Radar Detectors can offer great peace-of-mind while you drive - and not just for the reason you think. Today's detectors can not only protect you from traffic violations, but thru "safety radar," warn you of upcoming hazards, work zones, and other road conditions that may impair your driving.

But while you can now purchase detectors that can identify every form of radar and detecting device, they still can't sense the radar if it's off until the last possible second. And that's nothing to say of unexpected road hazards. So, as always, drive safely and under control.

How it Works

First, you need to know how a radar signal registers your speed. Radar guns use a stationary beam (either a laser or traditional radar band) that is sent down the road in a single direction. When the signal finds an object, such as your car, it hits the object and bounces off, returning to the gun where, measuring the returning beam's change in distance over time, it calculates the vehicle's speed.

However, radar beams have limited range. Like a flashlight, the farther the radar beam travels, the weaker it is. This means that while the radar beam may reach and bounce off an object far away, it may not be strong enough to make it all the way back to the origination point (the radar gun).

It is on this principle that radar detectors are based. Ideally, the detectors first sense these farther, weaker beams that won't make it back to the radar gun. Thus, notifying you well in advance (typically up to a mile away) that radar is being used to monitor speed.

Types of Radar

• X-Band: The first radar frequency to be used - around 10.5 GHz. Can be detected up to 4 miles out.
  
  
• K-Band: The most common radar frequency - around 24 GHz. Can be detected up to 2 miles out.
  
  
• Ka-Band (aka "superwide band"): A newer radar frequency between 33 to 36 GHz that can detect your speed in 3 to 6 seconds. This band is also partnered with "photo radar" that measures your speed and, if speeding, takes a picture of the license and driver.
  
  
• Laser (aka Lidar): This is a "light pulse" laser system that can gauge your speed in under a second. It is a narrower, more accurate beam that can pinpoint its target and thus, be harder to detect (although there are numerous of systems that can detect it).

• 6-Band Detection: Look for a unit that offers complete coverage from all three main speed monitoring systems (X, K, and Ka bands), Laser, VG-2, and especially, the Safety Alert Traffic Warning System.
  
  
• Laser Detection: Simply detecting the traditional 3-radar bands doesn't cut it anymore. However a detector with 360-degree laser detection can still give you the upper hand.
  
  
• High Sensitivity: This is a measurement of how accurately a detector can sense radar beams - the more sensitive it is, the better and earlier your radar warning will be.
  
  
• High Selectivity: This is a measurement of how well it can filter police radar beams from other microwave beam noise (such as garage door openers and security systems).
  
  
• VG-2 Alert/Undetectable: VG-2 is used by law enforcement to detect vehicles that use radar detectors. Look for a detector that will both alert you that you are under VG-2 surveillance and shut down or simply "shield" you from the detection while continuing to provide radar protection.
  
  
• Safety Radar Detection: This will detect safety warning messages broadcast by a type of radar that advises you of upcoming hazards/road conditions - ensuring a safer trip.
  
  
• City/Highway Mode: A helpful prevention against false alerts. Some everyday equipment such as garage door openers and security systems also emit microwave beams similar to radar guns and wind up confusing your detector - especially while driving in the city. This feature adjusts the sensitivity and selectivity of your detector to help reduce these false readings.
  
  
• Cordless: An obvious benefit that lets you place the unit wherever you want so your cigarette lighter remains free to power your phone or other car accessories.
  
  
• 360-Degree Operation: Radar beams can come from in front of you, behind, or smack dab in the middle of the bushes to the side. That's why you should look for a detector that can detect radar beams from absolutely any direction.
  
  
• Digital Voice: A safety feature that audibly tells you what the detector has detected - allowing you to keep your eyes on the road instead of on the display.
  
  
• Text Display: An alpha-numeric screen that displays in words what type of radar it detected as well as safety messages (such as "work zone").
  
  

That's why Car Toys' MECP-certified installers are here to help. They'll ensure that it's installed properly for optimum performance, even tucking the unit away in a non-conspicuous space.

Why not schedule an appointment today at one of our over 50 nearby Car Toys locations in WA, OR, CO, or TX to see what our professional installers can do for you?

View Radar Detectors >>