Pranav E K

DIY Upgrades to Make Your Old Car "Smart"

Jan 2, 2026
1 minute read

Overview

Your reliable older car doesn’t have to feel like a relic. By combining affordable hardware with powerful open-source projects, you can bridge the technology gap—adding modern essentials like seamless wireless connectivity and precise location tracking without the premium price tag.

Prerequisites

  • Raspberry Pi Zero 2 W
  • Micro SD card (Minimum 8GB)
  • ESP32 (Check compatibility details on the project page)

1. Wireless Android Auto

Most older vehicles require a wired connection for Android Auto, which is cumbersome and prone to cable failure. While commercial dongles exist, they often become obsolete after software updates. By using an open-source solution like WirelessAndroidAutoDongle, you gain full control over the hardware, ensuring your car stays connected even as mobile OS versions evolve.

High-level setup

  1. Download: Get the pre-built image for your specific Raspberry Pi model from the releases page.
  2. Flash: Use a tool like Raspberry Pi Imager or BalenaEtcher to write the image to a MicroSD card.
  3. Connect: Plug the MicroSD into your Pi and connect the Pi to your car’s USB-A port using a high-quality data cable.
  4. Pair: On your phone, look for a Bluetooth device named “AndroidAuto-Dongle” and pair with it. The Wi-Fi connection will handle itself automatically.

2. $5 Stealth Tracking with ESP32

Forget expensive subscription-based trackers or proprietary tags. For less than $5, you can use an ESP32 board and the GoogleFindMyTools project to integrate your car into Google’s “Find My Device” network. It is a low-cost, highly customizable solution perfect for anyone who prefers a DIY approach over off-the-shelf products.

High-level setup

  1. Prepare: Clone the GoogleFindMyTools repository.
  2. Register: Run the provided Python script (main.py) on your computer to register a new “tag” and generate your unique public keys.
  3. Flash: Use the web-based installer or a tool like ESPHome to flash the firmware onto your ESP32 board using the keys from step 2.
  4. Deploy: Power the ESP32 via your car’s internal USB port or a 5V hardwire kit for permanent stealth tracking.

Conclusion

Making your car “smart” doesn’t require a new car payment. These two projects prove that with the right hardware and open-source software, you can enjoy modern features on a vintage budget.