Driver Hospitalized After Crashing SUV into Crystal Lake Car Dealership

Incident Overview

On Thursday afternoon, a driver was extricated and taken to the hospital after his SUV crashed into Ormsby Motors, a car dealership in Crystal Lake, causing noticeable damage to the building. The incident occurred just before 2 p.m. at 50 North Main Street, prompting responses from the Crystal Lake Fire Rescue Department and Crystal Lake Police Department. Firefighters, arriving within four minutes, discovered the SUV partially inside the dealership.

A car crashed through Ormsby Motors, 50 North Main Street in Crystal Lake, Thursday afternoon. | Photo: Tyler Tobolt / Lake and McHenry County Scanner

Immediate Response and Safety Measures

Deputy Chief Rick Kaiser of Crystal Lake Fire Rescue reported that the business was operational at the time of the crash. Thankfully, there were no injuries among the employees or customers present. The driver, who was promptly removed from the vehicle, was transported to a local hospital for observation.

Follow-Up Actions

Utility companies ComEd and Nicor Gas, along with the Crystal Lake Building Department, were called to assess and secure the site. A board-up company also responded to fortify the affected area. Despite the significant hole left in the brick wall, the building’s structural integrity remained intact, allowing the business to continue its operations.

Investigation

The cause of the crash is still under investigation by the Crystal Lake Police Department. Further details regarding the driver’s condition and the circumstances leading to the accident have not been disclosed.

Highway Havoc: I-95 Mishap Sends One to Hospital

Incident Overview

On a busy Thursday afternoon, a severe collision disrupted traffic on Interstate 95, close to mile marker 174 in Brevard County. Involved in the mishap were a 2000 Chevrolet Blazer SUV and a 2022 Ford F250 truck equipped with a trailer, both operated by residents of Palm Bay. The crash necessitated emergency airlift services for one of the drivers, who was promptly transported to a nearby hospital.

Emergency Response and Traffic Management

Quick to the scene, the Florida Highway Patrol took immediate action to manage the ensuing traffic disruption. Efforts were concentrated on clearing the debris to reopen the inside lane, ensuring a return to regular traffic flow. The troopers are still piecing together details of the incident as part of their comprehensive accident investigation.

Continued Investigation

The underlying causes of the crash are still being determined, with no specific factors identified yet. Details about what precipitated the event have yet to be released. The current medical status of the injured driver remains confidential as investigators work diligently to map out the events that unfolded during this critical incident on one of Florida’s major roadways.

The Science Behind Slick Tires on Performance Vehicles

Introduction to Slick Tires

Advancements in tire technology have broadened the range of options available, from specialized rain tires that effectively disperse water to versatile all-season tires. Yet, you might have observed that high-performance vehicles, particularly muscle cars, often sport wide, slick tires or drag radials under their rear fenders. This choice is deeply rooted in racing history and is not due to cost-cutting or maintenance oversight.

Performance Advantages of Slick Tires

Slick tires, including brands like Hoosiers or Mickey Thompson drag radials, are commonly found on powerful cars such as vintage Dodge Chargers or contemporary Chevrolet Camaro ZL1s. These tires are designed to maximize contact with the racetrack surface, thereby enhancing grip. This is crucial for achieving quick launches and maintaining traction in high-horsepower, rear-wheel-drive vehicles, helping drivers shave critical seconds off their drag racing times. Notably, models like the Dodge SRT Demon come factory-equipped with these specialty tires to optimize performance right from the start.

Limitations and Safety Concerns

While slick tires are exceptional for dry, track conditions, offering superior grip and efficient heat dissipation, they are impractical and often unsafe for regular street use. The absence of tread patterns, which are vital for channeling away water, makes slick tires highly unsafe in wet conditions. This can dramatically increase the risk of hydroplaning and accidents during rain. Therefore, despite their performance benefits, slick tires are not suitable for everyday driving due to significant safety concerns and potential legal restrictions.

