Most of us use our phones for playing music or navigating with the GPS when we drive. Because of this, we need to mount our phone where we can see it when we're driving (hands-free, of course!).
There are many different ways to do this, like dashboard mounts, magnetic stands, and suction cups that clip to your windshield. However, the most popular smartphone mount is the air vent clip.
Despite being the most popular, air vent mounts are the most dangerous for your smartphone. If you have an air vent clip or are considering using one, be sure to read this first.
Are Smartphone Air Vent Mounts Dangerous?
Many people wonder how these air vent clips are dangerous. However, it isn't the vent mount itself that's bad for your phone, but the fact that it's clipped to your air vent.
In colder weather, we often turn the heat up in our cars. Unfortunately, when this happens, your smartphone is blasted directly with hot air, causing your smartphone to overheat. You're hot, but so is your smartphone.
Overheating can cause damage to your smartphone's internal circuits. The most common issue is damage to your battery. Excessive heat exposure will cause it to lose capacity, making it difficult to hold a charge, meaning you might need an expensive battery repair quicker than you expect.
Other common problems include the touch screen no longer working, broken speakers, and even broken buttons.
I Use a Smartphone Air Vent Mount. Is It Too Late for Me to Switch?
If you use an air vent mount and are worried about the dangers to your smartphone, it's never too late to prevent further damage.
If you have a car that allows you to turn off or close a vent, you should do this immediately. This will reduce the heat that comes in contact with your phone. After your car is running for a while, feel the back of your smartphone and see if it's hot.
If you can feel heat or can't close your vent, you should consider removing it immediately to avoid further damage to your phone.
Protect Your Smartphone—Avoid Air Vent Clips
While air vent mounts are incredibly convenient for mounting your phone in your car, the hidden dangers of heat make it not worth it. If you can close your vent, you can reduce the risk, but it still might be worth looking into alternatives. After all, smartphones are expensive, and we use them for everything. Properly protect your smartphone from heat to avoid costly repairs in the future.