New Safety Car Features That Help Save Lives

Every day, a safety scenario happens on the roads; you might blink or take your eyes off the highway to fine-tune the AC, oblivious of the traffic jam ahead. And by the time you are alert, it is too late, and you have bumped into another car. It is a no-brainer that car safety features can help save lives. In the past few years, car manufactures have made great progress in developing safety systems to prevent collisions. Below are some of the newest car safety features:

Pixabay – CC0 License

Rearview Camera

This is a small camera mounted behind a vehicle to help show the images behind it on the dashboard screen or the rearview mirror. This camera makes it easy to see objects or people that might be behind the car. This safety car feature is now a common addition to many vehicles.

This feature might include sounds or warning lights that will alert you whenever you are close to an object. The rearview camera can come in handy when you want to pack your car in a car garage.

Forward Collision Warning

This safety feature has been around for quite some time now. Researchers have proven that it has played a significant role in reducing the number of accidents on the road. There are many collision avoidance systems in the market; however, the most common involves auditory and visual alerts.

Some collision-avoidance system features can even apply brakes when it detects an object or person near the car.

Brake Assist Technology

This safety feature enhances your braking power just in case you don’t want to put too much pressure on the brake pedal to stop the car during an emergency. This system can detect when the driver is braking in a fright situation and applies more pressure. This braking system helps lower the chances of you ramming into the car in front of you.

Lane Departure Warning

The lane departure warning system is made to help avoid head-on-collision and other types of Collision. Cameras and sensors like radar or infrared are mounted all around the car to help determine the relative position of a vehicle on the lane. When you leave the lane, the system flashes a light and produces a high-pitched sound to alert you. Some warning signs can be a vibrating steering wheel.

Adaptive Headlights

This feature is currently available to high-end vehicles. The headlights are designed to project light where the driver is directing the steering wheel and react to varying conditions. The objective is to provide the driver with better visibility and enough time to respond to situations ahead of them. The headlight can automatically switch from high beams to low beams when in traffic.

Electronic Stability Control

For many years, electronic stability control has helped correct veering cars by applying brakes on particular wheels, giving the driver the chance to reclaim control over the vehicle.

Conclusion

Above are some important safety features your car should have; however, they should not be an excuse to take part in dangerous driving behaviors like distracted driving and fatigue. While the safety features are meant for safe driving, accidents can occur.

Top Automotive Tech Trends To Watch Out For

 

Following the accelerated digitization of the global economy, the automobile industry is gearing up to witness enormous changes moving forward. For years, the automotive industry has been a sector that welcomes innovations, including disruptive technologies. Artificial intelligence, big data, and the Internet of Things are a few breakthroughs that are poised to shake up the world’s car market. 

In 2020, car sales were a bit slow thanks to the eruption of the COVID-19 crisis, which had many people worrying about their finances. However, the car industry is starting to pick up and hopefully turn towards a positive dimension gradually. Here are the top four automotive trends that are making waves globally.

 

  • AI-based autonomous vehicles

 

Autonomous vehicles continue to lead the transformation of the automotive industry. AI is enabling smart travel via driverless cars. These cars use advanced sensors and software for their navigation and control – they are seeking to ease the burden of human drivers behind the wheel. Industry gurus believe that AI-enabled autonomous vehicles will make everyday transportation better. Recent studies estimate that there are about 1,400 autonomous vehicles on American roads, while testing goes on in different countries.

Influential tech companies like Tesla, Uber, and Google are strongly pushing for self-driving cars to hit the roads sooner than later. The Coronavirus pandemic staggered the growth of the autonomous vehicle sector. However, with the same industry tipped to hit over $500 million by 2026, investors will likely pump more resources into the idea of self-driving cars.

 

  • 5G technology

 

5G technology will introduce ubiquitous connectivity in the car industry. It will transform the sector by allowing cars to share vital information to improve traffic management and safety on the road. Significant breakthroughs may improve crash avoidance, paving the way for a new era of minimal accidents. The automotive market may unfold dramatically with speed, wireless connectivity, and low latency.

The development of networked vehicles will offer mobility and push car owners out of their vehicles as the quest for shared transportation becomes more popular. Regulators will also find it easier to carry out their duties and save lives. Simultaneously, the existing stress of human driving will slowly fade away.

