Car Technology Advancements That Make Life Easier For Drivers

Are you old enough to remember when air conditioning and powered windows were optional car features? How about when you had to manually unlock your doors? If you are, then you've seen firsthand how far car technology has come in just a few decades.

Nowadays, we can't imagine owning a vehicle without them. In fact, new cars are loaded with all sorts of tech gadgets and creature comforts that make the driving experience more enjoyable. Here are just a few of the car tech advancements that have made life easier for drivers.

Automatic Climate Control

Curbside Classic

"Cadillac released Comfort Control, the world’s first fully automatic climate control system in 1964. This system is an amazing accomplishment and a reminder of how GM and Cadillac really once were the standard of the world"

If you wanted that type of luxury you had to pay a pretty penny for it. Nowadays, you can find automatic climate control in even the most basic of cars. This feature keeps the temperature at a preset level, so you don't have to adjust it every time the weather changes.

Cruise Control

Another oldie but goodie is Cruise Control. Great for long road trips when you don't want to wear your foot out by constantly pressing the gas pedal. It also helps you save on gas. Just set your desired speed and the car will maintain a consistent speed, as long as you keep your foot off the brake.

Wikipedia

"Modern cruise control (also known as a speedostat or tempomat) was invented in 1948 by the blind inventor and mechanical engineer Ralph Teetor.[4][5] He came up with the idea due to being frustrated by his driver's habit of speeding up and slowing down as he talked."

Heated and Cooled Seats

Another comfort feature that has become standard in many new cars are heated and cooled seats. This is a welcome addition for those who live in climates with extreme temperatures. Heated seats warm you up on cold days, while cooled seats keep you cool on hot days.

Backup Cameras

Did you know that backup cameras originated in 1956? Although backup cameras have been around for years they started to become more popular in the early 2000s.

Backup cameras are a lifesaver, literally. They help you avoid accidents by giving you a clear view of what's behind you when you're in reverse.

Wikipedia

"1956 Buick Centurion concept car, presented in January 1956 at the General Motors Motorama. The vehicle had a rear-mounted television camera that sent images to a TV screen in the dashboard in place of the rear-view mirror."

If you've ever tried to parallel park in a tight spot without one then you know what a pain it can be. a backup camera can be a lifesaver.

Tuesday, May 1st, 2018 - The Day Backup Cameras Became Standard

Car And Driver

"If you’re shopping for a new vehicle and it doesn’t have a backup camera or the feature costs extra, then it was built before Tuesday, May 1st, 2018. That’s when the safety device became standard on all vehicles made for the American market."

Although backup cameras have been around for years they started to become more popular in the early 2000s.

Keyless Entry and Start

Just like other car technology , keyless entry and start has been around for a while but it's only recently that it has become standard in new cars. This feature allows you to unlock and start your car without ever having to take your keys out of your pocket.

What Car Technology Is Next To Become A Standard Option?

Here are some other options that are starting to move their way from the luxury category into the mainstream. The average car buyer may not be able to afford all of these features right now, but eventually, they may become standard.

1. Automatic braking

2. Lane departure warning

3. Blind spot monitoring

4. Park assist systems

5. Adaptive cruise control

6. Heads-up displays

One of the most popular car technology trends is the inclusion of hands-free capabilities, such as Bluetooth and voice-activated controls. This allows drivers to keep their hands on the wheel and eyes on the road while still being able to control.

Do you have a car with outdated technology?

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The Benefits of Buying a Used Car vs Leasing

Buying a used car can be an attractive option for many consumers, as it allows them to save money and still get the vehicle they need. On the other hand, leasing has its own advantages and can be just as attractive for some. Let’s  take a look at both options in more detail to help you decide which one is best for your situation.

The Advantages of Buying Used

One of the major benefits of buying used cars is the price tag. Used cars tend to be significantly cheaper than buying new, allowing for more affordable upfront costs with lower monthly payments. This can give buyers a much wider range of vehicles that may fit their budget better. Used cars are also usually less expensive to insure due to their lower value compared to newer models. Lower insurance premiums can mean substantial savings over time, depending on the type and age of your car. 

A wide variety of choices is also available when shopping for a used car; many dealerships carry newer cars that have only recently been taken off lease. These cars are typically returned in excellent condition but come with large discounts due to the fact that they were previously leased instead of bought outright. In addition, certain vehicles depreciate more slowly than others; meaning if you choose wisely, you could avoid significant losses when it comes time to resell your car further down the line.

The Advantages of Leasing

Leasing is another way to acquire a vehicle without breaking the bank on upfront costs or breaking into your savings account every month for years on end; since lease rates tend to run lower than loan rates, it's usually possible to pay less each month even if your credit score isn’t perfect (though this does vary depending on several factors).

Leasing also allows for greater flexibility in terms of vehicle selection; some luxury models cannot be fully purchased outright due to their high cost but may be available through leasing options from reputable companies that specialize in such products. This gives buyers access to cars that would otherwise be completely out of reach due to financial restrictions alone.

Leased vehicles require little upkeep and maintenance compared with used cars so long as regular service intervals are met according to the agreement—with no additional investments required beyond routine checkups during lease periods. At the conclusion of leases, customers may return their rented car or upgrade easily since ownership is not involved—allowing traders or leasers easy exits and freedom from long-term commitments if desired (or required).

 Final Thoughts

Buying a used car vs leasing depends entirely on individual needs and preferences; while some people prefer owning something outright, others may benefit more from renting and getting out quickly if needed down the road. Ultimately both options present advantages so long as consumers make wise decisions throughout the purchasing process regardless!