Escalating Vandalism at EV Charging Stations: A Nationwide Concern

Rising Incidents of Vandalism

Across the United States, from Texas to California, there has been a surge in vandalism targeting electric vehicle (EV) charging stations. Notably, Tesla Superchargers and various public charging points have been compromised, with incidents involving severed cables and damaged infrastructure reported in cities like Houston and Fresno. These attacks not only cause significant financial losses—often amounting to thousands of dollars for each repair—but also considerable inconvenience for EV owners reliant on these facilities for their transportation needs.

Chargers vandalized in Houston, TX

Motivations and Implications

The motivations behind these acts vary from criminal intentions to harvest copper from the charging cables, a material that fetches a price on the scrap market, to ideological opposition against electric vehicles. This criminal activity disrupts the availability of charging infrastructure, essential for the growing number of EV users, and poses broader questions about the security of critical transportation infrastructure. The frequent targeting of these assets highlights a crucial vulnerability in urban planning and the need for enhanced protective measures.

Chargers vandalized in Sumner, WA
Charger vandalism in Fresno, CA

Preventive Measures and Long-Term Solutions

In response to these challenges, some cities are adopting more robust security measures. For instance, Fresno is installing protective cabinets around charging stations and locking them during off-peak hours to prevent unauthorized access. Additionally, enhancing surveillance around these sites, increasing lighting, and positioning chargers in well-trafficked areas could deter potential vandals. These steps are vital not only to protect the infrastructure but also to reassure the public about the reliability and safety of transitioning to electric vehicles.

Mysterious Road Incident in DeKalb County Leads to Ohio Woman’s Death

Unexplained Tragedy on County Road

On a seemingly ordinary Thursday morning, a tragic and mysterious incident unfolded on a DeKalb County road, leading to the death of Heather Ward, a 39-year-old woman from Defiance, Ohio. While driving east along the 6100 block of County Road 64, Ward’s SUV inexplicably veered off the road, coming to a rest in a nearby field with only minor damage visible to the vehicle. Despite the lack of significant damage to her SUV, Ward was found unresponsive inside her locked vehicle.

Witness Account and Emergency Response

A witness driving in the opposite direction recounted a harrowing moment as Ward’s SUV suddenly crossed into his lane, prompting him to swerve off the road to avoid a direct collision. After managing to avoid the accident, he observed Ward’s SUV stopping in the field. Upon approaching the vehicle to offer assistance, he discovered that he could not access the interior due to the locked doors and found Ward unresponsive. Emergency services, including fire crews and medics, quickly arrived but were unable to revive her, pronouncing her dead at the scene.

Ongoing Investigation

The DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office is actively investigating the circumstances that led to this baffling incident. As the community awaits answers, the coroner’s office is also involved, with findings pending that may shed light on the cause of death. This incident has left the local community in shock, stirring discussions about road safety and the factors that can lead to such unanticipated tragedies. The outcome of this investigation is eagerly awaited, as it may provide crucial insights into preventing future occurrences of similar nature.

Investigation Underway After Deadly Motorcycle Collision in Russell

Critical Accident on Craig Street

Late Wednesday on Craig Street near Hamilton Road, a grave collision occurred involving a motorcycle and an SUV, as reported by the Ontario Provincial Police of Russell County. The motorcyclist tragically lost their life at the scene, declared deceased around 9:30 p.m. Meanwhile, the SUV operator received medical attention for significant injuries that, fortunately, were not life-threatening.

Details and Wider Impact

Police disclosures noted the motorcyclist was driving with a revoked license. This incident marks the second fatal motorcycle accident in the Ottawa region within a single week, intensifying concerns over vehicular safety in the area. Earlier, on May 10th, another young motorcyclist perished in a collision at the intersection of Prince of Wales and Rideau Valley drives.

Appeal for Information

The stretch of Craig Street from Hamilton to Boundary Road was temporarily closed but reopened early Thursday as investigations proceeded. Officials are appealing to the public for any video or eyewitness accounts of the event. Insights from these could critically aid in reconstructing the event’s lead-up. Community members with relevant information are encouraged to reach out to the Russell County OPP at 1-888-310-1122, mentioning reference number E240606784.

