Modern cars are chock-full of hidden features and technologies that motorists rarely use. These features have been designed to make driving convenient and safe.
Despite being essential in cruising, motorists rarely use them, and some do not know how to use them.
Cruise Control
This feature allows motorists to set desired speed on manual and automatic cars. The feature makes driving less tedious especially over long distances.
The system imitates the way human drivers drive. But instead of pressing the accelerator pedal, it uses an actuator to control the throttle and helps your car continue cruising at the same speed.
It is usually located on the steering wheel.
Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC)
Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) is designed to help vehicles maintain a safe following distance and stay within the speed limit.
This system adjusts a car's speed automatically without the driver's input.
ACC employs sensory technology installed in modern vehicles such as cameras, lasers and radar equipment. It is the basis of a car's intelligence.
Auto Hold
This feature keeps the vehicle at a complete stop until the accelerator button is pressed.
The auto hold is a useful feature in stop-and-go traffic and at traffic lights, so a driver can relax his/her foot more comfortably.
It is essential in driving especially in Nairobi and other urban areas with traffic congestion.
The rear brake lights remain illuminated when Auto Hold is engaged.
Auto Start
The auto-stop system detects when a car is stationary. It allows the vehicle to shut the engine off anytime it comes to a halt.
It is designed to reduce idle time and cut down on consumption.
If the driver has stopped at a traffic light and sets the transmission to neutral, the start-stop system stops the engine. With some more recent models, the engine even switches off if the speed falls below a certain value.
Automatic AC Control
This feature allows a driver to set the desired temperature inside the cabin. The speed of the fan is automatically controlled with this feature.
Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
This feature is essential as it helps prevent a car from losing control or direction due to a spin-out or plow-out.
ESC also significantly reduces the risk of rolling over.
Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS)
ADAS uses various tools to help make driving safer and more relaxing. It uses radar and laser systems to scan the road ahead and behind, warning of hazards.
One of these is a forward collision warning, which will look ahead for rapidly slowing cars. If the car doesn’t sense you moving your foot to the brake pedal, it will flash a warning on the dashboard.
Some cars will take it a step further and actively apply the brakes for you to help avoid a collision. A number of these best cars for a road trip have this feature.
Other features in the car that are rarely used include smartphone integration (Android Auto and Apple Car-Play), blind spot monitoring and computer driving system.
