Small details and car features that confuse older drivers installed in cars today

Cars aren’t what they were before and quite different for older drivers who have to adopt all these features. To make it simple, here are their functions so that more seniors drivers can identify them easily. Keep in mind that these small details and car features that confuse older drivers are almost invisible, and you’ll need to figure it out!

Many of these features are buried into the touch screen interface, but it’s debatable if it is truly intuitive or not. For older drivers having more tactile interfaces are still important than younger drivers who find older interfaces too inefficient! Thus, owning a car with all these features can be a bit of a learning curve for senior drivers. 

1. No handbrake lever just an electronic brake button.

Many newer cars just use an E-brake button to activate what used to be a handbrake. No more lever that needs pulling, just a button to press.

2. One touch, on the fly driving modes that change with a simple dial.

Driving cars was a simple affair before and driving modes is either auto or manual. Now, cars have a preset setting that changes the driving mode from sport to eco or some other fancy mode by just pressing a button. 

3. An adjustable suspension that is electronically controlled and features several modes.

Several car brands have included a preset suspension mode to adjust to driving situations. The shock dampers are adjusted on the fly when a normal ride, sport ride, or a custom damper setting is needed. Electronic components adjust the input for the shocks and apply the right setting for the car.

4. Disappearing door handles that fold flush into the car door.

Many cars are using electronic door handles that sink into the door to improve aerodynamics. This allows cars to have a seamless body line that isn’t marred by old-school door handles. 

5. No ignition keys just a one touch and start button.

A long time ago, keys were needed in an ignition slot to start the car. Recently, more start and stop buttons are used instead in newer and recent models. It’s supposed to make it easier with an electronic starter, but not all innovations are necessary.

6. Clutches and manual driving sticks are disappearing.

Not all cars come with sticks and clutches anymore, many sports cars are without them! Instead, we get dials and buttons that shift AT gearboxes and with just a flick of the wrist. For some old-timers, it can be depressing with cars getting more simplified controls, that make it a no-brainer to drive them.

7. The infotainment touchscreen is where you can control most features.

This is the one feature that has already been used as the main interface to control car function. To a certain degree, it is now where many car functions are accessed. It will eventually replace the old school car equipment.

8. The steering wheel has more controls that manage car functions. It’s not just for steering.

Innovations in-car technology has integrated controls in the steering wheel which is used to adjust the info on the infotainment systems too. Addition of paddles and other buttons has made the steering wheel more complex, and is not just for honking the horn! There are plans to add a digital screen that access more car functions. But, that’s in an experimental stage till ready for full introduction in cars later on.

All these small details and car features that confuse older drivers are here now. Some are installed, and some are just in R and D stage yet! All these changes have made motoring very different for the senior motorist. For the younger driver’s this makes cars easier to control and more fool-proof with efficiency too. There’s a lot more coming, and innovations come fast, and accept that cars will never be the same!   

Auto blog driving 101: A step by step guide to using Automated Manual Transmission

Most cars are either manual or automatic transmission gearboxes, and many car makers are shifting to an automatic transmission as the default options for most trims. For many cars, which are equipped with Automated Manual Transmission (AMT)that has a manual or sport mode that is similar to a manual gearbox. The key difference of AMT is the lack of a clutch but has an automated clutch system that shifts gears manually. Okay, this may seem confusing because AMT is equipped with an electronic clutch that is activated by moving from “D” to the “+/-“ section of the shifter. Quite a number come with it, but some car makers just go with the standard automatic transmission. 

The main difference of AMT to AT, is that AT has D1, D2, L, L1 as the gears used when “DRIVE” is not suitable anymore. Between the two which is AMT and AT, using AT is much simpler and less confusing. Which is why these step by step guide will come in useful for that. But AMT is better when it comes to the function of semi-shifting the AMT like an AT. Though it takes a bit of timing and some care to use manual or sport mode better. Examples of it are Mitsubishi Mivec and other trannies installed in other cars. When driving AMT, there are some things to expect and it should be noted! 

1.) AMT is not good for fast acceleration on automatic mode. 

2.) Let the differential downshift because it is still an automatic, don’t for it to engine brake. 

3.) AMT is not good at uphill driving, shifting to sport mode is better. The engine won’t be stressed too much! 

4.) Use the hand brake a lot when hanging on an incline.

When driving here are the simple steps to take when using AMT in these driving conditions. These will save your transmission from getting damaged and to make it last longer!

1.) When the car starts moving, Shift from N to D but don’t make the shifting abrupt. The manual mode can be engaged while moving anytime, its gearbox is ECU controlled with hydraulic assistance.

2.) Once the shifter is in “+/-“ then you’ll need to shift to + when the speed is 20 kph plus. The indicator will show 2 in the indicator.

3.) Next, when the shift needs a higher speed then it will be 3 in the indicator, push it up. Then feel out the engine that it isn’t strained or a too low a gear for the speed.

4.) When there’s enough speed, the shift up to 4, better check what speed is the gearbox. It might not be the same for all AMT gearboxes for cars.

