Buying a car isn’t cheap. However, it can last for years if you purchase a quality vehicle and keep up with maintenance and repairs. It’s an economically wise concept that many car owners practice. Although your late-model vehicle saves you money and gets you from one destination to the next, there is one thing it lacks – advanced safety and performance features.
Every year modern innovations are developed to enhance the driver’s experience behind the wheel. These advancements go beyond aesthetics and encompass everything from building materials and fuel sources to safety and performance. Though this information doesn’t mean you should ditch your car, it should cause you to consider making upgrades like these listed below.
Anti-Collision Software
Top automakers like Tesla are paving the way for technological solutions like self-driving cars to enhance driver and passenger safety. Unfortunately, these energy-efficient auto-pilot machines aren’t yet available to the general public. The good news is that alternatives like anti-collision software exist to improve road safety.
Collision avoidance software is a system with sensors and a dash cam. The sensors track traffic, traffic lanes, vehicle positioning, speed, people, and objects around the car. The system sends signals to alert drivers of blind spots, slowing or oncoming traffic, high speeds, swerving, and more. These notifications enable you to adjust to keep yourself and others safe on the road.
Engine Diagnostic Systems
The engine of a vehicle is just as essential as the human brain. If the engine is compromised, it impacts the car’s efficiency, safety, and performance, making it a necessary component to monitor. Though most vehicles have a check engine light, they don’t provide the most efficient information for you to make improvements. Do you need to change your oil, are the filters dirty, is the engine clogged, or is there a more substantial problem?
Installing an engine diagnostic system into your late-model vehicle is a beneficial investment. It’s a small device connected to your car’s diagnostic port. The system monitors the engine and sends reports through a mobile app for improved safety, performance, and efficiency.
Tire Pressure Gauge
Maintaining adequate tire pressure is essential to vehicle safety and performance. While most owner manuals will inform you of the appropriate pressure levels for your tires, it’s not something you can eyeball and get right. That’s why many late-model vehicle owners don’t consider adding air to their tires until they experience a flat. A stick, manual, or digital tire pressure gauge can help you get a more accurate reading on your tires, so you don’t under or overinflate them. They’re easy to use, affordable, and can improve your driving experience.
Reverse Cameras
Driving in reverse is often necessary but extremely dangerous. Drivers can only twist their bodies so far to see what’s behind the car. The lower your visibility is, the easier it is to hit something or someone. Reverse driving cameras reduce blind spots and enhance your safety. Whether you’re pulling out of the driveway, making a U-turn, or driving backward to avoid a roadblock, the moment the gears shift to reverse, the camera comes on so you can see everything in your path.
Touchscreen Display or Tablet
Most people do more than drive when they’re behind the wheel. They’re checking the navigational system, changing the radio station, regulating temperatures, and responding to calls and notifications on their phones. Unfortunately, these tasks require late-model vehicle owners to take their eyes off the road.
A touchscreen display or tablet can improve your focus. It’s like a smartphone or tablet for your vehicle. It can be installed in your dashboard or connected to your radio console. The system enables you to access and manage everything from the temperature and radio station to the GPS and smartphone notifications. You can even set up voice activation for a hands-free experience so you can drive safely. Whether you prefer the nostalgia late-model vehicles provide or lack the budget to purchase a more advanced ride, there are practical ways to bring “old reliable” into the digital age. The above tech upgrades and gadgets are convenient, affordable, and ultimately improve safety, performance, and experience behind the wheel.