80% of K40 Customers Choose a Custom-Installed Radar Detector over a Portable Unit:

Which One is Right for You?     

Radar detectors are an excellent tool for many drivers who want to avoid speeding tickets and drive their cars the way they were meant to be driven.

Most of us are familiar with the classic portable radar detector hanging in the windshield. You could also opt for a custom-installed radar detection and laser jamming system completely hidden in your car.

Each type offers advantages and considerations depending on your vehicle, driving style, and personal preferences.

Custom Installed Radar Detectors

PROS:

Integration/Stealth: Custom-installed radar detectors have the components hidden in your vehicle so that you only know it’s there when you need it.

 

 

 

• Blue alert LEDs in the dash only light up when the system detects police radar or laser. With the Platinum360, the left LED indicates front radar and the right LED indicates rear. These can be hidden behind turn signals, inside air vents, and even in your rearview mirror for maximum stealth.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

• K40 custom-installed radar detectors can be integrated into select Kenwood, JVC, and Pioneer head units. This gives you a touchscreen control center for alerts, control, and customization of your K40 system.

 

 

 

• Remote control options allow you to control your radar system without taking your eyes off the road. Choose the convenient visor-clipped remote control or the Expert remote control, which is hardwired into your vehicle and never needs a battery replacement. The Expert remote control also features back-lit buttons, making it easier to use when driving at night.

 

Performance: Custom-installed radar detectors can offer superior range and sensitivity compared to portable models. They are designed to be optimally installed for long-range detection and can pick up signals earlier and farther, giving you greater advanced warning of approaching police radar.

• Radar receivers are typically installed behind bumper covers and at the forwardmost point of the vehicle on the front and rearmost point on the back, extending the range the receiver can detect.
• Laser Defusers can be added to any custom-installed radar detector. They are typically mounted in the vehicle’s grill, giving you laser jamming capabilities that make it look like they are part of the vehicle.

Convenience: Once installed, custom-installed radar detectors and laser jamming systems require minimal user interaction. Calling K40 after the system installation gets you a one-on-one tutorial on your system and assistance in customizing the settings for where and how you drive. Since the systems are powered directly by the vehicle, once you turn your car on, the system wakes up, and you are ready to drive Ticket-Free Guaranteed.

Security: Custom-installed radar and laser system components are hidden within the vehicle, making them less susceptible to theft than portable units thieves typically target. K40 is so confident that your custom-installed radar detector will never be stolen that each system has a Lifetime Theft Guarantee. If a component….or even the whole vehicle is stolen, K40 will replace the radar detector for free.

CONS:

Installation Cost: The initial cost of purchasing and installing a custom radar detector is usually higher than that of a portable unit. A 12-volt installation technician working on your vehicle often requires a day or more, adding labor dollars to the overall cost.

A custom-installed radar system is only as good as the installation. Radar receivers mounted behind metal will not perform well, and laser jammers that do not have a clear, level view of the road will not perform well. That’s why K40 partners with independent installation specialists. Our partners are trained in the latest installation techniques and stay on top of ever-changing new car technology.

Vehicle-Specific: Custom installations are tailored to specific vehicles, meaning wiring is cut to length, connections are soldered, and cables are run throughout the car to connect the components hidden in the front, rear, and interior. Many K40 partners offer removal and reinstallation services, but if you change vehicles often, each vehicle will need to be re-evaluated for component placement and wire lengths.

Portable Radar Detectors

PROS:

Flexibility: Portable radar detectors are designed to be moved between vehicles. They typically mount on the windshield or dashboard with suction cups or adhesive mounts, allowing you to use them in multiple cars.

Affordability: Portable radar and laser detectors typically cost less than custom-installed detectors, making them a more budget-friendly option for many drivers.

Portability: The ability to remove the radar detector from your vehicle and move it to another is cost-saving. Portable means you can use your radar detector in multiple vehicles, such as a second or rental car, while on vacation. That means that you are never without protection from speeding tickets.

• Every K40 portable radar and laser detector comes with two power cords: one straight cord for hardwiring into one vehicle and a coiled cord for use in any other vehicle.

CONS:

Visibility: Portable detectors are usually visible from outside the vehicle and may attract attention. This can be a problem when traveling in areas like Virginia, Washington D.C., military installations, or the eastern provinces of Canada where radar detectors are illegal, potentially leading to a fine or seizure of the device.

Mounting Issues:

• Suction cup mounts can occasionally fail, especially in extreme temperatures or when not properly maintained, potentially causing the unit to fall and become damaged.
• Some windshields, due to technology or metallic tint, can have metallic properties, which can drastically reduce the range of a portable radar detector.
• In larger vehicles, like trucks and SUVs, it can be hard, if not impossible, for the driver to reach the radar detector buttons while driving.
• K40s Platinum100 is the only portable radar and laser detector that can be controlled with the optional K40 wireless remote control or the K40 Expert remote control.

Choosing the Right Option For You

Do you spend most of your driving time in the same vehicle and value performance while maintaining your vehicle’s factory appearance? A custom-installed radar detector may be the best choice for you.

On the other hand, if you drive multiple vehicles or prefer flexibility and affordability, a portable unit might better suit your needs.

Ultimately, deciding between a custom-installed radar detector and a portable unit depends on your preferences, driving environment, and budget. Both options offer distinct advantages.

If you want to discuss all the options available, call K40 Electronics at 800-323-5608.