 

  • Electric vehicles

 

When a fleet of interconnected cars starts to dominate the transport sector, more managers will embrace electric cars due to their cost advantages. Even if consumers hesitate to switch to electric vehicles completely, fleet companies may go all out for them. Electric cars’ success will open the gate for more efficient charging networks, which will enhance consumers’ lifestyles by large proportions.

 

  • Big data and analytics

 

In the era of big data, advanced analytics will inform various decisions during the life cycles of automobiles. Data gathered from cars will provide a solid foundation for predictive maintenance, and managers will stay alert about automotive repairs. Furthermore, customer automotive data will find applications in sales optimization, product design, and supply chain. 

U.S startups like Procon Analytics are already leveraging big data to offer solutions for automotive finance. These involve capturing millions of information in real-time and analyzing them to allow lenders to assess and minimize risks instantly.

 

The Car Safety Features That Make Driverless Cars Possible

Car technology is changing rapidly and it’s likely that the way we approach driving will be completely different in a couple of decades.

Electric vehicles are helping us to reduce our impact on the planet and cut back on air pollution. Driverless vehicle technology is moving fast too and it seems like eventually, we won’t need to do a thing, we can just sit back and relax while the car does all of the work. But how safe is this?

Image by Photo Mix from Pixabay

There have already been accidents involving driverless vehicles that have malfunctioned. In most of these cases, the drivers did not follow the safety guidelines that stated they must have their hands on the wheel. However, it still raises the question of how safe it is to put your fate in the hands of artificial intelligence software, which has the potential to fail. 

There are some people out there that will tell you it’s never one hundred percent safe and we shouldn’t trust driverless cars because there is no way of making them safe. But that isn’t necessarily the case because a lot of the technology to make driverless cars safe already exists and it’s used in standard vehicles. The Toyota Safety Sense package, for example, is a collection of safety features designed to prevent accidents, many of which can be used in driverless vehicles too. Follow the link to learn more information about Toyota Safety Sense and how it is already being used in their cars. These are some of the common pieces of car safety tech that make driverless cars possible. 

Automatic Emergency Braking Systems

This is a piece of tech that is already in every driverless car. The ability to recognize an obstruction and then react accordingly is the most important safety feature that a driverless car needs. Without this feature, they would get into an accident every time they hit the road. But some people still wonder whether they can really trust a computer to make this decision. The thing is, automatic emergency braking systems are already being used in standard vehicles because they react faster than a person can. The computer has the ability to process information faster than your brain, so it can apply the brake before you even recognize there is an issue. 

Traffic Sign Recognition

When driverless cars are commonplace, it is likely that they will communicate with one another to ensure that all cars interact safely on the road. Things like road signs won’t really be necessary because the cars will regulate themselves. But what happens during the transition period when many cars are still controlled by people, even though there are driverless cars on the road? That’s where traffic sign recognition systems come in. These are already a common feature in modern cars and they are able to recognize the traffic signs and then relay the information, to make sure that you don’t miss anything. In a driverless vehicle, they can relay the information to the AI that is controlling the car, so it can follow the rules of the road. 

Vehicle To Vehicle Communication

Vehicle to vehicle communication is perhaps the most important piece of tech for driverless cars and it already exists in some high-end cars. By communicating with one another, the cars are able to preempt what other drivers are going to do. If necessary, they use this information to put other safety systems into action. 

Although people have fears about driverless cars and whether they are safe, we shouldn’t worry because most of the tech that makes widespread use safe already exists. 

To Buy Refurbished?

Technologies are changing and evolving and the price tag to keep up with the latest gadgets and best tech can be staggering or out of budget. 

 

So, when shopping around you may see the same for example the same Apple watch series 6 being sold second-hand for a fraction of the price. This sounds fantastic, but it makes you think twice and question why it is being sold so cheaply and will it work or break in the short term. 

 

Fortunately, this is where refurbished technologies are an option. 

 

What Does Refurbished Mean

Refurbished still refers to a ‘used’ or returned item, however, it has been reconditioned or remanufactured. In short, the item was bought, then for some reason returned. Prior to the item being resold, it has then been checked by the retailer or manufacturer to ensure it is functional, any adjustments or repairs are made, and is then usually resold with a new warranty attached to the product. 

