If you have not bought a car in the past few years, you might be surprised just how much technology has changed for the kings of the road. Like cellular phones, cars are among the mechanisms that seem to experience breakthroughs in technology almost every year. This year, let us take a look at some of the most important car features that any enthusiast would love to have in their vehicles.
Anti-Collision System
No matter how careful we are when driving, chances are that there would always be distractions that could pose a danger to us and our passengers. These dangers can range from animals or children darting suddenly into the street, other cars suddenly braking in front of our vehicles, and many more. These distractions can get us into collision with other cars, which not only cause damage to both the vehicles but also pose extreme danger to people.
To better protect drivers, their passengers, and the people around them, manufacturers have found a way to at least prevent some types of vehicle collisions on the road. They have come up with a technology known as the anti-collision system or the automated emergency braking system. This system uses sensors, cameras, and even radar and light detection and ranging (LIDAR) technology.
Anti-collision systems are created not only for four-wheeled vehicles. Even motorcycles also have their own anti-collision system nowadays. Dubbed as Ride Vision 1 and created by Ride Vision, an Israeli startup, this anti-collision system can be easily installed into motorcycles. Like the automated emergency braking systems in cars, Ride Vision 1 uses cameras, radars, and sensors for it to work. Motorcycle drivers looking for the best motorcycle repair and restoration packages can now choose to have this system installed on their bikes along with some other newer features.
Adaptive Cruise Control
It is a must that drivers keep a safe distance from the vehicles in front of them to avoid collisions or accidents. They are also expected to stay within the required speed limit. But there are times that these regulations are not followed or there may be circumstances that led to drivers getting too close to the car in front.
To address such an issue, a technology called adaptive cruise control has been created. Adaptive cruise control is basically a system that automatically adjusts a car’s speed to avoid getting into a collision with the car in front. Sensory technology, which includes radar, cameras, and lasers, is used for this system to work. Adaptive cruise control increases safety in the road by putting adequate spacing between vehicles. Adaptive cruise control is also known by the names intelligent cruise control, automatic cruise control, dynamic cruise control, active cruise control, and radar cruise control.
360-Degree Camera
Newer car models are now installed with a 360-degree camera system, providing drivers more visibility around the vehicle. Also called a bird’s eye view camera, top-down camera, surround-view camera, or around-view camera, a 360-degree camera system is comprised of several cameras placed strategically around the vehicle.
The cameras are linked to software that interprets the views coming from each of the cameras. The views are then stitched together into one single image, which is seen on the vehicle’s infotainment system. 360-degree camera systems are useful in parking. They allow drivers to avoid hitting anything while trying to park their cars even in narrow parking slots. The cameras turn off automatically when the car is moving at traffic speeds.
Massage Seat
Driving can be exhausting especially on long drives. It is not surprising why many drivers would complain of back pains and numb muscles. Due to these problems, car manufacturers have now found a way to make long driving more tolerable. They have included massage seats in their lists of features in their latest car models. These seats may also be bought separately and be installed in the vehicle at the driver’s discretion.
The seats relieve aching muscles during long drives. So far, car models that have a massage seat as one of their built-in features include the 2019 BMW series, 2019 Porsche Panamera, 2019 Lexus LS, 2019 Cadillac CT6, and the 2019 Audi S4 to name a few.
Remote Start
Many newer models can also now be started remotely using cellular phones. This feature allows drivers to cool their cars first before getting inside them. The best thing about this is that they only have to click an app on their phones to get the car started and cooled.
Almost every year, these car features are enhanced to better serve the consuming public. Car manufacturers are also continually looking for newer technologies that they can integrate into their models to give their customers a better driving experience.