In the wave of diversification in the automotive market, car buyers are faced with a variety of equipment choices, some of which are considered "chicken ribs", that is, they sound appealing but their usefulness is questioned.
In-car navigation system
Car navigation systems used to be standard equipment in high-end models, representing a certain technical content and convenience. However, with the popularity of smartphones and real-time navigation apps such as Google Maps and AutoNavi Maps, the appeal of in-car navigation has dropped significantly. Not only do smartphones provide more timely updates on road conditions, but they also have a more user-friendly user interface, and they also allow for more flexible voice and touch control.
In addition, on-board systems need to be updated regularly, which can be additional costs and inconveniences. Although novice drivers may gravitate towards in-car navigation due to their lack of experience, over time, they are likely to find themselves more inclined to use smartphone navigation because it is more convenient and efficient.
Automatic start-stop system
Automatic start-stop technology is designed to reduce fuel consumption and emissions by automatically shutting down the engine when the vehicle is paused, such as at red lights or in traffic jams. At first glance, this seems like a good way to save energy and reduce emissions. However, frequent start-stop operations place an additional strain on the vehicle's battery and starting systems and may shorten their service life. Moreover, in practice, the fuel economy improvement from automatic start-stop is not as significant as expected due to the high frequency of slow driving in city driving. As a result, many experienced motorists will choose to turn off this feature to avoid possible long-term costs.
Cruise control system
Cruise control allows the driver to set a fixed driving speed without having to constantly press the accelerator. This is especially useful in long-distance highway driving to reduce driving fatigue. However, considering that most driving activities take place in urban and suburban areas, the practical value of this feature in daily use is limited. For those who rarely drive long distances, cruise control is more of a luxury feature that is not used very often.
Zonal air conditioning system
Zonal air conditioning allows different areas of the car to be set to different temperatures, theoretically providing individual comfort for passengers. Although this sounds very advanced, in reality, given the limited space in the interior of the car, this zoning adjustment is not very necessary. In most cases, a simple adjustment of the air outlet or changing the fan speed is sufficient for most passengers. Therefore, in addition to increasing the cost of buying a car, the actual value added of zonal air conditioners is limited.
The steering wheel is electrically adjustable
The electric steering wheel adjustment function provides a convenient way to adjust the position of the steering wheel and ensure that the driver can find the most comfortable driving position. While this feature is useful for driving comfort and safety, in most cases, once the driver has adjusted the steering wheel, it is rarely necessary to adjust it again. This feature is of little practical use to a vehicle that is primarily used by a single driver.
Panoramic sunroof
The panoramic sunroof provides more natural light and visibility for passengers in the car, and is a popular feature for many novice drivers to consider when buying a car. Although theoretically being able to drive or stop and rest under the stars is a romantic imagination, in practice, panoramic sunroofs have relatively few opportunities for everyday use. In addition to the high cost of purchase and maintenance, the panoramic sunroof can also face potential problems such as water leaks, which makes it less appealing to experienced drivers looking for practicality.
To sum up, although these configurations may seem to be the highlight of the vehicle at first glance, their practical value and necessity are questionable in the actual use process. Car buyers should decide whether they need these additional features based on their actual needs and driving habits, rather than just being attracted by how they look or what they sound like. Ultimately, a smart choice should be one that balances performance, comfort and affordability, ensuring that the vehicle you buy meets your daily needs as well as your budget and values.
**10,000 Fans Incentive Plan