SUV Collision Disrupts Binghamton Streets, Damages Infrastructure

Harrowing Incident in Downtown Binghamton

On a bustling afternoon in downtown Binghamton, an SUV lost control and caused havoc. The vehicle, a late-model Nissan Murano, was traveling west past City Hall on Hawley Street around 2:40 p.m. when it abruptly veered off the road. It collided with a trash receptacle and grazed an office building at 71 State Street, causing bystanders to reel from the sudden chaos.

Path of Destruction

Continuing its uncontrolled journey, the SUV crossed over to the opposite lanes and ultimately crashed into a street planter near the intersection of Hawley and Washington Streets. The impact was significant enough to deploy the vehicle’s airbags and knock down a nearby utility pole, blocking a lane and adding to the urban disarray. The scene was cordoned off, leading to a temporary closure of Hawley Street, affecting the afternoon traffic flow significantly.

Aftermath and Response

The driver of the Nissan Murano was promptly taken to the hospital for evaluation, though he appeared to have sustained no serious injuries. Office workers in the building struck by the SUV reported hearing a loud boom, which jolted them from their daily routines, underscoring the unexpected nature of urban accidents. No pedestrians or other vehicles were involved in the mishap. As authorities, including the Binghamton Police, began their investigation, the community reflected on the resilience needed in the face of such startling events, emphasizing the importance of stringent traffic safety measures in bustling city environments.

Tesla’s Latest Model 3 Prototype Spotted with Advanced Camera Integration

Innovation on the Freeway

Tesla’s pursuit of innovative automotive technology continues, as evidenced by the recent sighting of a modified Model 3 prototype on the streets of Palo Alto, California. Unlike traditional models, this vehicle, sporting Texas manufacturer plates, featured no side mirrors and an unusual arrangement of cameras around its chassis. This intriguing setup fuels speculation that Tesla might be testing configurations for fully autonomous vehicles or introducing futuristic features like digital mirrors in upcoming models.

Rethinking Vehicle Mirrors

The absence of side mirrors and the prominent placement of side repeater cameras suggest that Tesla is experimenting with digital mirrors. These systems, which replace conventional mirrors with camera feeds projected onto internal screens, could enhance aerodynamics and safety. Such technology is not new—companies like Honda, Lexus, and Audi have already implemented similar features—but Tesla’s integration could push the boundaries further by enhancing visibility and reducing blind spots.

Technological Shifts and User Adaptation

The adaptation required for drivers with Tesla’s potential new system is significant. Traditionally, drivers look towards the A-pillar where mirrors are typically located, but with Tesla’s prototype, no screens were visible in the expected positions, suggesting a possible central display of camera feeds. This change would require drivers to adjust to looking at a central screen for peripheral views, a shift that, while seemingly minor, involves significant retraining of driving habits. As Tesla moves forward with these innovations, the impact on driver interaction and vehicle design continues to evolve, marking a significant step in the evolution of automotive technology.

Sneak Peek: Skoda Elroq Caught on Camera During Test Runs Before Year-End Launch

Unveiling the Future: Skoda Elroq’s Road Tests

Skoda’s electric evolution takes a significant step with the Elroq, the anticipated successor to the Karoq, now spotted in its initial road tests. Envisioned to complement the existing Enyaq, the Elroq is set to introduce itself later this year, bringing a fresh dynamic to the compact crossover segment. This model is designed to operate on the versatile MEB platform, promising a blend of performance and innovation.

Design and Features: First Look at the Elroq Prototype

Photographers have recently captured the Elroq prototype draped in camouflage yet revealing some distinct design elements. The vehicle exhibits modern split lighting and a sleek, closed grille that aligns with its electric nature, supplemented by vertical air curtains and a metallic-accented lower intake. The silhouette is marked by sharp wheel arches and a sloping roofline that suggest agility and speed, while the rear boasts minimalist bumpers and angular taillights that accentuate its contemporary aesthetics.

Technical Expectations and Interior Glimpses

Inside, glimpses reveal a large, standalone infotainment system paired with a compact dashboard setup, hinting at a user-centric and technologically advanced driving environment. While specifics remain under wraps, the Elroq is anticipated to feature a 62 kWh battery pack and a rear-mounted motor capable of delivering 177 horsepower and robust torque. Speculation about an all-wheel-drive variant also persists, suggesting multiple configurations to cater to diverse driver preferences. This model positions itself as an ideal family vehicle, emphasizing spaciousness and practicality for everyday use.

