Cars have become more advanced, with new technology and features that make driving easier and better.
But some technology is frustrating to use. If you get a good deal on a vehicle with these features, it can allow you to keep more cash in your wallet. But you might end up feeling like the savings are not worth it.
Here are some tech features that might sound cool but that can lead to headaches.
If you’re over 50, take advantage of massive discounts and financial resources
Over 50? Join AARP today — because if you’re not a member you could be missing out on huge perks. When you start your membership today, you can get discounts on things like travel, meal deliveries, eyeglasses, prescriptions that aren’t covered by insurance and more.
How to become a member today:
- Go here, select your free gift, and click “Join Today”
- Create your account (important!) by answering a few simple questions
- Start enjoying your discounts and perks!
Important: Start your membership by creating an account here and filling in all of the information (Do not skip this step!) Doing so will allow you to take up 25% off your AARP membership, making it just $12 per year with auto-renewal.
Flush door handles
Some models have added flush door handles that pop out when you unlock the car or get near the vehicle with your keys.
For example, Teslas are well-known for these flush car door handles.
But the feature doesn’t always work as advertised, especially in winter months when the handles ice over, making them difficult to use.
Lane assist
It’s important to keep your vehicle within your lane, which can be a challenge sometimes when you are driving a wide car.
Lane assist can help you stay in your space, but the technology has some glitches and might warn you about leaving your lane when you are still well within the lines.
Low-profile wheels
Picking up a car with 21-inch wheels can make you look cool, but those low-profile wheels might not give you the best driving experience.
Low-profile tires can give you a rougher ride compared to typical tires and rims. They also might not perform well in winter weather, making it harder to get a grip on snowy or icy roads.
Resolve $10,000 or more of your debt
Credit card debt is suffocating. It constantly weighs on your mind and controls every choice you make. You can end up emotionally and even physically drained from it. And even though you make regular payments, it feels like you can never make any progress because of the interest.
National Debt Relief could help you resolve your credit card debt with an affordable plan that works for you. Just tell them your situation, then find out your debt relief options.1 <p>Clients who are able to stay with the program and get all their debt settled realize approximate savings of 46% before fees, or 25% including our fees, over 12 to 48 months. All claims are based on enrolled debts. Not all debts are eligible for enrollment. Not all clients complete our program for various reasons, including their ability to save sufficient funds. Estimates based on prior results, which will vary based on specific circumstances. We do not guarantee that your debts will be lowered by a specific amount or percentage or that you will be debt-free within a specific period of time. We do not assume consumer debt, make monthly payments to creditors or provide tax, bankruptcy, accounting or legal advice or credit repair services. Not available in all states. Please contact a tax professional to discuss tax consequences of settlement. Please consult with a bankruptcy attorney for more information on bankruptcy. Depending on your state, we may be available to recommend a local tax professional and/or bankruptcy attorney. Read and understand all program materials prior to enrollment, including potential adverse impact on credit rating.</p>
How to get National Debt Relief to help you resolve your debt: Sign up for a free debt assessment here. (Do not skip this step!) By signing up for a free assessment, National Debt Relief can assist you in settling your debt, but only if you schedule the assessment.
Bluetooth
Bluetooth can be a great feature to help you with hands-free driving, especially when you are trying to talk on the phone or use voice commands to read and send messages.
However, this technology can start to become cumbersome if you try to get too many devices or apps to connect when you are driving your vehicle. It might be better to take some time and set everything up properly before you start driving.
Touchscreens
Today’s touchscreens are getting bigger and offer more options than touchscreens in previous models. Tesla even allows drivers to shift the car into drive or reverse on a screen instead of with a shifter.
While that sounds great, some drivers aren’t enjoying touchscreens. They prefer more tactile buttons for adjusting climate control or when controlling the volume on the stereo.
Trending Stories
Glossy interior trim
Glossy trim inside your vehicle can give you a flashy, shiny finish that will make you excited about getting behind the wheel.
But that extra gloss can also reflect sunlight into your eyes and cause issues while you are driving. The glossy surfaces can show more fingerprints and dirt, requiring you to clean them more frequently.
Cruise control
Cruise control has been a feature on car models for decades, but some drivers are struggling to come to grips with recent changes in the technology.
These drivers are having trouble getting used to adaptive cruise control, which uses technology to automatically slow the car down based on traffic around it.
Assisted parking
Parallel parking can seem daunting to some drivers, especially if you haven’t done it in a while. But many of today’s drivers appear reluctant to try assisted parking technology that helps you park the car.
This could be an issue with drivers who want more control over parking. There also might be instances where the technology doesn’t work optimally.
Controlling your car from your phone
Car manufacturers have become more tech-savvy and now offer apps that can help you control your vehicle from your smartphone. You might be able to remotely start your car, unlock your doors, or adjust your climate control from your app.
However, there is a difference between ordering lunch from a phone app and controlling your car with an app. Some drivers are simply not ready for this technology.
Earn cash back on everyday purchases with this rare account
Want to earn cash back on your everyday purchases without using a credit card? With the Discover®️ Cashback Debit Checking account (member FDIC), you can earn 1% cash back on up to $3,000 in debit card purchases each month!2 <p>See website for details.</p>
With no credit check to apply and no monthly fees to worry about, you can earn nearly passive income on purchases you’re making anyway — up to an extra $360 a year!
This rare checking account has other great perks too, like access to your paycheck up to 2 days early with Early Pay, no minimum deposit or monthly balance requirements, over 60K fee-free ATMs, and the ability to add cash to your account at Walmart stores nationwide.
Don’t leave money on the table — it only takes minutes to apply and it won’t impact your credit score.
Driving mode
Some vehicles have different modes — such as sport mode or racing mode — that will change how a vehicle performs under different conditions.
Most drivers don’t actually know how to use these modes properly or even when to switch to these modes. They are often an example of great tech that doesn’t have much use for the average driver.
Bottom line
You might find some technology features to be useful, but others can seem like a pain. So, balance the cost of those features against how much you will use them so you don’t overspend on your next vehicle.
Another great way to cut costs is to shop around and gather multiple quotes so you save money on car insurance.
- You could save up to $600 with some companies
- Compare dozens of providers in under 5 minutes
- Fast, free and easy way to shop for insurance
- Quickly find the perfect rate for you
Subscribe Today
Want extra-cash moves to come right to you?
Stop browsing endlessly. Get proven ways to earn pocket money, help cover rent, and crush your debt — sent to your inbox daily.