Modern vehicles are awash with new technologies and systems designed to make ownership easier and driving more pleasurable. While most of these features depend on your budget and the market segment of the car that you’re buying, there are some features that you should consider spending money on.
Many of these features are now standard on all cars, including entry-level vehicles. While certain safety features are an absolute necessity, such as anti-lock braking systems (ABS), airbags and electronic stability control (ECS), there are some extras that are worth the money.
Formex Industries is a leading manufacturer and supplier of automotive components and assemblies in South Africa. Our products are installed on vehicles from various brands and original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), whether direct or indirect customers of ours. We produce various components that are integral to the safety of cars, so we understand the importance of spending money on certain features when looking for a new car.
2022 Ford Ranger ©Ford Media
Must-have features on your new car
Aircon, Bluetooth and passenger airbags used to be a big deal on some entry-level cars. Nowadays, these features are expected to be available in all new cars. As technology has progressed, there are now more advanced features that you should consider when looking for a new car:
Wireless charging – This allows for smartphones to be charged via induction when placed over the wireless charger. Many cars will include this feature in the centre console or underneath the dashboard. By simply placing your smartphone on the tray or holder, you can charge it while you drive without the need for charging cables. It ensures that you never run out of battery using GPS, maps or Bluetooth to play music.
Cruise control – Older cruise control systems basically held the speed constant. However, more modern iterations use radar sensors to track the vehicles in front of you. This allows your car to follow at a safe distance and brake automatically when the traffic in front slows down. These systems make road trips safer and driving on busy highways easier.
Android Auto or Apple CarPlay – Whether you have an Android phone or an Apple, these connectivity features deliver a range of controls and benefits. They allow you to link your car to your phone. You’ll be able to take and make phone calls, dictate messages, play music, navigate and more through your smartphone and the car’s infotainment screen.
Tyre pressure monitoring – Tyre pressures are a vital aspect of road safety. Low pressure could result in a blowout, which could be sudden and catastrophic. Tyre pressure monitoring systems are a safety feature that you should seriously consider as they will let you know if your tyres are overinflated, underinflated or at the correct pressure. This feature will immediately alert you of any anomaly or danger presented
Voice control – This feature is becoming more common as it doubles as a functional system and safety feature. Voice-activated controls allow you to keep your eyes on the road and your hands on the steering wheel while you tell your car what to do. You can adjust your volume, turn on your aircon, change the radio station, skip to the next song and do so many other things simply by talking to your car.
These features will make vehicle ownership a joy and will also improve on-the-road safety. While they may add to the price of your new car, they will provide a good return on investment throughout your car’s lifetime. For more information about our components and products, please contact us today.
Formex Industries is a metal forming and assembly company that supplies a variety of complex products to the local automotive industry and the export market. The company is based in the Nelson Mandela Bay metropole, South Africa’s foremost region for automotive manufacturing and export.
Formex is a Level 2 B-BBEE supplier. The company is owned by Deneb Investments Limited – a subsidiary of Hosken Consolidated Investments Limited (HCI) – one of South Africa’s biggest true B-BBEE companies listed on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE).
Follow us on Facebook for the latest industry news and features relating to our products and services.