The Best Car Phone Mounts of 2024

You need to put down your phone when you drive. There’s a reason why it’s illegal in 19 U.S. states to hold an electronic device while driving. The best car phone mounts help drivers everywhere follow the laws and stay safe, whether they want to follow a map, hold a hands-free conversation, listen to a podcast, or rock out to music.

Our experts have been writing about cellular phones, auto accessories, and safe driving for over two decades. Over the years, we’ve tried dozens of phone holders mounted to various locations inside countless cars. We’ve seen what happens to window-mounted suction cups in the heat of summer (and the dead of winter). And on multiple occasions, we’ve had to pull over to the side of the road to retrieve a phone that we thought was secure from wherever it tumbled onto the floor.

After vetting dozens from spec sheets and online reviews, we chose 11 phone mounts. These ranged in price from $14 to $100. A few were left out of this final guide for various reasons. Some were too difficult to use, failed to charge phones, or wouldn’t be released to the public for a while. The rest were evaluated in a variety of real-world road conditions to see how well the phone mounts held their own.

Below are the best car phone mounts based on our testing. To help you find the best car phone mount for your unique needs, we’ve included a buyer’s guide, a frequently asked questions section, and a comparison chart.

The Best Car Phone Mounts of 2024


Best Overall Car Phone Mount

Specs

  • Attachment Point
    Vent
  • Attachment Method
    Retractable hook, rubber brace on vent slats
  • Charging
    Optional
  • MagSafe Compatible
    Yes

The Best Car Phone Mounts of 2024

Pros

  • Minimalist design with premium materials
  • Easy to install and adjust
  • Includes USB-C charging cord and 12V car adapter
  • Routing clips minimize stray cords around dash
  • Non-charging version available for $35 less

Cons

  • Expensive
  • May require a Peak Design case or universal adapter


Scott Tharler

Best Budget Car Phone Mount

Specs

  • Attachment Point
    Headrest
  • Attachment Method
    Spring-loaded
  • Charging
    No
  • MagSafe Compatible
    No

The Best Car Phone Mounts of 2024

Pros

  • Very inexpensive
  • Super simple to install
  • Accommodates a wide variety of device sizes
  • Easy to angle and extend

Cons

  • Can be hard to find online


Scott Tharler

Best Custom Car Phone Mount

Specs

  • Attachment Point
    Dashboard
  • Attachment Method
    Clips into dashboard seams
  • Charging
    Optional
  • MagSafe Compatible
    Optional

The Best Car Phone Mounts of 2024

Pros

  • Made for specific vehicle models
  • Well-constructed
  • Doesn’t hang off the vent slats
  • Easily repositioned, removed

Cons

  • Relatively expensive
  • Base and holder are sold separately
  • Requires assembly
  • Non-charging version is portrait-only


Scott Tharler

Best Magnetic Car Phone Mount

Specs

  • Attachment Point
    Dash
  • Attachment Method
    Adhesive to dash
  • Charging
    No
  • MagSafe Compatible
    Yes

The Best Car Phone Mounts of 2024

Pros

  • Minimal footprint on dash
  • Super strong magnet
  • Easy to tilt into position
  • Part of an expandable ecosystem

Cons

  • No charging
  • Adhesive to dash, not easily repositioned


Scott Tharler

Most Versatile Car Phone Mount

Specs

  • Attachment Point
    Vent, dash
  • Attachment Method
    Rubber brace (vent), Adhesive base (dash)
  • Charging
    No
  • MagSafe Compatible
    Yes

The Best Car Phone Mounts of 2024

Pros

  • Simple installation
  • Easy one-handed operation
  • Multiple mounting options
  • Relatively inexpensive

Cons

  • No built-in charging
  • Not as sturdy as other options


Scott Tharler

Best of the Rest

Specs

  • Attachment Point
    Vent
  • Attachment Method
    Retractable hook, rubber brace on vent slats
  • Charging
    Yes
  • MagSafe Compatible
    Yes

