Whether it's the rush on Wendover Avenue or the traffic on I-40, for many of us the daily drive means navigating busy roads. Though the right car won’t erase traffic, it certainly can make our commutes less stressful - and dare we say, enjoyable? Today, let’s focus on some features we think you should consider giving more weight to when shopping for your next daily driver.
Stress-relieving Tech
You don't need a brand-new, or even a luxury car to have access to smart technology, as a wide variety of late model vehicles contain a host of features that essentially act as a co-pilot, offering not just convenience but also safety.
- Infotainment Systems with Smartphone Integration: Today's cars are more connected than ever, and even the most basic infotainment system acts as your command center for everything from music and podcasts to navigation and hands-free calling. Many cars from the past decade have Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, seamlessly projecting your phone's interface onto the car's screen. This means you can get real-time traffic updates from your favorite map app, stream your favorite music, or take a call without ever touching your phone, all of which keeps your eyes on the road.
- Adaptive Cruise Control: You can think of this as cruise control with a brain. Instead of just holding a set speed, this system uses sensors to automatically speed up or slow down, maintaining a safe distance from the vehicle in front of you. It's a game-changer for easing the constant stop-and-go of city traffic, helping you stay relaxed on the way to and from work or school.
- Blind Spot Monitoring: As manufacturers continually design larger protective beams around the cabins of their cars, us drivers lose more and more sightlines of our surroundings, making something as basic as changing lanes on a busy highway tricky. As it says on the tin, the “Blind Spot Monitoring System” uses sensors around the car to detect vehicles in said blind spots. A small light in your side mirrors will light up, warning you of a car you might not see, giving you confidence while maneuvering the wilds of I-85 and US-29 during rush hour.
- 360-Degree Camera: Akin to the issues above, navigating a crowded parking lot or a tight space downtown can be a guessing game unless you have a deep understanding of your vehicle’s dimensions or a spotter. Well, the 360-degree camera system is that spotter, using multiple cameras to create a top-down view of your car and its surroundings, all fed to you through your display screen. It certainly removes some of the guesswork from tight spots, drastically cutting down on scuffs and dings.
Comfort AND Savings
A car is more than a tool, if you’re clocking a daily commute it’s also your living quarters, so it’s helpful to consider both when looking for the right fit. Whether you’re looking at efficient function of fuel savings or the form of a comfortable interior, these can be important features when adding up time spent inside these wonderful machines.
- Fuel-Efficient Engines and Hybrids: Though sporty and powerful vehicles can be a blast, gridlock is a gas-guzzler's worst enemy. A hybrid car can use its electric motor at low speeds, translating to gas savings while stuck in stop-and-go traffic. For non-hybrids, looking at smaller, more fuel-efficient engine options can still make a huge impact on your budget over time.
- Ventilated and Heated Seats: As you’re well aware, Greensboro's weather can vary wildly. On a hot afternoon, ventilated seats circulate cool air to keep you comfortable and from sweating through your work clothes, while during winter months, heated seats will take the chill out of a cold morning. These are simple features that make a world of difference for your comfort, and are hard to give up once you’ve experienced them.
Find Your Commuter-Ready Car
At the end of the day, a great commuter car is one that fits your lifestyle and budget. We know how easy it is to fall in love with a car, and we hope this article in some way helps you build a realistic checklist for both what you need and want in your next purchase. You can easily shop our selection here, and should you have any questions at all we invite you to contact our friendly and knowledgeable staff for assistance. Take care and drive safe out there!