5 Must-Have Features in a Motors Manufacturer
Car safety features have come a long way over the years. From seat belts, anti-lock brakes to airbags, their evolution has ultimately helped keep us safe on the road. However, even with the latest tech improvements, road injuries have increased over the last year in Queensland.
With this in mind, we have compiled a list of car safety features in modern cars that you should be aware of. This is something you need to remember, especially if you are considering buying a used car in the recent used car sales.
Airbags
Airbags are the most common form of car safety feature in vehicles. It is a cushioning device that will protect you and your loved ones from the impact of an accident. It is present in the dashboard, door panels or seat cushions; in some models, it is also incorporated into the steering wheel.
It is important to know that not all cars have airbags – and if you opt for a used vehicle, always check to see if it has airbags.
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
ABS works by maintaining proper control of the vehicle when it starts to skid or slide. It prevents any sudden changes in speed and direction, allowing the driver to steer the wheel back into its original position.
It is important to note that ABS is not a substitute for proper driving. You should always slow down when driving in slippery surfaces, or on sharp curves.
If you can find any of these models in the recent used car sales, or you may want to purchase one, this is a feature that should be on your priority list.
Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD)
This feature helps distribute the force created by braking evenly across all of the vehicle’s four tires. It also allows drivers to use the brake more efficiently when they need it.
It is important to note that EBD does not apply to all vehicles. It is a new technology that you can only find on cars made in the late 2000s and early 2010s. If you have one of those models, this is a feature that should be on your priority list.
Reverse Parking Sensors
Reverse parking is a common occurrence in parking spaces. The best way to avoid an accident is to see what is behind you when you reverse.
Most modern cars have this feature, but older models may not be equipped with it. If you find any of these models in the recent used car sales, or you may want to purchase one, this is a feature that should be on your priority list.
Adaptive Cruise Control
This safety feature is designed to automatically adjust your speed when you are traveling on a highway. It will work with the vehicle in front of you, adjusting your speed as it sees fit.
It is important to note that AC is not a substitute for your own skills behind the wheel. You should still make sure that you drive within the speed limit at all times.
Even if we all endeavor to drive safely on the road, bad driving decisions can sometimes be made which can result in crashes. That’s why you shouldn’t rely on these car safety features alone, and also seriously consider the proper type of car insurance.
Popular car features
Now that we’ve covered some useful car safety features it’s time to tell you everything about some popular and cool car features you may want to think about when shopping for your next car. They’re in no specific order but we aim to give you a flavour of why these should be interesting for your driving needs.
1. 360-degree camera system
Rearview cameras are quite commonplace these days. They’ve proved very helpful when parking a car or pulling out of a parking lot. However, some car manufacturers have gone further by introducing 360-degree camera systems.
360-degree camera systems are located around the car – in the grille, below the side mirrors and the rearview one – and are a very useful car feature. They give you as a driver a bird’s eye view of the vehicle as if you were looking at it from above and outside. And they help you check for children and objects around the car at all times.
2. Sunroof
A sunroof is a movable panel in a car’s roof that opens to uncover a window. They’re not the most sophisticated of car features – and they’ve been around for decades – but are quite popular because of the extra light and/or fresh air that they allow in the vehicle. What’s not to love about being able to watch the sky above your head while cruising through Britain’s roads?
3. Leather Seats
Although they can be cold in winter and boiling in summer, leather seats add a touch of luxury to any driving experience. Many manufacturers these days use man-made substitutes like Tesla, which takes pride in their vegan-friendly upholstery. You’ll usually find leather (or vegan leather) seats in higher trims and premium vehicles.
4. Heated Seats
Heated seats are an absolute lifesaver when you’re battling Britain’s cold and wet winters and autumns. There’s nothing like warming up and feeling cosy on a cold morning or after a long hike in the rain. Heated seats are also great for drivers and passengers with lumber issues, so look for them if you think you’ll love them.
5. Lumbar support
When you’re spending many hours behind the wheel of your car you’ll want to be comfortable, especially in your back and lumbars. In that case, it’s worth investing in a car with adjustable lumbar support – as it’s still quite rare as a standard feature.
