Self-driving cars are so 2024. A couple new show-offs can dance and fly. Love it or hate it, the latest models are dominated by increasingly innovative technology. To get an idea, locals can check out the annual Green Drives Conference & Expo (May 8) in Alsip, IL, as well as numerous niche auto shows and events.
These days, even unenthusiastic drivers who just want an easy commute to work are treated to an array of industry standard, high-tech additions. Here’s what’s becoming the norm.
Smarter Touch Screens & Multimedia Systems
It’s becoming easier and more streamlined to connect your phone to the car and use apps like maps, music, and messaging directly on the built-in touchscreen. They are designed to mirror a phone’s interface for easy, distraction-free access. Those screens have gotten a lot bigger, too. But you can keep your hands on the wheel by using voice controls just like you do in your living room, as long as your car has the right audio system.
Adaptive Cruise Control & Help Staying in Lanes
While most of us still drive all on our own, more cars are being built to help us do it right. Many of the changes are geared toward keeping drivers safe in faster traffic. A vehicle can maintain a set speed but will automatically slow down or speed up to keep a safe distance from the car in front. It’s super handy for highway driving.
Intelligent Controls
More and more, cars are compensating for human error by adjusting to their surroundings for a safer ride. If you live in a hilly, snow-prone area, some all-wheel-drives will automatically adjust power distribution to the wheels based on road conditions, giving you better traction on slippery or uneven surfaces.
Meanwhile, assistive steering systems help steer cars gently to keep them centered in their lane. If you start to drift without signaling, you may hear a beep, or your steering wheel might nudge you back into place.
Multi-Angle Cameras
Various tech-powered camera capabilities have been around for a while, but more car models are making use of them. This means that when you reverse, you can choose from different camera views – for instance, normal, wide, or top-down – to get a better look at what’s behind you. Other cars come with automatic pedestrian detection to help keep others safe, as well as a perimeter scan for more ease with parking or reversing out of tricky spots.
Features for use Outside of the Car
A lot of newer features are aimed at helping out when we’re away from our vehicles. There are more ways to lock, unlock, and start the vehicle remotely. Or, turn the heat or AC on so it’s a comfortable temperature when you get in. Similarly, people can use their smartphone as a key so they don’t have to fish around in their bag as they return to their parking spot.
Other ways you can use technology while you’re away from your car:
- Check your fuel levels.
- Make sure the doors are locked.
- Find your car using an app.
- If lost or stolen, GPS data can sometimes pinpoint its precise location.
Got your hands full of groceries? As long as the key is nearby, many people now wave their foot under the bumper to open the trunk.
Traffic Sign Recognition
Do you ever get frustrated trying to follow traffic signs while driving? There is technology to help you out with that. For example, there are cars that can read road signs such as speed limits and display them on the dashboard, helping you stay aware without taking your eyes off the road. Other cars have voice technology to provide helpful hints.
CFSC Auto Services in Illinois & Wisconsin
Our CFSC Auto Services may not be as fancy as flying cars, but they can do something even better: Help you take care of necessary payment and renewal tasks that are easy to overlook, preventing you from getting pricey tickets.
Check out CFSC Auto Services for more on what we do, or stop by your nearest location next time you need help with title, registration, plates, stickers and more!