Auto technology has made driving easier through driver assist systems, safety systems, and infotainment systems. Vehicle manufacturers have heeded directions from government bodies and now include helpful technological features in new models. Cars are now better, safer, and more comfortable. Looking to buy a new ride? This post sums up the top tech features to look for in your next car.
- Advanced Driver Assistance System
Blind spots are dangerous and are responsible for at least 800,000 accidents per year in the United States. When a driver cannot see what’s happening around them while driving, the likelihood of causing an accident is high.
Automakers have helped reduce blind spot accidents by developing advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS). Some of the ADAS features to look for in your next car include:
- Blindspot Alert
- Adaptive cruise control
- Cross-traffic alerts
- Reverse brake assistance
- Forward collision alerts
- Lane-keep assistance
- Infotainment System and Wireless Charging
Distracted driving is one of the leading causes of traffic accidents. However, as you drive your car to school, work, or home, you might want to communicate with family or friends. An infotainment system lets you pair your phone with the vehicle and import your contacts to the car system. You can easily make and receive calls without taking your eyes off the road. Wireless charging allows you to charge your smartphone, wearables, and other devices without plugging in a charger.
- Automatic Emergency Braking
The best technological features enhance the driving experience—automatic emergency braking is one. When you’re driving and the car in front of you stops suddenly, you apply the brakes to avoid a rear collision. However, your hands aren’t fast enough, which is where automatic emergency braking comes in. Automatic emergency braking (AEB) is a technological feature in most modern vehicles that automatically activates safety brakes when the sensors in your vehicle sense a collision. When shopping for your next vehicle, look at cars image to see if the vehicle you’re interested in has this important feature.
- Connected Apps
There is an app for almost everything today: language learning, fitness, health monitoring, and much more. The auto industry has not been left behind, and manufacturers like Hyundai and Toyota are already helping car owners take control of their vehicles through mobile apps.
The apps can monitor a car’s fuel level, schedule maintenance appointments, request roadside assistance, and contact an insurance provider. Here are some auto-connected apps by popular carmakers:
- Hyundai Care
- Toyota Connect
- Nissan Connect
- Honda Connect
- Ford Owners
Find out if the model you are eyeing has a connected app before purchase.
- Vehicle Tracking Software
Car theft is rampant in the United States, about 810,400 vehicles were stolen in 2020. Most car owners install third-party car tracking systems to track their vehicles’ whereabouts in case they get stolen.
Automakers are also helping curb vehicle theft by adding vehicle tracking software during production. This technological feature makes it easier for the police to track a vehicle when it’s stolen.
Which of these tech features is a must-have in your next car?