The top new vehicle technologies for 2018 look like an extension of your smartphone. While some bring the functionality of smartphones directly into the cockpit, others provide added measures of safety.
Here are some of the top vehicle technologies and their capabilities:
- Connected Mobile Apps: Many vehicle apps enable you to remotely lock and unlock the doors, sound the horn and flash the lights, monitor the status of vehicle systems and even start the vehicle remotely.
- Adaptive Cruise Control: A commuter’s delight, this advanced driver assistance system (ADAS) uses an array of sensors to match the speed of the car in front of you.
- Apple CarPlay and Google’s Android Auto: Plug in your smartphone using one of these apps and it will take over the in-dash screen with an interface that looks like your smartphone and is easy to use.
- Rear Cross-traffic Alert: This system uses sensors built into the rear of the vehicle to alert the driver of approaching vehicles, pedestrians, etc.
- USB Ports: USB ports enable passengers to connect and charge a variety of electronic devices. Check to see how many the vehicle offers and whether they are in easily accessible locations.
- Lane Departure Warning Systems: Using cameras to determine when a car drifts across a marked lane, these systems give drivers a signal – visual, audible or a vibration – to alert them.
- Teen Driver Technology: Built-in teen driver limitation systems notify parents when their teen is driving too fast, disables the stereo if the seatbelts are not engaged and even keeps the sound system at a reasonable decibel level for driving.
- Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB): Using a variety of sensors, AEB determines if a forward collision is about to happen and automatically applies the brakes.
- LED Headlights: Newer LED bulbs never need replacing, consume less power and are much brighter than traditional halogen bulbs.
- 360-degree Camera: With a combination of cameras on every side of the vehicle and powerful computing technology, your car’s display provides a virtual 360-degree view of your vehicle’s surroundings, which helps avoid low-speed crashes.
While 2018’s new vehicle technologies are designed to make driving more safe and comfortable, these advancements are no substitute for an alert and engaged driver. So, continue to keep your eyes on the road and your mind on traffic.
And, if you still have that unfortunate accident, remember to take your car to a Gold Class® collision repair shop. Gold Class shops have met the industry’s standard for training that contributes to complete, safe and quality repairs.