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When buying a used car in the UK, there are some key pieces of technology that are worth looking out for. Modern car tech can improve safety, connectivity, and convenience.
While not essential, having the right tech features can greatly enhance your overall driving experience. Here are some top car tech features to consider when shopping for a used car.
In-Car Connectivity
The ability to connect your smartphone to your car has become a must-have feature for many drivers browsing used car sales in Yeovil.
At a minimum, you’ll want a car with Bluetooth connectivity so you can make hands-free calls and stream music.
More advanced systems allow you to use apps on your phone through the car’s infotainment system. This gives you access to navigation, streaming music services, audiobooks, and more.
Modern infotainment systems have Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, which mirror your smartphone’s apps and functions on the car’s touchscreen.
This makes it easy and safe to navigate, play music, and access other apps while driving. When test driving used cars, check that the infotainment system is responsive and intuitive to use.
Advanced Driver Aids
Advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) are increasingly common in modern cars. These active safety features help detect hazards and can take actions to avoid collisions. Key systems to look for include:
- Blind spot monitoring – alerts you to vehicles in your blind spots. This advanced safety feature uses sensors to detect vehicles or objects lurking in your blind spots and provides a visual warning, usually in the side mirrors or on the dashboard, to let you know when it’s unsafe to change lanes.
- Rear cross traffic alert – warns of traffic when reversing. When you’re backing up, this system uses radar or cameras to monitor the area behind your vehicle and alerts you if it detects oncoming traffic crossing behind you. This can be especially useful in crowded car parks or driveways, where it’s easy to misjudge the approach of another vehicle. The alert gives you time to stop and avoid a collision.
- Lane departure warning – alerts when drifting out of your lane. This technology uses cameras or sensors to track the lane markings on the road. If the system detects that your vehicle is drifting out of its lane without the use of a turn signal, it will provide a visual, audible, or vibrating warning to notify you to steer back into your lane.
- Automatic emergency braking – detects impending collisions and applies the brakes. This advanced safety feature uses sensors and cameras to constantly monitor the road ahead. If the system detects an imminent collision, it will automatically apply the brakes to help avoid or mitigate the impact.
Having ADAS like these can greatly improve safety, especially for new and elderly drivers.
When viewing used cars, check what driver aids are included and that they are fully functional.
Parking Aids
Parking sensors and rearview cameras make maneuvering your car into tight spaces much less stressful.
At a minimum, rear parking sensors are highly desirable when buying a used car. These sensors detect obstacles behind your car and beep to warn you of how close you are.
Even better are rearview cameras, which give you a live video feed of the area behind your car on the dashboard screen. This makes reversing into parking spots simple and safe.
Modern systems have 360-degree cameras that eliminate blind spots all around the vehicle. Check the parking aids work correctly during any used car test drive.
Satellite Navigation
While you can use navigation apps on your smartphone, built-in satellite navigation remains very convenient.
Punch in your destination and let the car guide you there turn-by-turn, without having to mount your phone or drain its battery.
When buying a used car, make sure the sat nav database is up-to-date and covers all of the UK and Ireland. Some manufacturers provide free map updates for the lifespan of the vehicle. Check if there are update fees for the system in the car you’re considering.
Keyless Entry and Start
This handy feature lets you to unlock and start your car while keeping your keyfob in your purse or pocket. This added convenience is something you’ll quickly get used to.
Check that the keys and fobs are included with any used car you test drive. Make sure the keyless system works smoothly both to unlock and start the vehicle.
Considering these useful car tech features will help you choose a used car that’s modern, safe, and convenient for your everyday journeys.
Prioritize the tech that’s most useful to you, while staying within your budget. With the right features, your used car can feel just as advanced as the latest models.