 

Being sold as refurbished, does not necessarily mean the item had any faults, to begin with. It could have been returned for many other reasons, such as damaged packaging, then buying changing their mind, or minor cosmetic blemishes. Or course, in some cases the item may have had faults or either a major or minor nature. There is no way to tell the reason for the refurbished title. Although, as it has been returned to manufacturing standards the previous reasons should not matter anymore. 

 

Benefits Of Buying Refurbished

Buying refurbished as opposed to second-hand or used, comes with additional perks. 

  1. The item is generally sold in ‘nearly-new condition’. When an item gets refurbished any damaged parts or items will be completely repaired or replaced, to ensure the item is back to its full functionality. It also getting fully cleaned and exteriors parts that are worn get replaced, such as keypads. This means in essence it should run and look new. 
  2. You benefit from the item being under warranty. The majority of refurbished items being sold will come with a warranty to reinforce the quality of the refurbishment. Depending on who carried this out can impact the length of the warranty. The majority of manufactured refurbished items will offer a warranty of one year, whilst an instore refurbishment is likely to offer a shorter warranty of 30-90 days. 
  3. You’ll have access to additional tech support. If you buy directly from the manufacturer you will likely benefit from receiving access to the same additional supports available to those who bought new. 
  4. Refurbished items are sold at a reduced price to their new counterparts. 

 

Best And Worst Items You Can Buy Refurbished

There are many items available and resold as refurbished, however, some offer better reductions than others. For example, refurbished iphones can be beneficial due to the nature of them being so readily available, along with other smart technologies. However, items such as hard drives aren’t always seen to be as beneficial, due to the unknown nature of how the signs of wear can be returned to nearly new. 

 

Awesome Tech Features You Didn’t Know You Wanted For Your Car

If you’re going to be getting a new car soon, then you should probably spend some time thinking about the tech features that you would like it to have. Not every car has everything that you’re going to want, so it’s important that you are honest with yourself about what is essential when it comes to the car. Decide what you need, and what you can live without so that you can start car hunting. In this article, we’re going to give a few suggestions as to some of the awesome tech features that you didn’t know you wanted for your car. Keep reading if you would like to find out more.

Photo by Stephan Louis from Pexels

Awesome Sound System

The first thing that you’re going to want is an awesome sound system. It doesn’t matter if you have a second hand BMW or a brand new Range Rover, the sound system is important! You need to be able to hear clearly, and be able to crank it all the way up when a song that you love comes on. Get a feel for the sound system and how easy it is to use so that you don’t get too distracted with driving.

Remote Start

Remote start is another awesome feature that you might want to consider. Of course, this is only going to be available on newer cars, making it a more expensive choice. But, if you’re known for not knowing where your keys are all the time, this could be a lifesaver. You can get an app on your phone that you can connect to the car, and you’re ready to go! Just make sure that you understand the restrictions of using a remote start as well.

Parking Camera

Some people find that a parking camera is extremely useful. We’re sure that if you learn to drive with a camera then that’s fine, but if you didn’t learn with a camera they are the most annoying things. They don’t always align with what you can see in the mirror, making you feel as though you need to pull out of your space and try to park eight times before you give up and go with the way you were taught anyway.

However, a parking camera is always a handy thing to have, even if just to ward off strangers from running me over.

Assisted Steering

Finally, have you ever thought about assisted steering? If you want to sit back and relax for a couple of minutes, giving your hands a little break, assisted steering is going to be important. It’s important that you understand assisted steering will also be on just while you’re driving, so it might make suggestions like trying to move you over lanes if you think it’s the right thing to do. At the end of the day though, you are the one in control.

We hope that you have found this article helpful, and now see some of the awesome tech features that you didn’t know you wanted for your car. Of course, there are more to consider, but these are just a couple of the ones that came to mind immediately. When it comes to trying to find a car, think about your tech requirements before making a final choice. We wish you the best of luck.

6 Important Things to Consider Before Buying a New Car

Photo by Ketut Subiyanto from Pexels

Are you planning to purchase a new car? Then you probably have many questions. Buying a vehicle is not like buying any other thing; it requires thorough research and scrutiny. You don’t just walk at a dealership and purchase one. 

There are various car brands available in the market. The following are tips you can apply when buying a new car.