The Best Car Phone Mounts of 2024

Pros

  • Fast 15W wireless charging
  • Snazzy design
  • Can trigger NFC shortcuts
  • Version available specifically for Tesla models

Cons

  • Feels plasticky
  • Learning curve to make NFC shortcuts work


Scott Tharler

Specs

  • Attachment Point
    Window, dash
  • Attachment Method
    Suction cup
  • Charging
    Yes
  • MagSafe Compatible
    No

The Best Car Phone Mounts of 2024

Pros

  • Automatically opens and closes
  • Fast wireless charging
  • Comes with an 18W USB charging adapter
  • Highly adjustable double-jointed design
  • LED intensity automatically adjusts to surrounding light

Cons

  • Obstructs driver’s view
  • Doesn’t work as well on textured surfaces
  • Only auto-opens and closes when powered


Scott Tharler

Specs

  • Attachment Point
    Between car seat and center console
  • Attachment Method
    Slides between
  • Charging
    Yes
  • MagSafe Compatible
    Yes

The Best Car Phone Mounts of 2024

Pros

  • Unique placement next to seat
  • Super sturdy construction
  • Automatically closing charging cradle
  • Phone screen is closer than in dash, vent and window mounts
  • Integrated compartment holds small items

Cons

  • On the pricey side
  • Some assembly required
  • Need to look down more to see phone screen


Scott Tharler

Car Phone Mount Comparison Chart

How We Tested Car Phone Mounts

During several weeks of real-world testing, we installed eight car phone mounts — usually with multiple units side-by-side. We stuck na encased Google Pixel 6 Pro and iPhone 15 loaded into one or more mounts. With those secured, we drove over curbs, speedbumps, and gravelly stretches of road (in addition to smooth pavement just around town). The aim was to mimic the conditions the average driver faces daily while bouncing the rides around a bit.

Gear Junkie - Best Car Phone Mounts - three phone mounts in and around the center console
Phone mounts positioned above the center console are easy to install and place the phone physically closer to your face; (photo/Scott Tharler)

If a phone holder failed by not staying mounted or easily dumping the phone, it didn’t make our list. We rated theones that did based on factors such as ease of installation, steadiness, adjustability, price, and special features. We’ll continue to assess additional phone mounts for future iterations of this guide.

Why You Should Trust Us

GearJunkie knows cars, and our staff knows their vehicles inside and out. Main tester Scott Tharler has been writing about car accessories for 25 of the 35 years he’s been a licensed driver.

A vent mount is a good balance between phone access and windshield visibility; (photo/Scott Tharler)

In that time, he’s logged hundreds of thousands of miles behind the wheel, crisscrossing the U.S. in the early days and, more recently, taking his three kids to their daily activities. Along the way, Tharler has used and written about a myriad of devices including third-party Bluetooth speakerphones, backup cameras, cellphone boosters, and many other gadgets that plug into audio jacks, USB, 12-volt adapters, and OBD-II ports.

Over that same span, car phones have gone from corded affairs built into automobiles to portable (but heavy AF) bag phones to the modern-day handhelds we know and love. Now that mobiles are pocketable, have screens, and can connect wired or wirelessly to bolster our navigation and audio experiences, they need to be securely affixed to the vehicle.

Buyer’s Guide: How to Choose a Car Phone Mount

Selecting a car phone mount isn’t easy — or, let’s face it, fun. It’s one of those products that, when it’s doing its job, just fades into the background. Conversely, when it fails, the results can range from offputting to truly disastrous.

To make matters worse, seemingly every electronics, office supply, and grocery store carries phone mounts not to mention the many online retailers. You might even be tempted to walk in or click through and just grab the first one you see. But finding the right car phone mount for you requires some thought and research.

This handy how-to-choose guide has all the essential information compiled to find the best solution that fits your needs. We discuss why you should and shouldn’t consider particular types of phone mounts and which features matter most. Below you’ll find everything you need to know to decide which car phone mount will work best for you.

Universal vs. Custom Mounts

Custom mounts are made for particular vehicles. For instance, a version of the Pitaka MagEZ Car Mount Pro 2 only fits the air vents of two specific Tesla models. And when ordering the ProClip USA Center Dash Mount, you indicate your vehicle’s make, model, and year, and they deliver a base that clips into a specific spot in your exact vehicle.

