Key Points
- Distracted driving risks increase with car phone mounts, as they provide constant access to your phone and visual notifications.
- Compatibility issues make finding the right car phone mount challenging, and poor-quality mounts can damage your phone or car.
- Placement of car phone mounts can obstruct your view of the road and cause additional distractions.
- Installation and removal issues, potential smartphone damage, and interference with magnetic compass and wireless charging are other reasons to avoid a new car phone mount.
- Legal restrictions and fines in certain states make using a car phone mount a less desirable option.
We go everywhere with our smartphones and feel naked and exposed without them — even in our vehicles. However, distracted driving laws prohibit using handheld devices while driving. This includes talking, texting, adjusting the GPS, fiddling with our music stations, and any other phone use. Our 10 reasons to avoid a new car phone mount will undoubtedly keep you safer as you drive.
Yet drivers of every age push the envelope. We mentally ask, “How can I mount my phone nearby so I enjoy access as close to the safe/legal line as possible?” Car phone mounts come in different shapes and sizes to meet numerous needs and preferences. However, do you need constant access to your phone, especially when driving?
Background on Car Phone Mounts
Car phone mounts were invented to provide safer access to our smartphones soon after we developed an unbreakable bond with them. Early car phone users simply laid their phones on the seat or in the cupholder to have ready access. Beginner car phone mounts strapped your phone to the visor with a velcro loop.
Using your phone while driving was soon considered risky and discouraged for safety reasons. However, many drivers can’t resist checking messages or navigating routes. Modern car phone holders were invented to reduce these risks, but do they really? Our reasons to avoid a new car phone mount today will give you a chance to pause and consider whether or not you need a car phone holder.
©Blachkovsky/Shutterstock.com
Reasons to Avoid a New Car Phone Mount
Before rushing out and ordering the latest product on Amazon, consider these 10 reasons to avoid a new car phone mount today.
Distracted Driving
Distracted driving reached epidemic proportions with the advent of smartphones and car phone holders were invented to offer safer alternatives. However, placing your phone in a nearby car mount is even more distracting. You’re less likely to check on your phone when it is out of sight. Mounting your phone at eye level means notifications arrive within your line of sight. The most disciplined drivers still struggle to ignore visual notifications and keep their attention on the road.
It only gets worse; drivers are more likely to use an accessible phone. Just having access to your phone exponentially increases the risk of cognitive distractions. A notable study revealed that drivers encounter the same level of distraction using hands-free phone technologies while driving as they do holding the phone and talking or texting.
Compatibility Issues
Distracted driving risks may be the most significant reason to avoid a new car phone mount today, but many other issues arise, too. Numerous smartphone models and designs make finding a compatible car mount challenging. Not all mounts are compatible with all phones. Buying the most affordable or attractive mount can frustrate you and waste time creating a workaround. Plus, a makeshift phone mount arrangement can be more dangerous than the right mount for your phone.
Busy people need a tool they can easily mount and use, not a new project to undertake. Various windshield, dashboard, vent, and cupholder mounts exist and boast a wide range of compatibility. However, the only way to know for sure if one works with your phone is to ask another user with that model phone holder or buy one and try it out yourself. Plus even if it “fits,” you may still not like the access it provides or how it looks in your car.
Poor Quality
Poor-quality car phone mounts may not provide a secure grip on your phone, potentially leading to drops and damage. Dozens of mounts are available in chain stores or online for as little as $5, but do you want to risk damage to a $1,000 smartphone with a poorly-made phone holder? One bump, swerve, or sudden stop, and your expensive phone could fly into the windshield, tumble to the floorboard, or even strike you in the head, causing a dangerous distraction.
Poor-quality car phone mounts can also damage your car or phone. Clips can damage your car’s vents. Sticky pads can mar your dashboard finish or leave a messy residue when removed. Holding mechanisms can scar your phone’s finish or cause other damage. Consider a car phone holder’s impact on your property before buying the cheapest available.