5.) Most AMTs will automatically shift down when losing speed but better reference the driving conditions. Downshifting can be done but be careful.

6.) When going uphill start at 1 and shift up to 2 or 3, as long as there is momentum and no slow shifting that is okay. Just remember to cycle from 1 to 3 as seen in the indicator, to minimize transmission strain.

7.) Do the process and feel out the engine before shifting. This works for overtaking to make shifting faster, but be careful though.

Just follow these steps and always consult your car manual on how to use Automated Manual Transmission (AMT) best! Remember shift to manual or sport mode when on inclines and overtaking too. Never downshift similar to engine brake because it’s not advised.   

Auto blog driving 2019: Top 8 not-to-dos when driving an Automatic car!

Novice drivers and experienced drivers will attest to the simplicity and no-brainer simplicity of driving with automatic transmission cars. It will cost more for an AT option as the drive train which is the go-to because of the horrendous traffic in the metro! For most private cars, this is the usual kind of transmission that is used to cope with the daily grind of stop and traffic. Believe it or not for most motorists who think they know how to drive a AT gearbox. They’re got one thing coming to them and most aren’t aware that they are even doing anything wrong. No need to worry because with these not-to-do’s that should make motorists able to avoid it. It’s rather normal to repeat minor mistakes when it does happen occasionally but not often. With that mentioned and we’ll move onto the meat of the article! All and everything that should not be done will be gone over for the better advisement of motorist with an AT gearbox in their cars.

1. Never coast an inclined slope with neutral engaged! Any driver who disengages the drive will lose the ability to accelerate faster when needed. Another thing is that modern AT gearboxes and brakes are controlled by the ECU at the same time. It’s better to be in drive than neutral because they work in tandem when slowing down. Compared to a manual gearbox that is less efficient when free-wheeling because automatic gear boxes are more fuel-efficient. The ECU detects the exact amount of fuel needed so in effect auto gearboxes will use fuel better, in most instances.

2. Shifting gears with an auto gearbox while moving is not advised. Most drivers have experienced shifting with improper timing are plentiful. Despite all precautions to avoid and it still happens because of impatience. Also, not paying enough attention to proper shift timing and taking the AT gearbox for granted. Shifting from drive or reverse is just careless because AT gearboxes are precise and engage easily. Grinding the transmission gears will wear out the gearbox in time because of carelessness. If any driver has this awful habit which will earn a mighty repair bill for him! Repairing the AT gearbox will be complicated and costly just because it wasn’t minded at all.

3. Putting the AT gearbox in neutral at full stop does bad things to it. It's a common practice for drivers of AT cars to shift into neutral when at a full stop! If you are one of those drivers who’s done it a gazillion times and it is done reflexively too. This isn’t totally accurate and doesn’t even waste fuel or causes undue engine wear as well. A simple explanation is that switch from neutral to drive will cost fuel and engine wear with this [practice. Leaving the AT gearbox on neutral will lessen engine wear and save more fuel in the long run.

4. Revving an AT car in neutral is not smart for starters! Anyone who’s guilty of doing this should know what happens what happens to the gearbox. AT gearboxes are meant to shift automatically and naturally. When acceleration is forced to get more speed that will damage the gearbox unduly. Even with extensive ECU control which optimizes the gear shift for more efficiency that is reserved for high performance cars only! The expected lifetime of the gearbox is compromised and may need repair sooner than it should.

5. Always engage the “park” when car is at full stop. Do you know that a locking pin is engaged when the AT gearbox is placed in “park”? When the car isn’t at full stop and the park is engaged the locking pin could break off and set off expensive repairs. It’s no joke and it will make your wallet bleed! It’s better to wait till full stop then shift to park and never forget it.

6. Low automatic transmission fluid will damage the gearbox. One of the biggest problem which is easily overlooked is when all vital auto fluids should be topped up! More than one drive neglects this simple task which is easy to do. Follow all the manufacturer’s instructions on what is the best grade automatic transmission fluid and when to change it. Production of excess heat will create a carbon build-up that contaminates the transmission fluid if not done. Shifting gears in the gearbox is done by the fluid that lessens friction inside it. This a menial task for car owners that will affect the auto gearbox.

7. Don’t have the car towed unless precautions are taken! Those who own AT cars will have a big predicament when it’s broken down. Most tow trucks in the metro aren’t equipped to tow AT cars and they don’t discriminate between auto or stick shift. These tow truck should raise the car whether it’s front wheel drive or rear wheel drive accordingly. But they don’t care and are careless most of the time. Another problem for cars with auto gearboxes is that the suspension can be damaged by negligent towing too.

8. Cars with AT gearboxes can’t be jump-started and repairs can be costly! Driving cars with AT gearboxes are very convenient when compared to MT gearboxes by far! Should any AT car not start is something serious and it cannot be jump-started at all. If the car doesn’t start even with a new battery or jumper cable, then it won’t. Attempt to force start it and you’ll damage the gears in doing so. That’s why there are still those in favor of manual transmission that can be jump-started. 

