Thanksgiving is just around the bend - a time for piling on seconds, catching up with distant relatives, and trying to make it to the end of the Cowboys game before the turkey drowsiness sets in.
It’s also a season that suggests introspection, reminding us to cherish the things that bring joy to our lives. Whether you're off to the store to grab the turkey or shuttling the family to Grandma's, holiday travel serves as a reminder of the importance of having a dependable vehicle.
In giving thanks to our cars, we have to also be thankful for recent strides made in the automotive industry. With a plethora of cutting-edge features, today's driving experience is safer and more convenient than ever. Before you dive into Thanksgiving preparations, here are four servings of recent and semi-recent automotive innovations we should all be grateful for:
The introduction of airbags was a huge leap forward for vehicle safety, providing a life-saving layer of protection following an accident. However, modern automakers are now focused on preventing such incidents altogether. This is where collision avoidance systems (CAS) come in and play a critical role.
The first (extremely rudimentary) rearview backup camera was introduced way back with the 1956 Buick Centurion, and today, that feature comes standard with most new vehicles. But as their resources have grown, car manufacturers' goals have expanded to include fully-integrated driver assistance systems. These systems go beyond just alerting drivers about nearby vehicles; they can assume full command of the car's functions to avert potential accidents. It's the closest we’ve come to enveloping our cars in a force field (for now), and every day its presence saves lives.
The world is more connected than ever before, and your car plays a role in this continuous web. While Bluetooth connectivity and other methods of linking your phone to your vehicle have been available for over a decade, there has been a recent surge in the popularity of connected mobile apps.
Many car manufacturers now prioritize integrating as many compatible applications as possible. In theory, this will make the transition from your home or office to your vehicle increasingly smooth. Assuming this trend continues, ten years from now, it might actually be easier for us to list what your car can't do.
Prioritizing the overall health of our planet is crucial for any technological advancement to truly matter. Ford's EcoBoost engine is a sustainable alternative to traditional ones, designed with this core belief in mind. This turbocharged petrol engine utilizes direct injection technology and aims to provide comparable power and torque to standard engines, while significantly enhancing fuel efficiency. As a result, it boosts fuel economy by 20% and reduces greenhouse emissions by 15%.
As we move deeper into the 21st century, expect electric vehicles and environmentally conscious options to become increasingly prevalent. Given their affordability and versatility compared to conventional gas or diesel engines, EcoBoost engines are likely to continue gaining popularity.
Ever since they were introduced in 2004, LED headlights have become quite popular among car manufacturers, especially luxury brands. And it's not surprising why - LED lights provide plenty of advantages compared to the traditional halogen and tungsten lights. These perks include longer lifespans, improved visibility, and lower electricity consumption. As a result, LED headlights have a substantial impact on saving maintenance costs.
And on a purely aesthetic level, LED lights provide more color options than halogen’s various shades of yellow. We may not have the capability to fully replicate daylight driving during our evening commutes just yet, but LED is illuminating the way forward.
We have plenty to be thankful for here at Dells Auto - but nothing moreso than our loyal customers. Before you hit the road to begin your holiday adventures, check out our entire inventory of cars, trucks, vans and SUVs. It's a bit like an elegant Thanksgiving spread – plentiful, variable, and there for your fulfillment. Bon Appétit, and have a bountiful holiday!