Purchasing a new car is always a thrill—describing that with Android Auto, though, brings it to a whole new level. Android Auto lets you mirror your phone's most important apps directly onto the infotainment system in your car, making the drive safer, more convenient, and a lot more fun. But unlocking all its potential takes a couple of key accessories and add-ons.
Whether your vehicle has Android Auto pre-installed or needs a few adjustments to make it work, this resource provides the Android Auto Essentials for New Vehicles basics for new vehicles—from dependable cables and mounts to wireless adapters and voice command features.
Why Android Auto is Important in a New Car
Today's drivers want connectivity, convenience, and control—and Android Auto provides all three. It turns your infotainment system into an intelligent dashboard where you can:
Drive with Google Maps or Waze
Stream Spotify, YouTube Music, and other music, podcasts
Send and receive WhatsApp or SMS hands-free
Have voice commands via Google Assistant
Get access to calendars, reminders, and traffic in real time
For someone who just purchased a new car, it is an essential utility that brings the smartphone experience onto the driving level without distraction.
1. High-Quality USB Cable (Important for Wired Android Auto)
Many new cars still use wired Android Auto, which means your smartphone must connect via a USB cable. The cable quality matters more than you’d think—cheap or incompatible cables often cause dropouts or failed connections.
What to Look For:
USB-A to USB-C or USB-C to USB-C (depending on your car’s port)
Data transfer support (not just charging)
Durable, braided exterior
At least 3 feet long for flexibility
Popular Options:
Anker Powerline+ III USB-C
UGREEN USB-A to USB-C Fast Cable
2. Wireless Android Auto Adapter (For Going Cable-Free)
If your vehicle has wired Android Auto but not wireless, a wireless adapter fills the gap. They connect into the USB port and form a WiFi connection between your phone and your infotainment screen.
Top Picks:
AAWireless
Motorola MA1
CarlinKit Android Auto Wireless Adapter
These products auto-link whenever you fire up the automobile, taking the inconvenience of having to plug your phone in every time.
3. Phone Mount (Despite Android Auto, It's Handy)
Although Android Auto moves all but a few features to the dashboard display, you may still need to look at or reach for your phone—particularly if your vehicle only partially allows the use of Android Auto features.
Best Mount Types:
Magnetic air vent mount (simple and low-key)
Dashboard suction mount (stable and adjustable)
CD slot mount (for vehicles equipped with CD players)
Recommended Brands:
Spigen Kuel QS11
iOttie Easy One Touch
Portronics Clamp M
A decent phone mount also comes in handy if Android Auto is disconnected, or if you need to operate a second app such as a dash cam.
4. Fast Car Charger (If Your Car Does Not Have USB-C Power)
Some newer vehicles continue to have the standard USB-A ports that provide slow charging. To charge your phone fast and use Android Auto (which draws battery), invest in a car charger with a USB that offers Power Delivery (PD) or Quick Charge capabilities.
Features to Look for:
Dual-port form factor (charging two devices at once)
At least 18W per outlet
Small dimensions and heat dissipation
Top Picks:
Anker PowerDrive PD 2
Baseus 30W USB-C Car Charger
Stuffcool 36W Dual USB Car Adapter
5. Android Auto-Compatible Head Units (For Cars Without Android Auto)
If your new car doesn't support Android Auto at all, don't worry—you can still give your system an upgrade. Aftermarket head units with Android Auto support can be fitted to take the place of your standard infotainment setup.
Best Options:
Sony XAV-AX3200
Pioneer DMH-A240BT
Blaupunkt Las Vegas 520
They usually provide both wired and wireless Android Auto, and often come with Bluetooth, equalizers, and touchscreen controls.
6. Steering Wheel Control Interface (If Installing Aftermarket Head Unit)
If you're upgrading to an Android Auto-compatible stereo, keeping your steering wheel control buttons is important. Search for a SWC (Steering Wheel Control) interface that is compatible with your car make.
Brands to Look For:
PAC Audio
Metra Axxess
Connects2
These enable you to use volume, skip, and call-answer buttons with Android Auto-integrated head units.
7. Voice Assistant Integration: Google Assistant Button
Android Auto already supports Google Assistant, but not all vehicles offer a physical voice command button. Adding a Google Assistant remote button to your steering wheel or dashboard allows for quick hands-free access to directions, calls, texts, or music.
Compatible Devices:
Govo Assistant Button
Android-compatible Bluetooth smart remotes
8. Data SIM or Tethering Setup (For Navigation & Streaming)
Wireless Android Auto uses your phone data. Be sure to check if your phone plan accommodates reliable tethering or use as a mobile hotspot.
Augment Connectivity With:
Car WiFi hotspot or router
Tethering with 5G capability
Signal amplifiers (in off-places)
Useful on a regular day for public transports commuters, taxi drivers, and even technologists relying very heavily on music and maps.
9. USB Data Switch (Shared Cars)
If you and someone else share the car—such as a spouse or sibling—who also has Android Auto, a USB data switch enables several phones to be inserted and switched quickly.
Good for:
Families
Ride-sharing
Fleet vehicles
Seek out automatic or button-activated switches with Android Auto pass-through capability.
10. Maintenance Apps & Digital Assistants
After getting Android Auto installed and running, enhance its utility with these apps:
Google Maps or Waze – For traffic-optimized navigation
Spotify, YouTube Music, or Audible – For playing media
Calendar and To-Do apps – For productivity
PetrolPrice or Fuelio – For fuel expense tracking
Google Assistant routines – For customized voice control
Final Checklist: Android Auto Starter Pack for New Cars
ImportanttFunctiontRecommended Price (INR)
USB-C Data CabletCabled Android Autot₹300–₹700
Wireless AA AdaptertConvenience of wirelesst₹4000–₹8000
Car ChargertFast charging for the phonet₹600–₹1500
Phone MounttConvenient accesst₹300–₹1000
Steering Control KittButton remappingt₹1000–₹2500
Voice Assistant ButtontVoice access quicklyt₹500–₹1000
Conclusion
Purchasing a new car is only the starting point—dressing it up with Android Auto essentials revamps your daily driving experience into something smarter, safer, and even more enjoyable. With or without wired, these budget-friendly accessories enable you to maximize your new set of wheels.
With the right technology under the hood, your car won't just get you where you need to go—it'll keep you connected, productive, and entertained every step of the way.