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Used to be that power windows and locks were the epitomy of
luxury. Today they are standard on most econoboxes; technology has gifted us
with a great many more goodies and gadgets. Here are ten features and options
that will make life with your car a lot easier and safer.
1. Remote keyless entry
Keyless entry systems allow you to unlock your car by
pushing a button on a remote. The ability to quickly get into your car without
fumbling for the key is an important safety feature, especially in poorly-lit
areas. With most remotes, pushing the button once unlocks just the driver's
door; you must push twice to unlock other doors, so there's no worry about a
hidden intruder jumping into the passenger's side. Most also have a panic
button that honks the horn and flashes the lights.
2. OnStar System
With OnStar, help from a real-live person is always just a
button-push away. Got a flat tire? Someone following you? Just need to hear a
human voice? Push the button. OnStar advisors can summon a tow truck or a cop,
or just say hello. If your airbags deploy, they call you. They can even track
your car if it's stolen and remotely let you in if you're locked out. OnStar
charges a monthly subscription fee; the basic plan gives you the most critical
safety benefits and is a bargain at $17/month.
3. Anti-lock brakes (ABS)
Simple physics dictates that a turning wheel has more
traction than one that is skidding. Antilock brake systems (ABS) watch
individual wheel speeds; if one locks up, they pump the brakes far faster than
a human could. Don't worry about giving up control to a computer; if the ABS
system goes on the fritz (they rarely do) the brakes work normally.
Do-it-yourselfers can still do their own brake jobs (though you must relieve
system pressure before removing a brake line; check your repair manual).
4. Electronic stability/skid-control system
ESC systems use the anti-lock brake sensors (which show
individual wheel speed), accelerometers, and steering wheel/pedal position
sensors to figure out what the car is doing and what the driver wants it to do.
If the two don't seem to match up, ESC does what no driver can: It applies the
brakes to individual wheels and reduces power as needed to keep the car going
where the driver is trying to point it. They are almost transparent and work
surprisingly well.
5. Telescoping steering wheel/adjustable pedals
Most new cars have height-adjustable (tilt) steering
columns; some cars have steering wheels that telescope (move in and out) and/or
electrically adjustable pedals. The latter two not only make finding a
comfortable position easier, but they allow shorter drivers to safely position
themselves farther from the airbag while still keeping their feet comfortably
on the pedals.
6. Rear-seat DVD player
Got kids? Movies-on-the-go can make long trips easier for
both you and them. Many rear-seat entertainment systems include wireless
headphones, so you can enjoy the stereo (or the peace and quiet). My own
children would have TVs surgically implanted in the backs of their hands if
they could, so in order to avoid turning them into road-going zombies I
generally limit movie watching to long trips. They also make a convenient
reward and/or dangling carrot.
7. GPS navigation system
Using the Global Positioning Satellite System and sensors in
the car, GPS navigation systems can pinpoint your exact location and give you
turn-by-turn directions (via a small video screen, spoken voice, or both) to
help you find your way. Most will also guide you to the closest gas station,
ATM, hospital or police station. They can steer you out of a bad neighborhood,
they can route you around traffic, and no matter how lost you get, they can
always help you find your way home.
8. Side airbags
Most cars have at least three feet of crush space at the
front and back, but only a few inches of protection at the sides.
Federally-mandated door beams help keep the car intact instead of caving in.
But there's still the problem of inertia: While the car is being pushed away,
your body (particularly your head, which isn't secured by the seat belt) wants
to stay still, and it could go right through the side window. Side airbags
cushion your noggin and help keep it safely inside the car.
9. Center console with power outlet
Open the center consoles on many new cars and you'll find a
power outlet (a.k.a. a cigarette lighter without the lighter). These outlets
provide a way to charge your mobile phone while keeping it out of sight. I'm
dead-set against talking on the phone while driving (though I sometimes do it
anyway), but it's good to know you'll always have juice to make a call in case
of an emergency.
10. Roadside assistance
Flat tire? Dead battery? Out of gas? Traditionally, people
have turned to AAA (US) or CAA (Canada) for life's little motoring emergencies,
but many new cars come with roadside assistance as part of their new-car
warranty. Several manufacturers even offer it as part of their "certified
used" programs. That said, AAA and CAA memberships are inexpensive; with
all the travel discounts they bring, your membership may very likely pay for
itself.
Article Credit: http://cars.about.com
Houston Car Dealers
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