Car designs have undergone a tremendous evolution. Technology has greatly influenced car structures and strategies. Cars have transformed into four-wheeled tech hubs. It can be challenging to keep track of all typical car tech features. However, real challenges arise when presented with a catalog of the available choices.
These tech features positively influence the cost of the vehicle you intend to purchase. The more the features, the more expensive the car is. The following are some of the crucial features you should consider when purchasing a vehicle.
1. Remote Start
Although a remote start is not a new tech specifically, it is an essential feature worth consideration when purchasing a new car. This tech has a straightforward tech objective. This tech enables you to start your car in the comfort of your home.
You do not have to go in your vehicle, start the engine, and wait for everything to come up. Though a remote car tech does not offer a fancy experience, it’s one of the worthy and must-have features in a car.
2. Adaptive Cruise Control
The adaptive cruise control feature may sound like a fancy feature, especially if you are not familiar with it. Just like the remote start feature, this tech is not new in the car industry. Most cars are fitted with a cruise control feature that enables a car to maintain a specific speed by pushing a button.
The cruise control only disengages when you switch it off or when you apply the brakes. The adaptive cruise control enhances its performance by using radar to sense a vehicle close to you and automatically slow your speed without doing anything. There several types of the cruise control feature used by different automakers.
Some systems lower the speed to a specific speed and command a person to take over, as others decelerate to a complete stop and slowly accelerates automatically. It is crucial to note that though this system is a technology, it is not an independent system. You will still have to pay close attention to the road as you engage it.
3. Smart Suspension
Your car’s suspension is another essential feature. Despite its little reputation compared to the engine or other new tech features introduced in the industry, it plays an important role. A smart suspension allows you to have an enjoyable ride, especially while driving through rough roads.
This feature offers a comfortable and smooth driving experience. Some automakers, such as the Audi, have highly invested in smart suspension. Their suspension enables you to decrease or increase each wheels’ load individually to adjust to the road’s condition.
Some people even do not realize their presence in the car. However, the system serves an essential role in ensuring bumps are not an issue.
4. Cameras
Some jurisdictions require all passenger cars to have backup cameras. Nowadays, several automakers have begun offering wide-ranging camera systems that are well and more advanced than the typical cameras found in cars. Modern cameras are now fitted in the sides and front of a car, allowing you an advanced form in which you can view your surroundings without leaving your car.
Some premium automakers such as Mercedes have developed a 360-degree camera system that enhances a full eye view of your vehicle. Sophisticated cameras enable you to have visual access to your car’s surrounding environment, hence enhancing your safety.
5. Automatic Emergency Braking
An automatic emergency braking system can make a big difference in saving your life. Various agencies such as insurance associations like providers of gap insurance for cars, and transport safety institutes have highly emphasized the importance of automatic braking systems. It is regarded as an essential feature in any car regardless of its shape and size.
Automatic emergency braking operates just according to its names’ suggestion. When the system senses an imminent collision, and the driver is not fast enough to respond to the threat, the system brakes the car before the driver. Automatic braking systems have become a significant focus feature for many automakers.
6. Fast-Charging USB Ports
USB charging systems in your car may be woefully underpowered. Until you experience this, you cannot appreciate a fast-charging USB port. Typical USB outlets charge at 0.5 amperes; therefore, they are very slow, especially when you want to use your phone.
It can take as many as eight hours to charge a standard phone to full capacity. Luckily, several automakers have begun to recognize the importance of a fast-charging USB port. They have installed fast-charging outlets that can minimize the charging time of your gadget. The issue of low-battery should be an issue of the past.
7. Wi-Fi Hotspots
Nowadays, being connected to the internet is an essential thing in the modern world. Data plans are offered by cellular service providers though at hefty monthly charges. Accessing the internet through WI-FI networks is the best and the most affordable method.
Although WI-FI networks are common in public places, it is an evolving feature in cars. Car WI-FI systems enable you to access the internet from the comfort of your car and at a reasonable data price.
In most cases, automakers provide the package freely during the introductory period; however, you will have to pay the monthly subscriptions.
8. Auto-Dimming Mirrors
Though glare never gets the attention it deserves, it is one of the biggest challenges you may face on the road while driving at night. Luckily, automakers have developed a new technological feature that reduces the glare produced by the rear-view mirrors caused by the headlight produced by the car behind you.
Auto-dimming mirrors enable you to see the road better, and they also enhance your safety. According to experts, glare minimizes the seeing distance since it causes light scatter in the eyes, which reduces the distinction of roadway substances.
9. Power Tailgates
Power tailgates are exclusive features in pickup trucks. These features enhance the functionality and the convenience of truck drivers. Automakers such as Ford, GMC, and Chevrolet have developed their own power tailgates fitted with different functions in each. However, all have a convenient crux of technology.
Through pressing a button, power tailgates can either be lowered or raised. Each system is fitted with different compartments that enhances the broad functional experience.
10. Heated Seats and Heated Steering Wheel
These features may seem unnecessary to many people. However, if you live in cold-weather environments, heated steering is a crucial feature you can have in your car.
These features are crucial, especially during winter seasons, since it is always an awful experience to sit on cold seats and use a cold steering wheel.
Despite its comfort, heated seats and steering wheels also enhances your safety. There are many dangers linked to driving during winter. Therefore, heated steering wheels prevent distractions that may arise when the steering wheel becomes too cold for your hands. Hence, you will only focus on the road.
11. Power Driver’s Seat with Height-Adjustable Lumbar
Power seats enhance the comfort of the driving position compared to manual seats, mainly when more than one person drives the car. Additionally, movable cushions on the driver’s seat back are adjustable to support the driver’s lower back.
Seats that can also be adjusted down and up to provide better support to the driver. This improves the experience of driving long distances, and it also minimizes fatigue. Power adjustments, especially four-way lumbar supports, enables the driver to adjust to an optimal seating position.
12. Head-Up Display
This displays essential information like the car’s current speed, navigation details, or audio collections on the windshield directly in front of your eyes. Sophisticated systems enable the driver to change their display using steering-wheel buttons; hence drivers remain focused on the road.
13. Passive Entry
Passive entry systems are fitted with a push-button start that enables you to unlock your car without pushing a key fob button. The key fob should be close to you. The system detects the key fob’s presence as long as you are close to the car and enables you to open the door in a particular action.
Sometimes, the button is placed on the door, and others only require you to grab the handle and unlock the door. Passive entry and push-button starts have become standard features. You no longer have to worry about placing the keys somewhere and leaving them there since it may sometimes be hard to find them.
14. Airbags
Previously, this feature was only associated with luxurious and expensive cars. Nowadays, most affordable cars have also installed airbags. Crash detectors connected to an on-board computer triggers the airbags in the event of a collision.
The airbags prevent the driver/passengers from hitting the dashboard, windshield, or steering wheel by inflating automatically. Side airbags minimize the occupants’ risk of hurting themselves during a side impact. Although airbags are not compulsory, they are highly recommendable.
Conclusion
Technology has highly influenced industries globally. The automobile industry is not an exception. There are some essential features that you should consider when purchasing a new car. Although some of these features are not new in the industry, their importance cannot be underrated.
Safety and comfort are worthy investments you should focus on regardless of the type of car you intend to purchase. Though some of these features were only common with expensive cars, many automakers have highly invested in them regardless of the car’s cost.
