As someone who drives a smart car, I’m always looking for ways to make it safer, smarter, and more convenient. For this list of features, I asked myself: what are the coolest smart car features that all cars should have? Here’s what they are (and why they matter).
Table of Contents
The 9 smart car features that we will soon see
Here are the next innovations that will be soon common in smart cars:
1. Flat tire sensor
Flat tire sensors are becoming increasingly popular and for good reason. This handy feature alerts you when one of your tires is flat, which can happen for many reasons. You might not realize that it’s even happened until the car starts to vibrate at freeway speeds.
But with a tire sensor on board, you’ll know as soon as something happens. You will have time to change it before driving becomes unsafe.
The simple device can be installed in minutes. It will tell drivers how many pounds per square inch (PSI) they’re losing due to low tire pressure.
2. Blind spot warning system
One of the most dangerous driving situations is when you’re in your car, and another car is in your blind spot. Fortunately, this feature helps you avoid accidents by alerting you if someone is in your blind spot.
When a car is detected in your blind spot, an icon appears on the side mirrors to let you know that there’s another vehicle close to yours. If someone gets too close to where they shouldn’t be, a signal will sound and flashes like a warning light.
This can help keep drivers safe by keeping them aware of what’s happening around their vehicles.
3. Automatic windshield wipers
Automatic windshield wipers are an important feature for any vehicle. These devices keep your windshield clean, but they also help with visibility. If you’re driving in a downpour, automatic windshield wipers can be a lifesaver by clearing away rain and snow that would otherwise fog up your view of the road ahead.
Automated wipers work in two ways: they either use their sensor to determine when moisture has accumulated on the glass or run off of sensors within the car’s main computer system, like those that control rearview mirrors and seatbelt chimes. The latter option is generally considered more accurate and reliable than an onboard moisture detector.
4. Lane departure warning system
Lane departure warning systems are becoming increasingly common, with Mercedes-Benz, Volvo, and Cadillac all offering it on their vehicles. It’s one of many smart car features that can be especially helpful in preventing accidents if you tend to drift out of your lane or miss exits on the highway due to fatigue.
It uses sensors on the sides of your car to monitor the position of your vehicle relative to lane markings. It alerts you if they detect that you might unintentionally cross into another lane. If it senses an impending collision, it activates an alarm so that you know something is wrong before it happens.
5. Adaptive cruise control
Adaptive cruise control (ACC) allows your vehicle to maintain a set distance between you and the car in front. It can automatically slow down or speed up depending on how close you are to the car in front of you.
It’s safe because it keeps both hands on the steering wheel and your eyes where they should be—on the road ahead. The ACC system only works when another vehicle is detected ahead of your car, so if there are no vehicles ahead, then ACC won’t engage.
6. Head-up display (HUD)
You may have seen a head-up display (HUD) on some luxury cars, SUVs, trucks, and sports cars. A HUD projects information onto the windshield, so you don’t have to look down at your speedometer or navigation system. This reduces distraction while driving and helps improve safety.
Many people are unaware that HUDs are already used by fighter pilots in military aircraft and by luxury car owners today. They’re also found in some SUVs, trucks, and sports cars like Porsche’s 911 Turbo S E-Hybrid Convertible and vans like Ford Transit Connect Wagon with the optional HDMI input feature installed.
7. Night vision
Night vision is a camera that can see in the dark. It uses infrared light to create an image of what’s happening behind your car. It could be used to help drivers see more clearly at night (it can detect pedestrians and other road obstacles). You will be able to avoid animals that may jump out from behind trees and into your path.
8. Gesture commands and other advanced controls
You will be able to also use gesture controls to interact with your car. You can raise a window, change the radio station, or even turn off the air conditioning without taking your hands off the wheel.
Speaking of voice commands—and this is something that all automotive manufacturers need to get on board with. Voice control is a great way to keep both hands on the wheel while driving.
You can tell your car where to take you (or ask it for directions), call someone in your phone book, and even play music from Spotify or another app of choice simply by asking for them by name. It’s not just safer than fumbling around for buttons. It also helps keep you focused on driving.
9. Electronic parking brake
The electronic parking brake is designed to improve safety by eliminating foot-operated pedals and replacing them with buttons on the dash or steering wheel so you can easily switch between “normal driving mode” and “parking mode.”
It also provides an additional level of peace of mind by automatically applying your vehicle’s brakes if someone bumps into it from behind while it’s parked.
These smart car features are about safety on the road
Safety is the most important thing to consider when on the road. Having smart car features that can help drivers stay focused and alert and avoid accidents is crucial.
We’re excited to see what the future holds for smart cars. There are a lot of possibilities in terms of safety features, connectivity options, and more. As long as the technology keeps improving, we should be able to drive more safely than ever before.
Read also: Bmw Dee, the car that changes color with virtual reality