 Most Drivers will not be aware of the top 8 not-to-dos when driving an AT car! Keeping the AT transmission is done by following these rules to the letter. Ridding ourselves of these bad habits should be SOPs when driving any AT car. An alternative is optional with the need to speed on expensive repairs.

Auto blog driving 2019: 8 steps to follow when driving in the rain

On normal driving days when the sun is shining and there’s a fresh breeze on the road should be the most ideal driving conditions. What if the weather turns and it turns into a mini-down pour that is very undesirable weather for most motorists. Between novice and veteran drivers who’ll know what to do! In most instances, there will be problems that degrade driving conditions to some degree. Drivers will be familiar with several factors that will affect how they should react when wet weather comes. a. Visibility b. Hydroplaning effect c. Road contact d. travelling speed c. All working lights f. General alertness level All these factors will determine how well most drivers can navigate through the lightest or heaviest of downpours. This is a real concern for those driving in tropical countries like the Philippines. There is only wet or dry weather with more concern when the monsoon season comes. Go over these steps and pointers that should help everyone manage better. Although more experienced drivers can manage better than novice drivers in the worst downpours!

1. Large areas of standing water should be avoided. Keep a look out for areas where water covers part of the road. With the limited visibility and worst if it is night time that aggravates it worse. Driving in the daytime is no different because these expanses of water may have depressions and cause sudden braking! Other dangers are hidden pot holes that can damage tires too. Looking out as far as anyone can and following the areas with least water is the safest.

2. Distance is safety and never tailgate or have too close a distance when it rains. Smart drivers will keep distance always when driving in any downpour. Logic dictates that cars within a safe distance can stop and adjust or move out of lane. Take note that keeping a safe distance from the lead car should be observed. If the bottom of the tires is seen, then it is still good. Increase the distance if the tail lights are too close for comfort. Always adjust for braking and distance to anticipate when to emergency brake.

3. Never use cruise control in wet weather and shut it down! Some drivers might have the bright idea to use cruise control when in light, middle, or heavy rain! Using cruise control is only for good weather and with good visibility on the spot. Those who think of activating it will have a possibility of collision, just because they are too lazy to drive in alert mode. Shutting down the cruise control is a priority because a single mistake can cause a pile-up in wet weather! Be smart and use regular driving for most of the wet weather. Plus, braking power is limited with a wet set of disc brakes.

4. Be smart when using the brakes. Get too eager on the brakes and the wheel will lose grip on the road. Not an ideal situation because chances of understeer or oversteer is a strong possibility. Step on the brake pedal nice and slow to let your foot off gradually! This is controlled braking to keep a good distance from cars ahead. Other drivers will be signaled to slow down and control their braking too. Never jam the brake pedal or you’ll spin out or slide because of lost traction on the road.

5. Make sure tires are well treaded and not too worn. Do you know that there are specialized rain tires the take water out of the thread for better grip and control. If the tires need to be replaced so that it won’t slip and slide with the car running. All tires should be in good condition to remove water from the treads with optimal grip and control! Buying more expensive tire will have better anti-rain properties.

6. Replace all wiper blades that are worn out, when rainy season comes. This is often neglected and it will cost little to replace. One of the simplest DIY to remove and replace that is done easily. Changing worn wipers is just as easy that is an inexpensive replacement which is easy to install with ease! Old and worn wipers will not bode well with problems in taking water from the windshield. It can also scratch the window glass in dry weather too.

7. Use two hands on the steering wheel not just one! Some geniuses might use only one hand to steer which is terribly wrong and shouldn’t be done! Control the steering with two hands when in rainy weather to hold it tight. Planting one hand on it should be avoided because getting back control will be difficult at this stage. Regaining lost traction may happen and regaining control is best done with two hands.

8. Activate the defogger for both front and rear windows. Glass windows can be fogged up by humidity caused by the rain and air in the car. Minimize the misted and fogged windows by turning on the AC with some windows open to lessen misting. Or the worst- case scenario is to pull over to wipe the windows clear. Another alternative is to turn on the heater until the mist evaporates. If defoggers are available to use for removing misty windows, do it too. Do all these to regain better visibility when in rainy weather.

9. Avoid hydroplaning on wet streets! When tires rotate fast over water they rise over it to lose contact from the road. Don’t brake and don’t counter the rotation to slowly coax the vehicle straight with steering control. Hold onto the wheel and guide the car into a straight path.

10. Turn on lights when driving for better visibility. Downpour whether light or heavy will cause some visibility problem for drivers. Turn on all light but use high beam if it is really needed. Don’t use hazard when driving in heavy or light rain except for having a problem with the car!

Ordinarily most drivers shouldn’t worry about maintaining traction when its dry. If it rains then all these top 8 steps to follow when driving in the rain is vital to minimize driving mishaps in wet weather. These skills for wet weather driving is also applicable in similar conditions with minimized traction as a condition. Be smart driver and learn it to handle driving in any circumstance.    

© Photo by Bogdan Emelyanov