How to Install WiFi in a Car? Complete Guide

Posted on: Mar 27, 2023 | 3 mins | Written by: HDFC ERGO Team

How to Install WiFi in a Car? Complete Guide

With the amount of internet that each of us consumes currently, it can be inconceivable to imagine a life without the internet. Almost everyone uses the internet, albeit for different reasons and purposes. Be it working professionals, students, businesspersons, or even kids. And if you travel a fair bit in your car, you would want to install WiFi in car. Here is all that you need to know about it.

Need for an internet connection in a car

Having wifi in car is not a luxury anymore these days; rather, it has turned out to be a necessity. Let me explain to you:

1. Use an app like Google Maps to find the shortest route that will save you time and fuel. This especially comes in handy when navigating unknown roads.

2. Alerts will be sent in case of traffic jams or accidents, which will help plan alternate routes.

3. If you are a working professional, then internet access will allow you to check emails, join virtual meetings, or access work files even while travelling.

4. Technological advancement of internet-connected collision avoidance systems can help prevent possible accidents by issuing warnings within time.

5. Video calls, social media updates, and lots of breaks make sure you never get out of touch with those you love.

6. Seamlessly stream your favourite playlists, audiobooks, or podcasts during a road trip. Boredom in the car is a thing of the past with Wi-Fi.

When buying Car Insurance Online, an internet connection is essential for fast comparisons and policy updates. Comprehensive car insurance offers damage cover, while an internet connection brings further peace of mind.

How to set up Wifi in a car?

If you are wondering about how to install wifi in car, here are the different options available.

1. Mobile Hotspot

This is one of the easiest ways of setting up WiFi in your car. All you need is a smartphone or even a tablet that is 4G or 5G enabled. You can convert the internet connection on the smartphone or tablet to a mobile hotspot. Setting it up is quite easy, and you can use the hotspot even at other places. However, the one demerit is that it can drain the battery of your device quite rapidly.

2. ODB 2 device

ODB or On-Board Diagnostics ports have quite a few functionalities. They are mainly used for diagnosing the car. However, they can also be used for installing GPS devices and WiFi routers. You can install an ODB 2 device that offers internet at great speeds and better connectivity. These devices aren’t as portable as mobile hotspots. Also, you will need to buy these devices, which can set you back by a small amount.

3. Routers

If you want to install wifi in car, a wireless router should be high on your list. The speed of these wireless routers is usually as good as built-in routers. The router can help you do a lot of things, such as streaming, uploading, and downloading even heavy files. And just like a normal router, you will need to subscribe to a data plan, and it can be a bit more expensive than opting for a mobile hotspot.

4. Reuse electronics

Some of the options mentioned in the list can be a bit expensive to install in your car. If you do not want to spend a lot of money, you can reuse any of the old hardware in the house. If you have an old phone that you do not use much or even a Wi-Fi dongle, you can use it to access the internet in your car. This will ensure that the battery of your current smartphone or tablet is not under a lot of stress due to the hotspot.

5. Build-in Router

Built-in routers for the internet are usually available on luxury cars. These devices provide a very seamless experience for the passengers of the car. Since the devices are installed efficiently in the car, they are able to receive better signal strength, which in turn means a much higher internet speed. These routers also come in handy when car manufacturers send over air updates for the car and its infotainment system.

Is WiFi any different from a mobile hotspot?

If you want to install wifi in car, it is different from sharing your mobile data via hotspot in quite a few ways. Here are some of them.

1. A permanent solution will ensure a steady and fast connection to the internet.

2. If you use an OBD 2 device, you can access WiFi every time you start the car.

3. It will prevent your batteries from a lot of premature damage due to excessive heating.

4. The WiFi plan will help you connect your data plan as well.

While getting internet in your car is important, it is even more important to get a car insurance plan. For starters, it will ensure that you can legally drive your car. You will never have to worry about challans of driving without insurance. And more crucially, it will protect you and your car from unforeseen events. You can either buy comprehensive car insurance or third party car insurance for your car, depending on your requirements. While third-party insurance is more affordable, comprehensive insurance offers much better coverage for your car.