Gear Junkie - Best Car Phone Mounts - Nite Ize Steelie Orbiter Plus Dash Kit
The Nite Ize Steelie Orbiter Plus Dash Kit is a tiny yet sturdy magnetic mount; (photo/Scott Tharler)

You might expect that custom mounts are prohibitively expensive, but not necessarily. For instance, the ProClip we tested was $75, and the Pitaka was just $60. They were a little more than some of the universal mounts we tested but definitely worth it if you care about clean, purposeful design.

Window, Vent, and Dash Mounts

Although other mounting locations exist, these three are collectively the most popular, each with pluses and minuses.

Window mounts can’t help but be in the way. Even with a long enough extension arm, a phone mounted to the center of your windshield will significantly decrease your field of view. If you mount it a little out of the way on the left side, you’ll still need to wonder when it’ll simply peel off on a hot day.

Even if they stay stuck to your windshield with suction and/or stickiness, window mounts aren’t always very stable. They also put your phone in an exposed area where it can get so hot that it shuts down. So, needless to say, we’re not fans of window mounts as a rule.

Vent mounts are a mixed bag. As mentioned above, they tend to put your phone at a reasonable height. But the problem is how they attach. For instance, the alligator clamp style seems like a good idea. But the problem is the awkward dexterity; it can require pinching to open and/or tighten them. Either way, the phone’s weight in such a holder could close the vent, directly affecting your air circulation.

On vent-mounted holders such as Scosche’s MagicMount Pro 2 4-in-1 Vent/Dash, it makes a big difference which way you install the rubber prongs; (photo/Scott Tharler)

The Scosche MagicMount Pro 2 4-in-1 Vent/Dash‘s rubber prong style, which we tested, was fine. But we prefer the ones that also employ a retractable hook arm for extra stability, such as the Peak Design and Pitaka models featured. Just be careful not to overtighten the arm, lest the first big bump you go over pop the air vent slat right off.

Dash mounts, unfortunately, suffer from some of the same quibbles as window mounts in terms of visual obstruction and susceptibility to heat. On top of that, they’re even less reliable on a textured dashboard. But their saving grace, as with the Nite Ize, is that these mounts can be positioned on a smooth surface further from the windshield and even on a vertical/angled part of your dashboard.

Size

The small stature of the Peak Design and the Nite Ize was a big factor in our highlighting those mounts, but only in combination with how rock-solid they function. In other words, being a small phone mount doesn’t make it good. Be sure to check out how much metal (vs. plastic) is used in its construction.

Adjustability

Phone mounts can be adjustable in a few ways. For example, the Scosche MagicMount kit includes multiple mounting options on the vent and dash. The Baseus mount can be adjusted in several directions, sliding, pushing, pulling, tilting, and swiveling it into just the right position. And the Nite Ize can be pivoted around that steel ball in tiny increments. But even the fixed, stiff ProClip could be slid left or right within the dashboard seams. Most car phone mounts are adjustable in some way, but some more than others.

Gear Junkie - Best Car Phone Mounts - Baseus JoyRide Pro Car Backseat Mount
The Baseus JoyRide Pro Car Backseat Mount can hold phones and tablets in a variety of positions behind a headrest; (photo/Scott Tharler)

Portability

Although a phone mount’s portability does have something to do with its size, it has more to do with how easy or painful it is to remove and reinstall. So if you get a phone mount that’s easy to uninstall, toss in a bag without it breaking or taking up too much space, and reinstall, that’s certainly a bonus. It’s also another reason not to want to deal with the messy, sticky pads and suction cups found on dash and window mounts, even though they can sometimes be washed and reused.

Charging

Juicing up your device on the go seems like a no-brainer. But if you want a charging mount, there are a few things to consider.

Wired charging can happen in one of several ways. The mount can simply position your phone in a way that exposes your phone’s charging port, to which you can attach a cord and adapter you supply. Some phone mounts — such as the wired charging version of the ProClip — include those accessories and position the charging cord in a way that when you slide the phone into the mount, it goes right onto the cord and is ready to charge. We didn’t test any systems like this, so we can’t speak to how much finagling they’d take.