6. Heated steering wheel
Up there with heated seats, a heated steering wheel is a great extra for British drivers, given the less-than-ideal weather. As its name suggests, a heated steering wheel will keep your fingers warm in winter, just when you need it the most.
7. Parking Cameras
Plenty of modern cars already come fitted with parking cameras, which come in handy when you need to see out the back in a parking situation. These make parking and reversing much easier and safer for the driver and everybody else.
8. Remote Start
Remote start is quite a common car feature in colder countries and it’s getting popular everywhere else. Not all cars have it but the possibility of pre-heating the interior or demisting windows before getting in is quite appealing.
9. Navigation systems
Gone are the days of navigating the roads using only road maps and street signs. Now most new and modern cars come with sat navigation features – as an option or as standard – or at least the possibility of connecting to your smartphone’s Google Maps via Apple CarPlay or Android Auto.
Some of the newest sat nav systems can adapt to traffic conditions or even show you real images from Google Map so that you can identify a location with more ease.
10. Apple CarPlay / Android Auto
Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are two very sought after car features these days. Both allow apps from your smartphone to be used directly through the multimedia system of a car. This means you can stream music, read text messages, take phone calls or navigate using Google Maps without having to touch your smartphone.
11. Head-up display
Although not standard or common in most cars, head-up displays allow you to see vital information like the fuel level, speed or navigation in the windshield, directly in front of the driver’s eyes. Like that, you won’t have to look down and will be able to keep your eyes and focus up, increasing safety on the road.
12. Keyless entry
These days, a lot of car models (new and used) come with keyless entry. That means that you can open your car’s door and even the boot with just a push of a button in your keys. It’s practical, convenient and easy.
13. Fast USB charging outlets
USB charging outlets have become a very precious commodity and car feature at a time where almost everybody hits the road with a smartphone in hand, plus other gadgets if you’re travelling with your family or friends. Imagine being able to plug them all in at once so that you can use them when you reach your destination.
Unfortunately, not all USB outlets are fast charging. On average, a typical USB outlet in a car charges at 0.5 amperage, which is quite slow for charging a phone, especially if it’s using an app while being plugged in. So, if you know you’re going to satisfy the needs of driver and passengers alike, look out for cars that offer fast-charging USB outlets.
14. WiFi Hotspot
Did you know that some of today’s cars come with WiFi hotspots? In case you’re wondering why you’d need such a thing, this car feature provides WiFi in the vehicle and allows passengers to use mobile devices without using up their data plans. The downside is that if you want a WiFi hotspot in your car you may have to pay a monthly fee. So it’s only really worth it if you’re going to be using it a lot.
15. Rear entertainment systems
Anyone travelling with children will welcome rear entertainment systems. These are a helpful and practical solution that will keep the kids engaged and entertained while ensuring a more peaceful road trip for the driver.
Rear entertainment systems are usually optional and offered with premium vehicles and trims of most models. If you want them, look for them. Alternatively, if your car has fast-charging USB outlets a cheaper tablet can also do the trick and keep the children busy.
16. Auto-dimming mirrors
Auto-dimming mirrors are great at reducing the glare in the rearview mirror coming from the headlights of the car behind you. Anyone who’s driven at night will know how blinding these can be. Thankfully, some new car models have started to introduce auto-dimming rearview mirrors that reduce that glare and help you maintain good visibility when it’s dark on the road.
17. Multizone climate system
Think beyond air conditioning and dual climate systems. Car manufacturers these days have started to introduce multizone climate systems. This means that everyone inside the vehicle gets their own climate controls so that they all are as comfortable as possible when travelling.
18. Bluetooth
Bluetooth has been around for quite some time now but is still a useful car feature if you need to take calls while on the move – or you just want to stream your tunes or favourite podcasts. Luckily you won’t have to search hard to find a car with Bluetooth, as it’s now a standard feature in practically every modern car. On top of that, adding it to any older cars is quite affordable and painless.