Many vehicle manufacturers are now offering ways to interact with cars through mobile devices such as smartphones, laptops and tablets. Services like BMW Online, Ford’s Sync Connect, GM’s OnStar, Mercedes-Benz’s mBrace, Kia’s UVO eServices and others make it possible for owners to control some of their vehicles’ features. Susquehanna Dodge Chrysler Ram in Wrightsville, PA reports that connectivity to their vehicles is becoming a big draw for buyers so you can expect the trend to continue. Here are just a few items, which may be worth checking with your local dealership about, that can bring connectivity to the driving experience:
Finding the vehicle – It happens to everyone at one point. You parked the car in a huge lot and you can not seem to find it. A number of manufacturers have made available smartphone apps with mapping technology to guide you right to the car. One example of this kind of feature is Google Maps. Just think about how handy this would come in at night.
Lock/Unlock your car – In a hurry and would like to get into the car as fast as possible? With your smartphone’s help, you can unlock your car from anywhere. This could be handy if there’s bad weather outside, or it is late at night and you do not want to have to find the right key without any light to guide you.
Checking out diagnostics – With display panels on car infotainment systems showing vehicle diagnostics, it wouldn’t be that long before mobile device involvement. Many new vehicles make available the ability to communicate with a vehicle’s diagnostic system that can inform you about things like when you should get an oil change, your tire pressure is low, and if any service problems occur.
Remote starting – This used to involve starting systems and remote controls. But no longer, many manufacturers now offer remote start systems that mobile devices control. That gives you the ability to start up your vehicle and make the for a cozy cabin by activating the climate controls that heat or cool your car based on the outside temperature.
Uploading directions – One very useful feature on a smartphone app for your mobile device is how it’s possible to send directions from your smartphone or other mobile device to your car’s infotainment unit. A quite popular way to do this is Google’s “Send to Car” feature.
Setting driving limitations – Are you the parent or guardian of a teenager? If you are, this is the greatest feature to make sure you can sleep at night. You may use any mobile device or computer to set limits on things like top allowed speed, where the car is allowed to be driven and other parameters. And whenever you like, you may get a full report of these parameters during the time the car was used. Your teenager may think this kind of thing isn’t fair, but it would be for both your benefits to have it.
While some of the features we looked at are just great to have, many are real safety features and, as such, are destined to become popular to have.
Images Source: Google