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 tips: Selling cars with the Underhanded methods of sales reps

Going out buying a new car is not so cut and dried unless you’ve got deep pockets that won’t be a problem. Remember that sales reps in dealerships make money off,every car they sell! That makes you fair game for the underhanded methods of sales reps which car buyers should know about. Just assume the following whenever anyone enters the sales floor. How you conduct yourself during car hunts is important to get a favorable result. Not the opposite way, which is the sales reps alley which is akin to pre-feeding frenzy in a shark pool. Just like any businessman or women, these car sellers have methods to fleece any unwitting customer and get a good deal from it! Knowing how they operate can significantly put things in your favor but can be fleeting though. But the important thing to know is getting in the right way and maneuvering the outcome opposite their way!

1. The clock is ticking scheme. Getting your signature on the dotted line is important for them! Taking too much time will give the customer time to think about his or her options. Solution: Never be pressured to decide on their time, because you’re the ultimate loser. Do things when you want it, and make them wait till you’re ready.

2. Car salesmen can read their customers. The minute you enter and start moving about, they are watching and sizing you up! This is where they can be successful or not, to make things go their way. Fail this first move and you’ll not get the best deal.

Solution: Don't be so vocal and keep mum to their probing questions. This will set them off and allow you to get the better of the deal.

3. The car you want will not be available. If the salesman gets wind of your choice, he might say that stocks are low and to get it now. Or the offer will not be the same and the preferred car will not be available.

Solution: That’s not true, because there might be more available and they’re pressured to sell cars fast. It cost money to keep cars on the sales floor. Better to take your time.

4. Salesmen who are catching up with their quota will stick it to you! The pressure to close a deal and make quota is real, with many of them trying to get the most cars on the floor. It prompts them to stick it close to get the sale, at the soonest time!

Solution: Just take your time and play the rep,to get the best options.

5. They show you why it’s a good idea to get the car they are pushing. In a nutshell, all the best and greatest things why you should get the car is layout out! But, these reps have not brushed up on the car's specs and are talking through their noses.

Solution:

This is a very deceitful proposition for any buyer on the floor. Ramrodding their decisions,all because they don’t know any better. Just keep much and check online, do the research and decide.

6. What color will it be, sir/mam? Getting rid of all inventory on the sales floor is needed for newer stocks to be sold. A rep will give a choice of another color available if the preferred one is not present. This limits your choice to right here and now, please decide whilst under pressure.

Solution: Stick to your guns and don’t let rep, pressure you into a decision now. Let him wait, till you’re ready.

7. The rep will outline expenses and take you to the table! When this happens, it means that an impending close to the sale is coming. All the extras and expenses will be laid out to make you decide.

Solution: Schedule it another time and at your own pleasure. You decide and no one will make you do anything that isn’t your choice.

Next time you want to go to dealerships, this will help in managing underhanded methods of sales reps to be less of their victims. Just remember these tips that will move any deals for new cars into your advantage!