People have been buying cool gadgets for their cars ever since cars came out. The gadgets available in the first half of the 1900’s weren’t nearly as cool as the ones available today, but people were just as fond of them as they are of gadgets now. Just think – in those days having a radio or air conditioning was a real treat, while today these things come standard in most cars. Maybe one day things we consider nifty gadgets will become required parts of cars. Until then though, here are five cool car gadgets that any driver in 2011 would be glad to have.
1. Bluetooth – Bluetooth enabled cars are becoming a popular option for drivers. With a Bluetooth enabled car, you can patch your cell phone through without using a physical connection. That means you can answer phones by using the audio system in the car and dial numbers verbally. This hands free system is especially welcome since holding a cell phone while driving has become illegal in many states over the past few years. Car manufacturers that offer this option include BMW, Nissan, Chrysler and Toyota.
2. Real-Time Traffic Information – While Europeans have had this option available to them for several years, it’s just starting to make its way over to the United States, With a real-time traffic information system, you will be able to see traffic information on a screen mounted in your dashboard. With this knowledge you will be able to determine the best route home. It’s like having your own personalized traffic reporter in your car! Acura offers this system in its cars under the name of AcuraLink, while BMW’s cars are equipped with a Total Traffic Network. You're going to want to make sure you have sufficient auto insurance with toys like this. It can be very expensive to replace them.
3. In-Car Media Storage Device – It can really be a hassle to listen to music if most of your music is stored in digital form. You either have to plug in your iPod or burn CDs from your computer to listen to in the car. Some cars, such as the Jeep Wrangler Unlimited and Mercedes-Benz S Class, have tackled this uniquely digital problem by adding in-car hard drives. You can store your music directly on this drive and listen to it without a portable storage device! Some companies are also working on letting people just plug in a memory stick via a USB port.
4. Heating and Cooling Cupholders – Does your coffee go ice cold before you’ve even had a chance to drink it in the car on your way to work? Or during the summer, does your iced latte heat up way too quickly? Car manufacturers have worked to find a solution to your beverage temperature woes by creating cupholders that will either keep your drink warm or cold. These types of cupholders can be found in cars like the Cadillac Escalada ESV Platinum edition, the Dodge Caliber and the Range Rover Sport.5. Self-Parking Capability – Do you have a hard time parallel parking? Let your car do the work for you! All you have to do is enter some parameters into the navigation computer, and the car will park itself in a parallel or traditional spot. Currently only available in the Lexus LS 460 and Toyota Priuses sold in Europe.
