With modern vehicles incorporating more high-tech features than ever before, it’s interesting to see which ones car owners are choosing to disable. While these features can enhance comfort, convenience, and safety, some drivers find them more distracting than useful. Here are five new car features that owners are disabling almost immediately after purchase.
Stop-Start Systems
Stop-start systems, designed to save fuel by turning off the engine when the vehicle is stationary, are a common feature in many new cars. However, some drivers find this function annoying and unnecessary. The constant restarting of the engine can be distracting, especially in heavy traffic. Furthermore, there are concerns about the long-term wear and tear on the engine and battery caused by the frequent on-off cycles. As a result, many owners choose to disable this feature.
Touchscreen Infotainment Systems
Touchscreen infotainment systems are becoming increasingly common in new cars, combining multimedia entertainment, navigation, and vehicle settings into one interface. Yet, despite their promise of convenience, these systems can be surprisingly unintuitive, leading to driver distraction. A recent study found that one in five drivers admit to disabling these systems due to frustration or safety concerns.
Lane-Keeping Assist
Lane-keeping assist systems, which use sensors and cameras to keep the car in its lane, can be a life-saving feature. However, some drivers find the constant corrections and alerts to be overbearing. There is also the risk of drivers becoming over-reliant on the system and not paying enough attention to the road. As a result, many choose to turn this feature off and rely on their own driving skills instead.
Voice-Activated Controls
Voice-activated controls are designed to provide a hands-free method of operating various car functions, such as the radio, phone, or navigation system. However, the effectiveness of this feature can vary widely depending on the car model and the individual’s voice. Misunderstandings and incorrect commands are common complaints. Moreover, some users find talking to their car awkward or distracting, leading them to disable this function.
Gesture Controls
Gesture controls allow the driver to operate certain features of the car, such as the infotainment system, with simple hand movements. While this might seem like a neat idea, in practice, it can be less precise and more frustrating than traditional buttons or touchscreens. The system can also misinterpret gestures, leading to unintended actions. This research highlights that many drivers prefer to disable this feature for a more straightforward and reliable user experience.