Car technologies continue to get better and better by the day. Since the first car was invented in 1886, cars have experienced many changes. The automotive world is now gearing up for self-driving cars--one of the most anticipated breakthroughs in car technology. Let’s look at five technologies that have forever changed the automotive industry.
Automatic car parking technology was first introduced in 2006 in the Lexus LS460 flagship sedan. The car-maneuvering system helps drivers park their vehicles safely in constrained environments that require experience and more attention. The car uses sensors to detect any nearby objects that may cause collision. It automatically evades them with the help of the Advanced Parking Guidance System. The driver may only need to apply brakes occasionally as the car parks itself.
Voice recognition technology lets you give commands to your car using your voice. You can make calls, reply to text messages, and get directions without taking your attention away from the road. Modern cars allow you to activate this feature by pressing a button located at the center of the steering wheel. However, the feature is still not fully reliable as it's still in the development phase. If you have Apple Carplay and Google Android Auto, use them instead.
Car keys are rapidly getting phased out. Today, all new vehicles come with at least two key fobs. When speaking with car dealerships, most agree that keyless entry is a feature that many potential car buyers look for. Car experts at Larry H Miller Toyota advise car buyers to insist on getting a second key fob programmed for their vehicle when buying a used vehicle with just one key fob. Key fobs are more convenient and do more than just lock and unlock your car. They use RFID technology which is efficient, secure, and programmable. And the best part is you can always get a replacement key or follow the manufacturer’s instructions and program another one if you lose the original key fob.
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Vehicle-to-Vehicle Communication Systems
Automakers now fit modern vehicles with computerized communication nodes. These nodes allow cars to communicate with other cars. The technology allows two cars to share vital traffic information and other safety warnings. Drivers can get real-time hazard assessment information that can help them avoid accidents. The National Highway Safety Administration is presently considering making V2V communications devices mandatory in cars to enhance safety and save more lives on the road.
A few years ago, connecting your smartphone to your car via Bluetooth or USB meant you could play music and make calls. But thanks to the introduction of Google Android Auto and Apple Carplay, you can do so much more when you connect your smartphone to your car’s computer system.
You can get directions with just the tap of a button, watch movies, listen to music and podcasts, make calls, read, send text messages, and do other things. Automakers know that people are always connected to their smartphones and are creating car systems that work seamlessly with smartphones. We expect better and exciting car technologies going forward.
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