Which equipment you need in the car and which is easy to overlook

Some modern automotive devices are smart innovations, other equipment may be more of a nuisance than a helpful tool.

Car manufacturers are offering a list of additional equipment when purchasing a new car. Almost every month we witness the appearance of new safety systems and consumers find themselves in a situation where they do not know which accessories they really need, which are worth the extra cost and which ones are better to avoid. Cars are getting smarter, but in practice not all the equipment proves to be very useful.

The US magazine Consumer Reports, where they purchase all the products they test, made a list of essential and unnecessary automobile accessories. They try to help and assist customers who find themselves tempted to pay the extra cost for the additional equipment of the car.

Cockpit with too many features can distract the driver. Most of the car manufacturers are cleaning the buttons.

Equipment, to which you say: Thank you.

Comfortable seats. If you spend a lot of time in the car, comfortable seats are essential.
Power driver’s seat, height-adjustable lumbar support. Electrically adjustable seats provide a greater degree of adjustability than manually adjustable seats.
Warning of the possibility of collision. This system alerts the driver with visual and audible signal of a possible accident and allows him to react in time.
Automatic emergency braking. The system will detect a possible collision and, if the driver does not respond in time, the car will begin with automatic braking.
Rear View Camera. The gadget ensures greater safety and convenience when parking.
Rear cross-traffic alert. The system warns the driver of the incoming vehicle when reversing in parking lots.
The control system of blind spots is warning the driver when the vehicle is placed in the driver’s blind spot.
Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The usability of smartphones on the car dashboard allows you to use a number of driver-friendly applications.
Bluetooth hands-free telephone connectivity. Answering drivers telephone without violating the rules.
360-degree camera. More cameras allow the driver to look at the car from a bird’s perspective. Very helpful when parking or tight maneuvering.
HUD – Head-Up Display. A useful device that displays the current speed, navigation and other data to the windscreen directly in front of the driver.

Smartphones can replace a lot of pricey additional equipment.

Equipment, to which you say: No thanks.

Touchpad, which recognize the movement and signs. More and more cars are equipped with a touchpad, which enable the driver to write letters and entering addresses. The system is stealing the time when the driver should focus on the road.
DVD Player. With all the connectivity in cars and a lot of tablet PCs, DVD players are becoming obsolete.
Built-in navigation. Navigation on smartphones is easier to use and has a better voice recognition. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto allows you to download maps from the phone to the car infotainment screen. The advisability of the embedded navigation is therefore called into question.
Applications. With the continuous introduction of new applications, the existing ones can quickly become outdated.
Wireless local area network (Wi-Fi). Smart phones allow wireless access point (hotspot), while an in-car Wi-Fi router requires an additional monthly fee.
Lane-keeping assist. The system monitors lane lines and power steering directs the vehicle to retain the lane. The driver gets an unpleasant feeling that someone is pulling the wheel.

Image credit: BMW, Volkswagen, Audi