Placement Confusion
Where is the best place for a car phone mount? Most modern mounts fit to the windshield, dashboard, vent, or cupholder. How does the placement of each one benefit and detract from driving and accessing your phone? Some car phone mounts may obstruct your view of the road or take up too much space, causing additional distractions.
If you’re new to choosing the best car phone mount for your needs, judging the best placement from scratch is impossible. You will likely buy several different models and try them out before determining which one suits your needs best. Each position has pros and cons, and every person has their own preferences, so talking to other users is little help with your decision.
Installation and Removal Issues
©Ruslan Ivantsov/Shutterstock.com
Another of the many notable reasons to avoid a new car phone mount today is the number of installation and removal issues reported by users. A casual perusal of online review sites reveals all kinds of problems. Car phone mounts that stick and stay forever, causing damage when removed. Mounts that won’t stay attached. Mounts that suddenly move. Holders that grip too tight and restrict easy removal.
Numerous horror stories abound describing car damage, phone damage, lost or restricted access, and even accidents. Some compatibility issues described above also come into play, as certain models didn’t work well with a particular car, which caused headaches for users.
Potential Smartphone Damage
Smartphones are far too expensive to risk damaging them. That’s why we invest in phone cases and other protective strategies. However, what if your car phone mount won’t hold your smartphone until you remove the bulky protective case? This is a common complaint on review sites. Frequently removing and reinstalling a phone case wears out the case and can eventually damage it, not to mention the scarring or other damage to your phone.
Another significant damaging issue arises with air vent mounts. These mounts attach to the car’s A/C vents and hold the phone just before it. Drivers who enjoy warm air blowing directly on them during winter can damage their phones. Blasting your delicate smartphone with hot air can actually cause the internal circuits to overheat, reduce battery life, and even impact the touchscreen.
Magnetic Compass Interference
Magnetic car phone mounts are increasingly popular. Simply attach the holder to your dash or windshield, place a sticky magnet on the rear of your phone’s case, and hang it nearby. The magnet is strong enough to hold most phones while allowing easy removal. While magnets do not affect most of your phone’s digital functionality, they can impact finding your way around.
If your cellphone incorporates a magnetic compass, any magnets you attach will interfere with its ability to orient you in the Earth’s magnetic field. Even the GPS sometimes relies on a magnetic compass, so your directional functions can be affected.
Wireless Charging Interference
©Ivan_Shenets/Shutterstock.com
Most new smartphones allow convenient wireless charging, but a magnetic car phone mount can interfere with this task. Wireless charging technology uses magnetic fields to transfer electricity wirelessly through the phone’s case to the battery. Magnets cause interference with wireless charging. For example, Apple suggests avoiding any magnetic mounts, magnetic cases, or other objects between an iPhone and a wireless charger.
Most magnetic mounts are also best placed in the center of the phone’s case, which is just opposite where the battery and wireless charging target lie. Your magnetic phone mount can cause issues with keeping your phone charged in the car and even at home. Placing your phone with the attached magnet on a home wireless phone charger will slow charging at best, if not prevent it entirely.
Aesthetic Impact of Magnets
Among our reasons for avoiding a new car phone mount is aesthetics. This one may seem silly to some, but aesthetics do count for something. Many smartphone users dislike the ugly magnet attached to the back of their phone case. Magnets can also leave a sticky residue on your phone when removed. Now your expensive smartphone grabs everything in your pocket or purse and drags it out when you need to use your phone.
Legal Restrictions and Fines
Seven states and the District of Columbia have banned windshield and dashboard car phone mounts. Another eight severely restrict their use and placement. In every case, strict enforcement and fines make using another car phone mount or holder a much better option. Local jurisdictions may also have restrictions against dash or windshield car phone mounts, too. It’s always best to check with local law enforcement about the rules where you live and work.