Evaluate Your Budget and Determine Your Trade-In Worth

Before you begin researching the latest car models in the market, you first need to determine the amount you are willing to pay for your new vehicle. You have to consider the amount you have saved for the down payment, the best interest rates from lenders, and licensing charges.

If you opt for bank finance, it is essential to analyze your monthly expenses and determine whether you are comfortable paying a particular amount monthly. Most dealerships offer trade-in services; therefore, you can add your current car’s value if you possess one.

Visiting a dealership or used car broker with a set price in mind can prevent you from the pressure of purchasing a car above your budget.

Determine Your Preferences

After you have figured out your budget, it’s time to determine what you would wish for in a car based on your preferences. For instance, a youthful single person may have significantly different priorities compared to a married middle-aged person.

It is essential to consider the safety features, vehicle size, fuel economy, and other fundamental aspects. This will help you in determining the type of vehicle that best suits your needs.

Explore the Best Brands and Models

Since you know your preference, you can select the specific brand and model that suits your specifications. You can use the available online resources to determine the models with good reviews, high safety features, and long average lifespans.

Although online resources may be helpful, it is also essential to consult an expert and see the options in person. Visit your local dealership and take two or three options for a test drive. It is crucial to pay attention to the car’s comfort, acceleration, and handling.

 This is also the perfect time to ask the questions you may have about the car’s functionality and mechanical aspect.

Keep Ongoing Costs in Mind

When you choose the vehicle you want, ensure you are fully aware of the ongoing cost of the car you are interested in. For instance, some models have a high maintenance cost. Others need premium gas, which is consequently more costly.

Get Insurance Quotes

Insurance providers consider the model and the make of a car when setting their premiums. Therefore, your newly purchased car can be less or more costly to insure than your previous one. 

You should consult different companies for you to obtain the best deal. You can also consider quotes from your homeowner’s insurance for you to get a discount.

Check Your Credit

It is essential to determine your credit score before you apply for a loan. An excellent score may make you eligible for a lower interest rate if your lender uses risk-based lending.

Conclusion

A car is an essential and a fantastic asset to possess. Therefore, it is necessary to make various considerations before purchasing one. The above tips can be very helpful in guiding you to make the best-informed decision.

Tips to Ride a Motorcycle in the Mountains

Riding a motorcycle in the mountains is more challenging than on a flat surface. Compared to flat surfaces where you ride, turn, and brake usually, riding in the mountains is more strenuous and requires special skills.

 

One critical skill you need to ride in mountainous areas is the proper use of brakes. Your tires’ type and condition are significant determinants of how far and fast you scale or descend a mountain.

 

For a successful and adventurous trip to the mountains, it is good to ensure your motorbike is in good condition. This includes having the right tires to withstand harsh conditions in the mountain.

 

For instance, Kenda motorcycle tires scale the highest mountains and penetrate the most stringent train.

 

Below are tips that you can follow to have a safe and successful ride in the mountains. Read on.

 

Prepare the Body and the Mind

 

Conditions in the mountains are severe; hence you need to prepare both physically and psychologically. Whether you are mountaineering as a sport or for fun, just having a powerful engine full of gas may not be enough to take you to the top.

 

Take time to train and acquaint your body with the harsh mountain conditions. Also, you need to develop a strong back, core, legs, and shoulders. You can take time in the mountains to psych yourself out mentally. Take note of potential dangers and challenges to overcome.

 

Remain in Touch With Your Team Members

 

A mountain ride brings more adventure when done in a group rather than doing it solo. Several bikers ride alone for adventure. However, if riding in a group, ensure you have the right communication tools to keep you connected to your fellow riders.

 

Prepare for Low Air Pressure and Altitude Sickness

 

If you live in lowland areas and travel to high altitudes of 8,000 feet and above, you are at high risk of suffering altitude sickness due to air pressure changes. Symptoms include headache, fatigue, shortness of breath, and rapid heart rate. Carry the right medicine in your first aid kit in case of any of these reactions.

 

Map Out Your Route Beforehand

 

Being a complex, challenging, and potentially new ride, it is good to take time and get used to the route before you kick-off. This way, you will feel confident during the actual ride. Studying the route may mean taking a ride through the actual route or merely taking time to study the maps.

