Technology in cars is almost as crucial as what’s under the hood. Here’s a list of automotive technology to look for when buying a new car.
From safety and security to connectivity and communication, these systems are critical. As automotive technology gets more advanced, it has a direct impact on how you engage with your vehicle.
1. Advanced Driver Assist Systems Technology
Several automakers offer technologies that can detect risks early, decrease driver fatigue, and make traffic flow more smoothly. It’ll even park your vehicle for you! Many of these systems are available as part of a package, although many are also available alone.
What to Look For in ADAS:
- Adaptive cruise control that maintains a constant speed but slows or speeds up to maintain a safe distance from the vehicle in front of you.
- Lane departure warning systems warn you if you are drifting out of your lane.
- Lane assistance uses steering to keep your automobile in its lane.
- Blind-spot alert notifies you when a vehicle enters your blind spot.
- Cross-traffic alert will notify you if there is cross traffic when you back out of a parking space or driveway.
- Some systems even display the direction from which the other vehicle is approaching.
- Reverse brake assist detects an obstacle behind your car while backing up. Reverse brake assist can even safely stop your vehicle.
2. Emergency Braking System Technology
Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) activates the brakes in your car when it senses a possible collision. This therefore potentially averts or minimizes an accident. It is able to react much faster than a person. In addition, it can start breaking even before you do.
If you’re braking and this tech device detects that you need to stop sooner, it can brake harder than you’re exerting. Automatic braking is a part of many advanced driver assistance systems. By September 1, 2022, up to 20 automakers have pledged to make it standard through their entire line of vehicles.
3. Digital Key/Connected Mobile Apps
Our phones are an important part of our lives. Therefore, it’s only natural for automakers to take advantage of smartphone technology. Most car makers offer connected smartphone apps. However, some are better than others.
The most advanced models let you lock and unlock your doors remotely. In addition, they let you check the fuel level and tire pressure remotely. Furthermore, they will even start the car remotely. This is especially useful on a cold winter morning.
Extra security features are integrated into the digital key. They only connect your phone to your automobile.
4. Technology for Teen Drivers
Presently only General Motors offers the Teen Driver feature set. However, this automotive technology is a significant one. This means that this bundle is available on some Buick, Chevrolet, Cadillac, and GMC vehicles, trucks, and SUVs.
Teen Driver acts as a safety net for inexperienced drivers. This helps ease parents’ concerns about giving over the key fob.
If the car is driven beyond a specific speed, the system can alert you. In addition, it can block the music if seatbelts aren’t used. Further, it will filter out explicit content (with SiriusXM Satellite Radio) and establish a volume limit for the sound system.
In addition, there’s even a Report Card. It lets parents know if safety features like ABS or forward collision alert were activated while their child was driving.
5. Cyclists Protected with Exit Warning Technology
In the city, riding a bike is a constant problem. Riders must be as cautious of parked autos as they are of moving vehicles. The exit warning is a feature that benefits both riders and drivers. This technology detects cyclists and traffic using rear-facing sensors. This warns passengers not to open the car door just as a bike is passing.
Exit warning systems continue to function for several minutes after the engine has been turned off. When the sensors detect an oncoming bike or vehicle, they flash a succession of bright lights to alert the passenger. Some modern systems even prevent the door from swinging open. Others even lock the door to keep it out of the path of the oncoming object.
6. Wireless Charging Tech and Connectivity for Smartphones
Wireless smartphone charging and connectivity are now available in more vehicles than ever before. However, it’s more frequent on higher trim levels and luxury cars.
7. Camera with a 360-Degree Field of View
A 360-degree camera can ensure you don’t hit anything while parking. In addition, rear cross-traffic assist helps you prevent collisions when backing out of a parking space or driveway. This will keep your automobile free of scratches and dents. However, it will also reduce insurance claims from low-speed collisions.
Furthermore, your car’s display can present a virtual top-down view of your surroundings. It does this by combining cameras on every side of the vehicle with some clever automotive technology. In addition, it can show you the sides of your garage or whether you’re in the middle of the grocery store parking lines. Furthermore, it can also be of great aid when parallel parking.
8. Rearview Mirror with Video Technology
A video rearview mirror displays the image behind the vehicle using a camera positioned on the back of the vehicle. This type of mirror is in the same location as a typical mirror and has the same size. However, when you wish to use it, you can change between the mirror view and the video setting.
9. Vehicle Tracking Software
Last year, about 720,000 automobiles were stolen. Yes, that figure is startling, yet more than 56 percent of them were recovered. This percentage is much more than it was even a year ago. A large part of the credit goes to the ingenious built-in automotive technology that allows law enforcement to track them down.
Kia UVO, Subaru Starlink, GM OnStar, and Hyundai Blue Link all use the technology in their assistance and security systems. They can determine a vehicle’s exact location. In addition, they offer diagnostics, concierge, and post-crash notice for summoning rescue personnel.
10. Monitor with Blind-Spot View Technology
Suppose you’re getting ready to change lanes. Many drivers prefer the idea of having an easy-to-view screen that displays what’s on either side of their car.
The video-based blind-spot view monitor displays what traffic is in the lane next to you. It uses a small camera on either side of your automobile. These alerts can assist you to avoid colliding with another vehicle or a bicyclist or motorbike rider.