Many state laws limit the number of square inches on the windshield a device can obscure. Additionally, if there are provisions for such blockages, many states will also dictate where the coverage can exist, effectively telling you exactly where you may use a phone mount. For example, Nevada drivers can only block six square inches of their windshield with any device, but only on the lower passenger side corner. This makes a dash-mounted phone holder impractical, as it is too far to be accessed or easily seen by the driver.
Alternatives to a New Car Phone Mount
There are several alternatives to a new car phone mount that can help you stay safe while driving. One option is to simply put your phone away while driving and use it only when you are parked. New smartphones allow users to silence calls and notifications and even send “I’m busy” messages to callers or text messages.
Integrated Voice Recognition Systems
Many new cars now come equipped with integrated voice recognition systems that allow you to make calls, send texts, and use the built-in GPS without ever taking your hands off the wheel. While drivers still face some level of distraction while using these devices, taking the phone away reduces distractions and the temptation to answer calls or texts or otherwise employ your phone while driving.
COMEXION Bluetooth Headset
One option is to use a Bluetooth headset or an earpiece to make and receive calls hands-free. This COMEXION Bluetooth Headset fits in either ear and is compatible with Apple and Android phones. It uses Bluetooth 5.0 to pair quickly with any device. The battery can last 8-10 hours even with constant use and up to 7.5 days on standby. Use supported Siri or Google voice-command technology to drive completely hands-free for increased safety.
- Uses Bluetooth 5.0 technology
- Battery life of up to 8-10 hours of continuous calls and 7. 5 days on standby
- Quick charge in 1.5 hours
- Noise cancellation
- Built-in HD microphone
SUNITEC Hands-Free Bluetooth Speakerphone
The rechargeable SUNITEC Hands-Free Bluetooth Speakerphone attaches to your visor for complete hands-free operation without a headset or earpiece. It uses Bluetooth to connect with your smartphone and uses voice commands through Siri or other digital assistants to make and receive calls, return messages, and more. The built-in 3W speaker ensures you hear everything clearly while maintaining your focus on the road. The battery lasts for 22 hours of constant use and up to 1,000 hours on standby.
- Uses Bluetooth 5.0
- Built-in 3W multimedia speaker
- Supports Siri and other voice assistants
- Easily clips onto the visor
- Up to 22 hours of talking time and 1000 hours of standby time
- 2-hour charging time
Reasons You May Still Want to Buy a New Car Phone Mount Today
Of course, you may still have plenty of reasons to buy a car phone mount. They keep your smartphone nearby and steady for safer, hands-free use of its essential features. Enjoy your navigation apps, conversations, music, and more while reducing distractions that can compromise your safety.
Modern car phone mounts provide convenience and accessibility in a fast-paced world where few can do without their phones for long. It hangs within easy reach, allowing faster interactions while improving driving safety.
Wrapping Up
Our 10 reasons to avoid a new car phone mount today can provide you with evidence to balance all the arguments for buying one. If you are easily distracted, you should pursue some of our alternatives. Those with better self-control can likely manage a car phone mount that meets their needs and personal preferences. Everyone should place safety above all other considerations when driving and using electronic devices. Car phone mounts can help you do that, but there are also significant reasons to do without them.
Better Alternatives to a New Car Phone Mount
| Integrated Voice Recognition Systems | |
| COMEXION Bluetooth Headset | |
| SUNITEC Hands-Free Bluetooth Speakerphone |
- $38.99Buy Now
- Uses Bluetooth 5.0 technology
- Battery life of up to 8-10 hours of continuous calls and 7. 5 days on standby
- Quick charge in 1.5 hours
- Noise cancellation
- Built-in HD microphone
We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.
11/26/2023 08:10 am GMT - $39.99Buy Now
- Uses Bluetooth 5.0
- Built-in 3W multimedia speaker
- Supports Siri and other voice assistants
- Easily clips onto the visor
- Up to 22 hours of talking time and 1000 hours of standby time
- 2-hour charging time
We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.
11/26/2023 08:25 am GMT
The image featured at the top of this post is ©Bignai/Shutterstock.com.
