In-car Technologies that changed the game

Six in-car technologies that changed the game

Some technology that we take for granted today was revolutionary when it was introduced.

Nowadays, drivers have access to a wide variety of technologies that make driving safer, easier and more enjoyable than ever before, and we look at some of the most important of those.

Airbags

Airbags made a huge difference, protecting occupants from serious injuries caused by hitting their head on hard cabin trim. Although they were developed in the 1950s, they didn’t come to Europe until 1980, when the Mercedes S-Class offered them as an option. It wasn’t until the late 1990s before airbags were offered as an option at the very least on the majority of cars.

Automatic air conditioning

Ever suffered the discomfort of driving in the height of summer or a restricted view from a steamed-up windscreen in a car that doesn’t have air conditioning? That’s why air con is one of the biggest innovations in motoring, making driving comfortable for millions of people. And automatic air con lets you set a cabin temperature that remains constant, a luxury many take for granted in 2020.

Satellite navigation

The advent of in-car satnav systems in the 1990s did away with the need to work out a route before travelling and then using the map on your journey to find your way – which is incredibly distracting. Still considered something of a luxury, it’s an option most people choose. The peace of mind it provides is usually worth the extra cost.

In-car entertainment

Providing entertainment while driving has always been a selling point, with early radios replaced by tape decks, CD players, and in modern cars, smartphone connectivity. Most modern cars now come with Bluetooth, which means drivers can play music and podcasts through their car speakers by hitting play on their phones. The latest advancement is Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, which provide simplified versions of each operating system to be used in the car.

Advanced cruise control

For some drivers, cruise control – which sees the car maintain a set speed itself – is a controversial subject. Those against it think it allows drivers to concentrate less, while others say it frees brain space to let them concentrate more on their surroundings. Either way, cruise-control systems have advanced to the point where modern cars are almost considered autonomous. These systems combine different technologies, such as radar-assisted cruise control and lane-keep assist, to maintain a vehicle’s place in traffic without any driver input.

Car-to-smartphone connectivity

As well as integrating infotainment systems with smartphones for entertainment purposes, 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. 40