We recommend that the detector have a clear view of the road both front and rear. Avoid placing behind the tinting at the top of most windows, behind parking stickers, wiper blades, or anything similar that will obstruct the detector's window or lens. We also advise placing the detector where it will not obstruct your view of the road.
Please see below for more information on ideal placement, alternate locations, and trade-off that you may make by mounting in an alternate location.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Windshield Mounting
This uses your included EZ Mag Mount (or StickyCup for older models) that uses a combination of a tacky silicone rubber ring and vacuum suction. There are a few places that you might consider mounting your detector on the windshield, and below we will discuss those options.
(Recommended) Low to the Dashboard
Our recommended placement is mounted low on the windshield, near the dashboard, in the center of the windshield's width. This placement is ideal because you've got the radar positioned close to the glass to pick up radar well, and low enough that your detector's sensor has a better chance of being in the radius of a LiDAR beam and alerting you to the threat.
Center of the Windshield
Mounting the detector dead center of the windshield reduces its ability to detect laser, however if you're comfortable with that trade-off, this can make it easier to see the detector and reach the buttons for on-the-fly control. Make sure that this does not obstruct your view, and that local ordinances do not forbid this configuration.
Top of the Windshield
This placement is not recommended as the textured frit (the black dots surrounding the windshield) can cause the vacuum seal not to form properly, and your detector might fall.
Edge of the Windshield
You might consider placing your detector to the side, near the driver's side of the windshield. This is not recommended, if your windshield is curved as it may put your detector off axis, causing problems with radar and laser detection. If the radar is level and facing forward, it should work.
Visor Mounts
We strongly discourage visor mounts. Top of windshield sunscreen tinting can cause issues with detection, and GPS functionality can be impacted.
Mirror Mounting
Mirror mounting can be a good alternative. It may slightly impact GPS performance, but a clear view of the sky should allow the radar to see the GPS satellites and properly function. If you notice reduced GPS performance, try adjusting the mount to move the GPS a little more forward towards the windshield glass. Some customers have reported success by first mounting lower on the windshield until GPS connectivity is established and then moving to the mirror mount.
We are in partnership with Blendmount for mirror mounting solutions. For more information, please see our Blendmount partnership information.
Dashboard Mounting
Dashboard mounting may work, however you'll need to take care to keep the detector well-secured, able to see up over the hood and windshield wipers for laser detection to work properly, and with some infotainment systems you may need to put something between the dashboard and the radar to block signals from the infotainment system that may erroneously set off the detector.
Additional Information
Checking for Windshield Tints and Coatings
If your windshield has any sort of tinting, privacy coating, anti-weather coatings, or anything similar you may not be able to pick where you want your radar detector mounted, and in some cases, you may not have the ability to use the radar detector at all. This is because some of these tints include radar-blocking elements in them, which is often a byproduct of their primary function.
Check to see if your tinting/coating has a cut-out specifically for radar detectors, EZ toll tags and related, as that may be your only choice for radar mounting.
If no cut-out exists, it may be that you cannot use a radar detector in that vehicle without a full under the hood Custom Installation.