My Old Car Became the Perfect Home for My Android Phone

The Joy of Driving an Old Car

I have always had a deep affection for cars, but financial constraints have limited my choices. I now drive a 1993 Mitsubishi Galant, which is equipped with a carburetor and a cable throttle. Despite its age, it can outperform many modern fuel-efficient vehicles. However, the challenge with older cars lies in finding parts, especially when they are rare or specific to certain models.

In my case, the speedometer sensor on the gearbox failed. This means that even when I'm driving at high speeds in fifth gear, the speedometer shows zero. While this might seem like a problem, it has led to an unexpected benefit: I've become more attuned to my car's performance. I can gauge my speed by listening to the engine and checking the tachometer. Still, there was a desire to see the actual number, which felt important.

A Digital Solution for an Analog Problem

Initially, I accepted the situation and lived with a non-functional speedometer. However, I wanted a more reliable way to monitor my speed. Google Maps provides speed information during navigation, but the display is small and sometimes inconsistent. I needed something larger and more visible while driving.

I eventually found an app called GPS Speedometer, which offers a large, clear speed readout. It also includes an odometer and other useful features. The app's interface has a nostalgic 90s style, which I found appealing.

Enhancing the Experience with HUD Mode

While exploring the app's settings, I discovered a feature called "HUD." When enabled, the app projects the display onto the windshield. To use this effectively, I locked the phone in landscape mode, activated dark mode for a black background, and adjusted the brightness. Placing the phone under the windshield created a heads-up display (HUD) that was both functional and stylish.

This setup required no drilling, rewiring, or additional mounts. It was as simple as opening the app, toggling HUD, and placing the phone in position. The use of OLED screens helped reduce power consumption, making battery life less of a concern. By closing unnecessary apps and services, I could extend the phone's battery life further.

Benefits of a GPS-Based Speedometer

One of the main advantages of using the app is that it provides GPS-based speed readings, which are more accurate than traditional analog sensors. Mechanical speedometers can be prone to errors, especially when tire sizes change. They often overreport speeds by around 10%, which can be significant at higher speeds.

Additional Features and Customization

The app offers several features beyond just displaying speed. It allows users to track trips, review average speed and total distance, and view routes on a map. Users can also input their existing odometer reading to ensure future trips start from the correct point. For those with broken speedometers, having a digital alternative is invaluable.

The app includes two dashboards, one of which is a large, bold red design that I prefer for its visibility. There are additional, fancier designs available for a one-time fee, and I appreciate that the payment adds value rather than removing features like ads. An ad-supported driving companion app would be impractical and potentially dangerous.

Users can also set a speed alarm that beeps if they exceed a certain limit. Although I have this feature disabled, it's a useful option for others.

A Simple Upgrade with Big Charm

My spare Android phone now resides permanently under the windshield. It holds its charge well since it's used exclusively for this purpose. If I were to strip the phone down to its essentials, it could last even longer. I also have a fast charger in the car, so recharging takes only minutes. However, I'm considering wiring a permanent connection to eliminate the need for charging altogether. Perhaps I'll develop my own app and use it as an Android Auto head unit.

While the upgrade isn't life-changing, it adds a touch of modern technology to an otherwise analog vehicle. The Android phone isn't doing much under the windshield, but it's far more useful than it would be collecting dust on a shelf. This small modification brings me a sense of satisfaction and appreciation for my old car.