5 Must-Have Features to Look for in a Car
Published on January 8th, 2021
Remote start, autopilot, personal assistant, blind-spot monitoring-things have come a long way since the days of crank windows and FM radio. With all the new features available in high tech vehicles and luxury cars, it's hard to know which add-ons will provide a safer and more enjoyable driving experience, and which are just gimmicks. Here at Landry Automobiles, we've tested them all and we're ready to give you our honest opinion on car tech. Here are the top five features that we think are worth having.
1. Forward Collision Warning
Forward collision warning (FCW) is a driver assistance system that alerts the driver when they are about to collide with a vehicle or object in their path. It can save you from rear-ending the vehicle in front of you if it suddenly stops without you noticing right away. Some more advanced FCW systems can also detect pedestrians, cyclists or large animals. There are various ways such systems alert the driver, for example through an alarm sound and/or lights on the dashboard or in a head up display. Some systems let drivers adjust the timing of this warning to early, standard or late. Data from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) show that FCW reduces rear-end accidents by 27%. Given how effective it is, we think FCW is definitely a feature worth having, and one that is sure to become more and more common in the future.
2. Automatic Emergency Braking
Automatic emergency braking (AEB) systems are usually combined with forward collision warning. If the driver doesn't respond to the collision warning in time, the AEB system will automatically slow down the vehicle or bring it to a stop. AEB technology has the potential not only to save lives but also to reduce many moderate and less severe rear-end crashes. A study in the journal Accident Analysis & Prevention found that low-speed automatic emergency braking reduced front-to-rear crash rates by 43% on its own, and by 50% when combined with FCW. We think you should get a vehicle with both.
3. Android Auto and Apple CarPlay
Android Auto and Apple CarPlay are car assistant systems that let you access certain features of your phone while you drive, using either voice commands or through your center console. That way, you can listen to your playlists, navigate, check short messages and take hands-free calls, all while minimizing the risks of distracted driving. If you're the type of person who's hooked to their smartphone, you'll definitely want this convenient feature.
4. Back-Up Camera
Back-up cameras are a great safety feature because they give you a full view of what's behind your vehicle and can alert you if you're about to back into something-without your needing the head-turning capacity of an owl. Besides, depending on the model year of your vehicle, you might not have much choice when it comes to this feature. Since 2018, Transport Canada has required that all new vehicles weighing 4536 kg or less be equipped with a back-up camera. That's in response to the number of children who have been killed or injured by a simple backup manoeuvre because they were not visible in the rear-view mirrors. Back-up cameras can save lives, so it just makes sense to have one.
5. Heated Seats and Steering Wheel
A heated driver's seat and heated steering wheel are one of those little luxuries that never gets old. On a cold winter morning, they make a real difference to your comfort level, and they work more quickly than the vehicle's main climate control system. You might even find yourself looking forward to your toasty commute instead of dreading the need to leave your house! Seat warmers can also help relieve back pain. Plus, a heated steering wheel is a safer option than driving with gloves, which might not have appropriate grip. Increased comfort and safety-what's not to love?
Where Can You Find Cars With These Features in Laval?
Landry Automobiles has a wide selection of vehicles that come with these five features and other automotive technology. You can browse the selection on our website and even filter the results by feature (now that you know what you're looking for). Check out the inventory page or visit our dealer in Laval today.