Have the Bike in the Right Conditions and Well Inspected

 

It can be an awful experience when your bike breaks down halfway into the journey. It is good to check and do repairs on your bike before you take off. Check all components of the brakes, including brake fluids, lines, and rotors. Also, check tire pressure and look out for any punctures or cracks on the tires.

 

Go Slow and Steady

 

Climbing up the mountain is demanding, challenging, and requires special skills and tricks. However, the bottom line is maintaining low speed and proceeding steadily. In the mountains, riding recklessly or going too fast may cost your life or leave you with lifetime injuries.

 

The above tips can only be useful if you follow them accordingly. Ensure that you prioritize your health before anything else by preparing yourself physically and mentally. The other tips can follow suit.

 

3 Future Cars Motoring Enthusiasts Are Most Looking Forward To

If you’re a motoring enthusiast, then you probably already have a good idea of cars that are coming out in the next few years. Here, we have a list of the future cars that motoring enthusiasts are most looking forward to – take a look and see what the future holds for the automotive industry. 

Photo by Garvin St. Villier from Pexels

1. The 2021 Lucid Air Dream Edition 

Tesla is getting a lot of attention at the moment, and while there are other companies working ridiculously hard to develop high end electric vehicles, Tesla is still miles ahead of the pack. One of the cars that motoring enthusiasts are most looking forward to is the Lucid Air Dream edition. The Lucid Air debuts with 1,080 horsepower, and this sedan looks poised to knock the pace-setting Model S off its spot. This four door vehicle is stylish and high end, and is also set to offer unbelievable performance. Many simply cannot wait to test out the driving experience first hand. All-wheel drive is included, along with plenty of other awesome features. It’s going to come with a premium cabin for optimal comfort, as well as interior screens, and even (eventually) level 3 automated driving capability. 

The vehicle is elegantly designed and this version should be able to go 503 miles between charges.

2. The 2022 Genesis GV70 SUV

This vehicle looks absolutely incredible and there’s no denying that Genesis is putting out some of the most exciting designs right now. It’s daring, different, and looks simply incredible inside and outside. This one sounds like it’ll be a dream to drive, on a new rear wheel drive platform that shares the same engine as the GV80, meaning the option of a 375-hp twin-turbo V6. 

This model will also come with torque vectoring, a limited-slip diff and adaptive suspension, and then the Sport model adds even more feature that has motoring enthusiasts foaming at the mouth. This model is set to become a roaring success. 

3 . The Rivian R1S SUV

This model takes everything that we loved about the R1T and makes it much better – looking like a classic Range Rover and available in a variety of cool colors. This is set to be a dream car for many, while remaining practical and hardwearing. The way this car is designed, taking it for a brake service is set to be exciting. You can have fun whatever you’re doing! 

4. The 2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe

This model is taking plug in power off road. Many Wrangler fans are super excited to see how this model behaves with the built in electrified powertrain. This plug-in hybrid gets 25 miles of all-electric range.

Electric power is great for off-roading, what with the instant torque available as soon as you touch the accelerator. That being said, it’ll be interesting to see how the electric motors work with the two-speed transfer case and front and rear locking differentials. 

Which of these cars are you looking forward to seeing most, or is there one you want to see on the list? Leave a comment. 

What Does The Future Of Vehicles Look Like?

Photo by Mike from Pexels

Technological innovation seems to be ramping up exponentially, decade after decade, and that’s extremely exciting. It’s also shifting the norms of… well, everything. 

This is especially true of vehicles, as the automotive industry is currently undergoing rapid change, with every mainline manufacturer doing their best to try and get ahead of the electric curve. We think of Tesla as being the absolute last word in this kind of inquiry, but remember, this company is only the amazing pioneer, not the final statement.

For this reason, thinking ahead and considering just what automotive norms we’re likely to see in the next ten to twenty years can be an entertaining exercise, and can help us ready our expectations as consumers. Of course, no one can actually know what the exact trends may be a decade from now, but we can take an educated guess based on the statements given by car companies, released models, and how certain laws (like the decreased emissions bills) will shape how cars and roads change our environment in the long run.

Let’s consider what some of these changes may be, together:

Vehicle Simulations Taking Precedence

Jaguar have recently pioneered the world’s most primary simulated vehicle, only creating one replica copy and presenting their new hypercar (all electric) in titles like Gran Turismo 5. Why is this? Well, video games are becoming simulations with their own generated and realistic physics, tuning systems, and 1:1 representations of how a car can handle. This means that we’re likely to see more and more companies indulging their design skills in tools like these, if only to see that which is truly feasible. That can be exciting for any car nut to see.

