Today's cars are more technologically advanced than ever, but it seems many carbuyers are uninterested in their vehicle's advanced features. According to a new report from J.D. Power, at least 20 percent of car purchasers did not use any of their vehicles' advanced features within the first 90 days of owning the car.
That's disheartening news for automakers, who have spent billions of dollars incorporating these technologies into their vehicles, but it's great news for carbuyers who can adjust their purchasing habits with this statistic in mind. The advanced features often increase a car's initial price, so informed buyers can save money on a new vehicle by avoiding these upgrades.
What people don't want
People are interested in systems that enhance a car's safety or drivability, but they're largely uninterested in tech-focused upgrades to entertainment and other items that do not improve a vehicle's safety, J.D. Power found. People who fail to use a system within the first 30 days of car ownership are unlikely to ever engage with it, so carbuyers can make smarter decisions if they identify their least-desired technology features early in the buying process.
"Carbuyers shouldn't purchase features they won't use."
What the future holds
It's inevitable that cars will become more tech-focused in the future, but many new advances will actually be in accordance with drivers' desires. According to a Forbes roundup by contributor Karl Brauer that cataloged the top new automotive technologies, the majority are focused on improving a car's drivability. That includes new systems that will project information about a car's performance on the windshield and systems that monitor a driver's health to improve safety.
What features do people use?
Given that consumers appreciate features that improve safety and vehicle's drivability, there are several technological advances individual motorists should be using to stay safe on the road and keep their insurance payments low. These include simple features like tire pressure monitors that alert drivers to low tire pressure and traction control systems that automatically apply the brakes to prevent a vehicle from skidding on slippery surfaces, according to Edmunds.com.
Beyond those commonplace technological solutions, there are a range of other feature that are trickling down from expensive cars into more affordable models. Sensors that let drivers know when a vehicle is in their blind spot and systems that sense when the driver has drifted out of their lane on the highway have the potential to prevent accidents that occur when drivers aren't paying enough attention. Other features, such as automatic braking technolgies that monitor a vehicle's location relative to other cars can stop collisions that result from drivers' lackluster reaction times.
Though every tech feature my not be useful, many offer ways to cut down on accidents and stay safe on the road.
While the world of automobiles is sure to change in the coming years, auto insurance will remain necessary for anyone who buys a new car. CoverHound makes it easy for buyers to compare car insurance rates online.
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