Consumers have a term to level up their product when they want to increase the role they play in their life. This is called an ‘improvement’ and it doesn’t mean that you take what you have and add improvements to or to it. It’s a saying that means, literally buying other products that are newer, better performing in every way, and aiming to make their lives easier and better. Take, for example, the world of smartphones. Smartphones may have been at the top of the list when they first came out, but after 3 to 5 years, they’re pretty old. Many of the new apps and software do not work on older models because of major changes to networking and programming, or the hardware just cannot handle the new stuff that’s released. That’s how cars work unless you have a decade or more of relevance in every new vehicle. The modern car is a computer on wheels and if you aren’t familiar with the new standards of driving and cars, you’re a novice with regards to ‘modern’ or futuristic drivers. Here’s how and why you should consider upgrading.
Ignorance with new features
Manufacturers have tried to make their cars even safer to drive but also fun and enjoyable. What has happened in the last decade for sure is that more and more everyday cars are aligned with the top models money can purchase. For example, blind spot detection is an awesome feature that is straightforward but effective. A small triangle lights up in the rearview mirror, to let you know there’s an object such as a car or motorbike in a position you cannot see by checking your rearview mirror. A warning signal may appear on your dashboard to inform you of this. However, if you have a windshield projection, you can even get the same warning but in a better looking place.
Proximity sensor placed around normal everyday cars these days. Not only to help you when parking, it can even warn you about cars beside, behind and in front of you getting too close. This can stop an accident from happening any time, as drivers can be fully aware of what is around them without ever taking their eyes off the road ahead of them. However, they do take some getting used to as distances need to be set, changed and often times the software needs to be updated. These are just a few of the features that the new car has, so if you aren’t familiar with them, you’ll learn them after most other road users are used to them.
It’s in feelings
For the most part, the average driver has no idea what makes a car special and unique in terms of handling and performance. It’s worth noting that any car made before the turn of the millennium will handle very differently to a newer car, particularly after 2010. There are very few or no computers in such cars and are dubbed as the ‘analogue’ of the car. This means they’re very basic, with no electronic help apart from power steering. These cars are virtually at all times fully automatic, with no sequential gearbox and/or dual clutch automatic gearbox. They feel numb in the hands, and there is not much feeling emerging from the seat and into the driver to tell you what is going on with the back.
Modern cars differ in how they provide feedback but do so in a technological sense. If you go to some car dealers and attempting to find an approximately new car, you will notice the difference. Models made in 2015 or perhaps 2011 are often sold here as the company needs to transition these vehicles and make room for new cars. Look closely and you can get quite a lot of things, like a 12 month warranty and considering it is technically a used car that’s a good deal. Test drive one of these vehicles and you can get a feel for the electronic steering and now the pedals make it easy to drive but let the car feel where the grip is. Many cars now have limited slip differentials, so that the rear and front tires can work together, but remain separate to do less work per corner of the vehicle. Never underestimate the quality of present-day cars and how the basics of driving are continually being improved.
Be part of the future
Cars go one way and that is electrical and automation. However, this is not too far-fetched as we have seen cars from this decade start implementing some of these new ideas. This car is taken into account part of the new generation semi-autonomous drive system. It is worked by the driver behind the wheel, just adjusting the throttle and brakes while the computer does the steering. There is a lane sensor in cruise control mode, which allows the driver to drift along the highway while entering minimum corrections. The future will be totally autonomous so knowing what these computers are capable of gives confidence. Finally, you’ll feel comfy understand information that appears on the screen on the autonomous car and therefore you can monitor the performance while the car is driving itself. This is for security reasons obviously. Driving a modern car today will set you up for the future, and not let your skills gap widen. The less familiar you are with modern technology, the more steep learning curve you will have when you need to upgrade.
Just like upgrading your smartphone, cars need to be upgraded so you can keep up with modern standards. Moreover you’ll keep your mind sharp and understand numerous computers and how they function, you’ll have the confidence to be ready for the future when it finally arrives. Being able to drive a modern car is not a luxury as an approximately new car from a dealer is the perfect way to buy a modern car that’s affordable and in top condition.
