completely new car kit that is custom to your phone model.

Many new luxury cars are now coming with bluetooth enabled sounds systems with fully integrated audio, cd, phone, GPS navigation and video playback as well. But for those who don’t have a factory installed system (or don’t want to spend the extra money for the complete upgrade package when buying a new car) there are many after-market car kits available that will give you a great driving experience.

Streaming Music From Your Cell Phone

A big question for those shopping for a bluetooth installed car kit is whether they can play music from their cell phone or other MP3 device to the car kit. As we stated in our Bluetooth Headset Buying Guide, this is possible if you have a A2DP (Advance Audio Distribution Profile) enabled phone. And as we stated before, the iPhone does NOT have this feature, so while you can use all the phone features of your iPhone with a Bluetooth installed car kit, you cannot play the music stored on your iPhone. Hopefully Apple will release an upgrade to this technology soon.

If you do have a phone with A2DP technology (which many do) then you are lucky enough to have completely integrated audio. You can make and receive phone calls as well as listen to music from your bluetooth phone over your car stereo system, wirelessly with your phone in your pocket!

The other option for MP3 devices or phones that are not Bluetooth enabled is to use a Bluetooth adapter (such as the Jabra adapter pictured right). These devices attach to the standard 2.5mm (3mm) plug or the custom plug at the bottom of the device, and allow bluetooth devices to communicate with the device. The drawback to this solution is that you now have one more item to carry around and connect, which somewhat defeats the benefits of being wireless. But it is a quick and inexpensive way to take advantage of Bluetooth technology.

View other available Bluetooth Adapters in our DMS Store.

Professional Installation Recommended

While most car kits come with instructions and diagrams for the die-hard do-it-yourself shopper, it is recommended that you just have your bluetooth car kit installed by a professional shop. The time and effort you save and the assurance of having it done correctly, greatly outweigh the cost. Remember, these car kits tie directly into the wiring of your car audio system, behind the dashboard, so it’s important to get it done right. Installed car kits are designed to work seamlessly with your car audio with features like muting songs when a call is received. Many local retailers, such as Best Buy and other audiophile shops, offer professional installation for about $80-$150. You don’t want to put everything back together again and realize your parking lights suddenly don’t work!

The Ultimate Road Warrior

As more consumers become aware of Bluetooth and wireless options, the devices available on the market keep getting better and better. And as state laws change and public awareness increases, the demand for more high tech solutions becomes greater. These days there are some real powerful options available for the ultimate road warrior. Take for example, Bury, who manufactures a wide range of Bluetooth installed car kits. Many would not be asthetically appealing when installed in your typical sedan, but for trucks and SUV owners, these touchscreen models provide robust handsfree cell phone options as well as DVD video playback and navigation. Take for example the new Bury CC9060 that integrates touchscreen, handsfree voice dialing and text-to-speech… it will even read you your text messages if your cell phone supports it!

As you can see, there are a wide range of options for getting your custom handsfree driving experience. Search around for the options and features that are most important to you. If you have questions about bluetooth installed car kits, or any of our other buying guides, feel free to post a comment or question below.

Shop our DMS Store for Bluetooth Installed Car Kit options.