All posts tagged auto features

4 Features that Every New Car Should Have

by Carsurfer Admin on 2016/09/28 in Auto Buying Tips with Comments Off on 4 Features that Every New Car Should Have

In today’s world, it’s important that all aspects of our lives take advantage of the new and exciting technology that is unveiled on what seems to be a daily basis. This does not exclude our automobiles. Here are four features that should be standard across all new cars.

Lane Detection

Lane detection, or the ability for a car to detect when you are drifting out of your lane, is an important safety feature that all new cars should have. An alarm that sounds when you unintentionally move from your lane would help keep drivers alert, and would help to prevent car crashes caused by drivers drifting out of their lane and hitting another car. Even seemingly small safety features like this can help to save many lives.

Scanning Tools

Scanning or diagnostics tools should also be built into every new car. These tools provide a user interface that lets you view the current status of your car’s onboard computer. Some companies, like AA Automotive Diagnostic Solutions LLC, know that these scanning tools can provide information about your engine, brakes, and other subsystems of your car. With a scanning tool installed, you’ll be able to know exactly what is wrong if a part of your car was to malfunction. Additionally, more sophisticated systems will even give you step-by-step instructions to repair the issue yourself. By having a scanning tool installed in your car, you’ll be more informed about your car’s health, and will be able to provide the proper maintenance and care without any guesswork.

Backup Assist

Another seemingly simple safety feature, backup assist tools will help prevent accidents that occur when a driver is operating the vehicle in reverse. These backup assist tools can feature cameras that show the scene behind the vehicle, or alarms that sound when the vehicle is too close to something behind it, making it much easier to back up.

Seat Belt Enforcement

Most cars these days play an alarm if you drive off without buckling your seat belt. However, new cars should not even allow you to depart without buckling up. By forcing all drivers to fasten their seat belts before leaving, the number of injuries and fatalities from car crashes could be drastically reduced. For example, in 2014, seat belts were instrumental in saving 12,802 lives.

If all of these features were added to all new cars, there would be more educated drivers, and these drivers would be operating their vehicles much more safely.

Car Crazy: How to Choose the Best Features for Your Family

by Carsurfer Admin on 2016/08/10 in Auto Buying Tips with Comments Off on Car Crazy: How to Choose the Best Features for Your Family

Providing for a family is what any parent is supposed to do, but you can only get the best if you know what you’re looking for. This is why it is important to learn as much as you can about products, sales, and budgeting when you buy. This can be applied to everything, including the purchase of your next family car. There are a few other things you should look for while searching for your new car, and the following are some features that you might want to add to the list.

Backup Camera

One of the most important features to have in a modern car is a fully active and all-encompassing backup camera. Sure, this feature is usually sold as a tool to help you park or ensure that you do not backup into another car, but it means more to a growing family. Accidents involving children and a vehicle backing out of a driveway are reported each year. You do not want to become a part of that statistic, which is what makes the backup camera imperative. The reverse-sensing system, or park assist system, should also be installed on your vehicle for easier parking. The reverse-sensing system helps detect objects that are six feet from the vehicle. Both of these systems are there to warn you if a child is behind you. Still, it is always best to just check before you start backing out of the driveway, and always drive slowly.

Shades on the Car Windows

The feature is not always on cars especially if the windows are tinted, but is a very important feature for children. You might not think about it, but the sun can be very damaging when exposed to it for long periods of time, especially for small infants. Check to see if the vehicle you are considering comes with this feature and take precautions like applying sunscreen when planning to take a long drive. Sunlight can lead to sun burns or heat exhaustion, not to mention put your child at risk of skin cancer. Tinted or shaded windows can also protect your children from the eyes of strangers outside the car. You can ask car dealerships in St. George Utah what other features they might recommend for families like kid-safe windows and automatic locks.

Third-Row Seating

Many vehicles come with third-row seating, but the quality and the position does matter. Third-row seating that is stationary doesn’t really give you much flexibility. You want the third row seating to be as flexible as possible to make it easy for your children to get in. This will also allow you to store big items when necessary. Some family-friendly cars come with a second-row seat that slides so the third-row seat is easily accessible and others allow you to tuck away the third-row seating on those days your children are not there and you need to pick up big items. 

Look for a Good LATCH System

A LATCH system refers to specially designed seats that come with lower anchors and attachments so that a parent can easily set up the child seat. Remember that the LATCH system is not universal and some cars are designed differently from others. It is a good idea to take your car seat with you to the car dealership to see if you can easily set up the car seat in the vehicle you are considering. Be sure to find out how easy is it to remove the car seat as well. You should not let anyone else set up the seat for you because you will be the one dealing with this.

Of course, you cannot forget to check for other basic family features, like the safety rating or how many airbags are in the car. See if there is an entertainment system installed that could help keep children calm while you drive. Hopefully this guide helps you determine the best features for your family.

Looking for Luxury? 4 Affordable Car Features to Look For

by Carsurfer Admin on 2016/06/10 in Auto Buying Tips with Comments Off on Looking for Luxury? 4 Affordable Car Features to Look For

In the past, mainstream vehicles were primarily designed to safely get you from one destination to another. These days, car manufacturers continue to make more options available as people’s wants and needs change. Many people are now interested in purchasing tech-centric vehicles at an affordable price. If you’re in the market for a vehicle that has economical yet luxurious gadgets, be sure to consider the following in-car features.

Navigation System

Two-thirds of people under 25 years old cannot adequately read a map, and as technology advances, this trend seems unlikely to change. Most vehicles, even economy cars, now come with the option of a factory-installed navigation system. These devices are seamlessly mounted into the vehicle and provide more than just directions—they will also give you alternate routes, traffic reports and locations of nearby points of interest.

Adaptive Cruise Control

This advanced form of cruise control has previously been available only on high-end cars, but it is now offered as a standard or optional feature on vehicles from many different manufacturers. Adaptive cruise control uses a sensor to detect other cars and will automatically adjust your automobile’s speed, allowing you to maintain a safe distance from vehicles ahead of you. The most basic systems will only operate above certain speeds, so they will not function in traffic jams. Prices continue to decrease, and it is now possible to purchase this option for less than $1,000.

Electronic Seat Adjustment

If multiple family members drive your vehicle, you know that repositioning the driver’s seat is an annoying necessity that wastes your time. When your car uses electronic adjustment, the system will change the height and angle of the seat. Additionally, it will reposition the exterior mirrors and steering column. Depending on its specifications, your system will be able to save two or more configurations.

Heated Steering Wheel

Touching an ice-cold steering wheel can make driving unpleasant. Wearing gloves can solve the problem, but you will then have difficulty operating the navigation system and pressing small buttons on the dashboard. This feature is an inconspicuous upgrade that will surely increase your comfort level.

Luxury features are no longer restricted to expensive vehicles, and many luxury brands offer entry-level models that are similar in price to mass-market cars. Investing in deluxe features will truly enhance your driving experience, so visit a car dealer like Quebedeaux Buick GMC to see the large number of luxury options that are available at affordable prices.