Wifi devices for cars

If you’re wondering which device suits your needs best, let me guide you through the options:

1. 4G/5G Mobile Hotspot from Your Smartphone

The easiest option would be to use the mobile hotspot on your smartphone or tablet. This way, you will enjoy a stable internet connection from the data plan on your smartphone. However, using this hotspot tends to consume phone battery life in a relatively short time and possibly exceeds data limits.

2. Wireless Routers

Wireless routers are good for data-intensive work like live streaming, downloading files, or participating in virtual meetings. They require a subscription or a plan but are significantly better in performance. They would offer a much broader range and faster speeds, especially in cars.

3. Mobile Hotspot Devices

A mobile hotspot device is a gadget exclusively meant to offer a Wi-Fi connection. Most of the time, you will find it provides much better connection strength compared to connecting your smartphone. When you require internet access often, you should get one of these devices. Note that to use this device, you will need a separate data plan.

4. Built-in Wi-Fi Routers

For high-end cars, they often have a built-in Wi-Fi router. This is the most seamless, as it provides good signals and supports high-speed internet. Apart from this, built-in Wi-Fi is commonly utilized in sending OTA updates or reporting diagnostic data to the manufacturers for your vehicle to be in a good condition.

5. Repurpose old hardware

If you’re looking for a budget-friendly alternative, an old smartphone or Wi-Fi dongle can act as a hotspot. Simply connect it to your car’s charger to avoid draining the battery.

6. OBD-II Devices

OBD-II devices connect to your vehicle's On-Board Diagnostics (OBD) port. In addition to offering better Wi-Fi connectivity, they also offer high-speed internet to passengers. They are portable, but slightly larger and pricier than mobile hotspots.

Being internet-enabled also streamlines processes, like buying Car Insurance Online. Should you opt for Comprehensive car insurance, you would be able to view details of your policies or file a claim while driving. A connected car means convenience and comfort wherever the journey takes you.

Useful and convenient

Installing Wi-Fi in your car is extremely convenient, enhancing your travel and tours by making them more enjoyable and productive. It enables you to stay online while on the move, streaming entertainment, receiving real-time traffic updates, or catching up on work. Passengers can also utilise it for browsing, video calls, and even virtual meetings. A reliable internet connection is particularly beneficial when purchasing Car Insurance Online, as you can easily compare all the policies. If you possess Comprehensive car insurance, you can check policy details or file claims remotely while travelling. With the appropriate installation, Wi-Fi in your car enhances every journey!

Conclusion

For tech-savvy passengers and car owners, getting WiFi in your car can be quite important. If you have been using mobile hotspots till now, you can implement some of the above methods to prevent the battery of your smartphone or tablet from deteriorating. Along with it, do not forget to get a car insurance plan. A plan with adequate coverage will protect you against accidents, natural calamities, and man-made calamities.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Will adding Wi-Fi in my car affect my car insurance?

Adding wifi in car normally does not increase your insurance cost. However, if you have comprehensive coverage, it could cover damages caused to your equipment in case of accidents or theft. This would help you feel safe and secure about your car with Wi-Fi equipment.

2. Is Wi-Fi in cars helpful for long road trips?

Absolutely! You can navigate through jampacked roads efficiently, stream music or movies, and entertain passengers with Wi-Fi in your car. It's useful for doing stuff like filing claims or reviewing all the details of comprehensive Car Insurance Online while you are travelling.

3. Do I require a separate data plan for my car Wi-Fi device?

When using a dedicated mobile hotspot or router, you will need a different data plan, but when utilizing your smartphone hotspot, the data will come from your existing mobile plan.

4. What is the easiest way to have Wi-Fi installed in my car?

You can use your mobile phone as a hotspot, add a mobile Wi-Fi device to your vehicle, or, if your car supports it, install a built-in router. Each option offers flexibility and convenience, depending on your internet needs.

Disclaimer: The above information is for illustrative purposes only. For more details, please refer to the policy wordings and prospectus before concluding the sales.

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