A hundred years ago, people started their cars with hand cranks. Now, we can start our cars at the push of a button.
Today's auto tech gadgets have evolved. Items that were once considered luxury add-ons now come as standard features. Automatic locks and windows, built-in global positioning systems, bluetooth -- how did we ever drive before all this stuff was available?
We asked our facebook followers to tell us which car gadgets they absolutely could not go without. Here are their 15 top answers.
- Heated seats and back-up cameras. - SF
- A remote starter for sure! Nothing like getting into a warm car in this cold weather! - CG
- Automatic temperature control! - SA
- Hands-free phone. - MMR
- In order: Leather, heated seats, moonroof, back-up cam, navigation, and bluetooth. - PJ
- I am loving Honda's blindspot cameras embedded in the rear-view mirrors that are activated when you signal to change lanes. - BS
- Heated seats, a great stereo, and cruise control. - JCS
- Bluetooth that also works with your music! Love having a million choices of music I can just stream. - IC
- Tire warning, heated seats, and I love my heated steering wheel. - KP
- I love the bluetooth. Talking hands-free on my phone is the way to go! - PJ
- No more crappy heating controls with hard to use little electric buttons! - JA
- The power outlets (and lots of them)! Keep those devices charged and the kids occupied! - EVC
- Blindspot monitoring systems. - MS
- GPS and the rear camera. - RH
- I love my cooled seats! - BK
It makes you wonder what kinds of features will be essential to drivers in the future. Fingerprint-sensitive steering wheels? Car sensors that monitor the driver’s health? It’ll be exciting to find out!
Image by Don O'Brien via flickr, licensed under CC by 2.0