All-Electric Vehicles

Many manufacturers have weight in with HEPV vehicles or all-electric models so far, and it’s truly exciting to compare and contrast their design philosophies here. In fact, with the help of a logbook loan, we may even be able to put these vehicles to the test ourselves.

However, we can expect all-electric to soon change from a novelty into a default and even affordable option, as charging stations become more reachable worldwide, governments incentivize their purchase to reduce emissions, and roads become quieter and more comfortable with their presence.

Self-Driving Vehicles

Self-driving vehicles seem like something of a mini-pipe-dream right now, but the AI that programs this kind of interactivity is actually in development, and the future of these models can provide an exciting standard regarding how road signs are marked, what we expect from programming our routes, digital assistants in our vehicles, and of course, how all of this influences car security, upkeep, safety, and more. Merely checking the latest research provides us a wealth of matters to feel excitement in. It will also be interesting to see how these technologies impacts the haulage and transport job categories, as drivers become less of an essential position, instead making room for logistical maintenance roles.

With this consideration, we hope that the future of automotive innovation is something we can all enjoy.

What Do We Want From The Car Sector Of The Future?

Hello, 2021! We had so many dreams about you when we were growing up. Will there be flying cars like in the Fifth Element? Will I need a driving licence or a flying one to use my car? 

Well, it turns out that 2021 hasn’t quite delivered the flying cars of our dreams. The surge in digital transformations and initiatives has shifted our expectations for vehicles. The car of the future needs to be smart, connected, and, more importantly, covid-safe. 

 

A contact-less experience

Buying a vehicle exposes individuals to many health risks. Indeed, car dealerships can be crowded places, making it more difficult to avoid airborne viruses and contact with compromised surfaces. Yet, the implementation of a digital way of selling cars that keeps physical interactions to a minimum could be a game-changer for covid-cautious buyers. Car dealerships could implement an online system encouraging touchless shop and trade-in. Most car buyers are already familiar with online vehicle browsing catalogues. But the addition of a touchless purchase or trade-in option can contribute to making the full process digital. 

 

Better electrical performance

Electric vehicles have grown in performance dramatically. Ford brought the Mustang Mach-E 1400 to the Goodwill Festival of Speed, demonstrating the electrification can bring a completely new level to speed performance. Everyday customers, however, will content themselves with the Puma ST model, which is Ford’s first performance SUV in Europe. Aside from the sporty look and feel, the SUV packs a punch in power, delivering 0-62mph in under 7 seconds. Faster, yes, but without compromising stability and body styling. While not everyone needs a 200PS engine, EVs performance across the board is drawing a fast, eco-friendly, and reliable future for the automobile industry. 

 

A smart car that drives itself

The driverless car has fully disappeared from the public eye since the start of the pandemic. On the one hand, driverless vehicles would provide an effective response to pandemic anxiety. However, transport consultants agree that perspectives and priorities have changed since the first self-driving trials. As human error is the major cause of road accidents, causing 9 in 10 crashes and collisions, the move to a driverless road experience makes sense. The technology is already there. Reliability in all situations, however, remains a challenge. As the Royal Academy of Engineering explains, gaining the public trust will be one of the major hurdles. Problems with constantly changing technology and tackling cybersecurity issues are stalling the self-driving revolution. Are the cars of the future going to drive themselves? Engineers assure it will be coming soon. 

 

A full IoT inclusion

If you’ve got fond memories of Knight Rider and his indestructible, AI-controlled KITT, you are probably wondering when cars will be able to access our home IoT. The answer is unclear. However, engineers are quick to point out that IoT integration is only one step away from driverless programming. The car of the future could receive the grocery shopping from your smart fridge, and schedule a trip to the grocery shop on your way back from work. 

In short, flying cars have gone back to their rightful place in sci-fi. The car of the future could deliver itself to your home after you’ve bought it online. It’ll be fully electric and able to join the smart home hub to monitor electricity consumption during charging and run errands when and where necessary. Sounds like a bad sci-fi drama? But, the thing is, we’ve got the technology to make it happen now.