Wireless charging mounts are great for how easy they are to attach your phone and rotate it to whatever orientation you want. But you need to be careful about a couple of things. First, MagSafe doesn’t always mean it’s a charger, as with the Scosche MagicMount. Second, phones and cases vary greatly in their magnetic sticking power.

Gear Junkie - Best Car Phone Mounts - Tackform Car Seat Phone Holder
Uniquely, the base of Tackform’s Car Seat Phone Holder is inserted between the front seat and center console; (photo/Scott Tharler)

This means that although MagSafe is a convenient attachment method, your phone/case combo may not stick as strongly as others. For this reason, we appreciated being able to test the Peak Design in conjunction with one of their special, super magnetic phone cases. Similarly, if you rock an Android or older iPhone, to do wireless charging you’ll need a MagSafe adapter, ideally included with the phone mount.

Another key thing to look for with wireless charging is whether it’s the older, slower version (7.5 watts) or the newer, faster version (15 watts). On product pages and websites, look for “Qi2” as a feature. And just like with the wired versions, it’s obviously nicer when the mount comes with a 12-volt adapter and charging cord. Bonus points if the adapter offers more volts, the cord is USB-C and the kit includes stick-on cable guides to keep your dashboard as uncluttered as possible.

Design

The minimalist looks of the Peak Design and Nite Ize might speak to you. Or perhaps the carbon fiber-y look of the Pitaka matches your design sense. But beyond the aesthetics, how well-built the mount is matters. We’d go to battle any day with either the ProClip or the Tackform. They look and feel so well conceived with high-quality parts that are as heavy, durable, and reliable as the vehicles we drive.

Price

To some degree, there’s a correlation between price and build quality. The three highest-priced models we tested — Peak Design Car Vent Mount ($100), Tackform Car Seat Phone Holder ($80), and ProClip USA Center Dash Mount ($75) — are each superbly designed and constructed. But the opposite isn’t true of the least expensive models. The Baseus JoyRide Pro Car Backseat Mount ($14) has worked well and hasn’t given us any problems throughout weeks of testing. So you can use the $62 average of our eight tested mounts as a general guideline about how much you may want to spend on a great car phone mount. But price doesn’t necessarily dictate how well a phone mount will work for you, as effectively as the other factors listed above.

FAQ

What is the best phone holder for a car?

As discussed above, it depends on several factors, such as what kind of phone you have, whether you want to charge it in the holder, and how visible you need it to be. But the ultimate goal is to avoid — or at least minimize — distracting the driver. So, the most important thing is that the phone sits securely within the holder, which is, in turn, securely mounted within the car. Each of our selections listed above accomplishes that.

Where is the safest place to mount a phone in a car?

That’s a bit of a conundrum. The more visible the phone is (such as hanging off the rear-view mirror), the more it’s blocking the driver’s view. The less visible it is (such as in a cupholder mount), the more the driver has to focus away from the road.

So where it’s safest to mount a phone in the car is a balance between not blocking the view of the road, yet still being somewhere near the driver’s eyeline. That’s why phone holders mounted to the dashboard and air vent are so common. They allow the driver to see their phone screen by glancing their eyes, as opposed to turning their head.

But regardless of where a phone is mounted, the ideal is to give as little attention as possible to your phone while driving, in favor of concentrating on the road conditions and where you’re going.

What are the disadvantages of a car phone holder?

As discussed above, a car phone holder could be hazardous by obstructing the driver’s view — or even just by being a tempting visual distraction. Or to a lesser extent, it could make you uncomfortable by blocking the air vent and affecting the cabin’s climate. Lastly, a car phone holder could give you a false sense of security. If the phone falls out of the mount and becomes a projectile or the whole thing crashes down, it’s more distracting than if you’d just avoided the mount altogether and left your phone in your pocket the whole time.

Whether you’re road tripping with the family’s skis and boots or need to stow your weekend camping gear, here are the best rooftop cargo boxes for outdoor travel.

Whether you’re out for a quick romp on the singletrack or you’re in the midst of an all-day road ride, a bike phone mount is a game-changer for anyone who wants easy access to their device while biking.