In-Car Technologies

FEATURE IN-CAR TECHNOLOGIES THAT CHANGED THE GAME 6

Some systems that we take for granted today were revolutionary when introduced. Darren Cassey looks at how the stuff of sci-fi has become the norm.

The advancement of technology in the car industry has been incredible. Not long ago, cars were predominantly made up of the cabin, wheels, and mechanical parts needed to make them run.

Nowadays, though, drivers have access to a wide variety of systems that make driving safer, easier and more enjoyable than ever before. Here, we take a look at some of the most important advancements in in-car technology to date.

In-car entertainment

Providing entertainment while driving has always been a key selling point. In the 1950s, Chrysler even offered a record player that fitted under the dashboard! Radios were joined by tape decks and CD players, then along came smartphone connectivity. Most modern cars now have Bluetooth so drivers can play music and podcasts through their car speakers by hitting play on their phones. The latest is Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, which provide a simplified version of each operating system in the car.

Satellite navigation

Knowing where you’re going takes a lot of stress out of driving. In the past, you’d have to look at a map and figure out a route, then use that map on your journey to try to find your way.

However, the advent of in-car satellite navigation systems in the 1990s changed that for good. Still considered something of a luxury – with many cars only including it as an optional extra unless you’re buying a more expensive model – it’s an option most people tick. The peace of mind it provides is usually worth the extra cost, though.

Advanced cruise control

Cruise control – which sees the car maintain a set speed – is controversial. Those against it believe it means the driver concentrates less, while others say it frees brain space to concentrate more on surroundings.

Either way, cruise control systems have advanced to the point where modern cars are almost considered autonomous. These systems combine various different technologies, such as radar-assisted cruise control and lane-keep assist, to maintain a vehicle’s place in traffic without any input from the driver.

For those doing long motorway journeys, it can really help with fatigue.

Automatic air conditioning

Ever driven in the height of summer or suffered from a steamed-up windscreen in a car that doesn’t have air conditioning? Neither is particularly fun, with the latter restricting the driver’s view and the former making things so uncomfortable it can be distracting.

That’s why air con is one of the biggest innovations in motoring, making driving comfortable for millions of people.

If you have automatic air con, you can set the temperature to how you want it in the cabin and it’ll remain constant, which is a luxury many take for granted in 2020.

Airbags

There was a time when it was simply accepted that you were taking a massive risk every time you travelled by car. Fortunately, that attitude changed pretty quickly, as manufacturers came up with new ways to protect occupants in the event of a crash.

Airbags made a huge difference, protecting occupants from serious injuries. Although developed in the 1950s, they didn’t come to Europe until 1980, when the Mercedes S-Class offered them as an option, and it wasn’t until the late ’90s before airbags were offered as an option at the very least on most cars.

Car-to-smartphone connectivity

We’ve already mentioned how modern infotainment systems integrate seamlessly with smartphones for entertainment purposes, but a more recent innovation has seen manufacturers creating apps that let owners control aspects of their car from their phone. These are particularly popular in electric vehicles, as you can check charging or prime the battery to a good operating temperature before setting off. But other features – such as checking if the car is locked, setting a cabin temperature remotely, or checking the car’s location – work for all vehicle types.