10 Modern Car Features That Actually Put Older Drivers at Risk

It's no secret that car dealerships are always trying to upsell consumers, and with so many recent technological advances, modern vehicles give them the perfect opportunity to do so.

For some senior drivers, though, many of these new features can be annoying, distracting, or just outright dangerous. And for seniors looking to avoid wasting money in retirement, it could even cost them extra to purchase a new car with them.

So, which purchases are you better off ditching? Here are 10 car features that older drivers should avoid.

Many new vehicles, particularly electric vehicles and models from Kia and Tesla, can come with retractable door handles that are flush with the door exterior. While these can improve fuel economy by reducing aerodynamic drag, they can also be a hindrance.

Senior drivers may want to consider avoiding them because these door handles can be difficult for their fingers, especially if they suffer from conditions like arthritis. They can also be confusing to figure out, and are more prone to freezing in cold weather than regular car door handles.

While keyless or phone-based entry and go setups are tempting for drivers who are prone to misplacing their keys, they can be a real source of confusion for consumers who are less technologically savvy.

Using a key to unlock or start a car is a straightforward and universal procedure. A keyless setup? Not so much. Some require drivers to press a button on the door, and some do not. Some only unlock the vehicle when the driver touches the door handle.

Older drivers may find physical car keys easier to use and understand, especially if they struggle with newer technologies.

The stylish nature of massive 21-inch wheels might appeal to younger drivers or those looking to feel more youthful behind the wheel, but larger tires and heavier wheels often result in a rougher ride.

This also increases the risk of wheel and tire damage while driving over potholes or unevenly paved roads. Larger tires are usually more expensive to replace than smaller ones, too.

Senior drivers who want a comfortable and reliable ride for their daily driving might want to consider steering clear of them.

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Sleek touchscreen infotainment systems, such as those found in Teslas, sure do look nice, and accessing your vehicle's controls through one digital interface sounds convenient. But senior drivers may not be fond of these tablet-like interfaces.

The problem is that some automakers have moved every single vehicle control to a digital menu. While this might be good for freeing up dashboard space, trying to change radio volume or cabin temperature on a touchscreen while driving can be distracting.

Many automakers are saying goodbye to traditional "P-R-N-D-L" gear shifters. Instead, newer vehicles will have a variety of selectors, dials, or buttons to shift gears.

According to a Consumer Reports survey, some drivers stated that they would often select the wrong gear when using push-button selectors instead of a traditional gearshift. Senior drivers who want to avoid accidentally putting their car into Reverse or Neutral might consider skipping modern vehicles with this feature.

Even though lane departure warnings can help drivers stay in their lane, they can also be a distraction.

According to one Consumer Reports survey, some drivers found that these warnings were not accurate in how they perceived the road and that the warnings themselves (loud beeping sounds or vibrating steering wheels) could be distracting or jarring while driving.

Older drivers may find the systems to be startling or confusing, which could pose a danger to them while they are driving.

Adaptive cruise control is a convenient feature that can automatically adjust a vehicle's speed based on changing speed limits or the speed of the car ahead.

However, some drivers can become over-reliant on this feature. It may not be able to adapt quickly enough to adverse weather conditions or other cars suddenly stopping. As such, drivers need to remain vigilant and ready to take the wheel at all times.

Older drivers who don't fully understand the limits of adaptive cruise control might become lulled into a false sense of security while using it. This could make them unprepared to take command of the wheel in time if something happens on the road.

Similar to modern gear shifters or infotainment touchscreens, small buttons, while stylish or convenient for some drivers, could pose issues for seniors.

Trying to push the small buttons while driving can be distracting or difficult for drivers with arthritis in their hands or fingers, and it may also be challenging for them to see.

Manual parking brakes could pose an issue for some senior drivers who suffer from severe arthritis in their hands and fingers. Additionally, manual parking brakes have a greater chance of failing due to physical wear and tear than electronic parking brakes.

Not only does this present a safety hazard for senior drivers, but fixing them can also be costly, which can impact retirement budgets.

While auto stop-start systems can potentially save drivers some money at the pump, some of them can be sluggish to restart after sitting at busy intersections. Others are not ideally suited for slow-moving freeway traffic, where vehicles are unlikely to come to a full stop.

Some senior drivers may find the engine stopping or starting abruptly, especially when navigating traffic, to be jarring. More dangerously, some might even believe that the engine has stalled in the middle of the road.

Nowadays, even entry-level economy cars can automatically pair with smartphones to play music or display navigation apps on their infotainment screens. Advanced technology features have never been more widespread throughout the automotive industry.

However, for some older drivers who may be uncomfortable with or confused by all these new features, skipping them at the dealership could be a financially savvy car owner move.