10 New Car Technology Features That Are Frustratingly Impossible to Use

Cars have become more advanced, with new technology and features that make driving easier and better.

But some technology is frustrating to use. If you get a good deal on a vehicle with these features, it can allow you to keep more cash in your wallet . But you might end up feeling like the savings are not worth it.

Here are some tech features that might sound cool but that can lead to headaches.

1. Flush door handles

Some models have added flush door handles that pop out when you unlock the car or get near the vehicle with your keys.

For example, Teslas are well-known for these flush car door handles.

But the feature doesn’t always work as advertised, especially in winter months when the handles ice over, making them difficult to use.

2. Lane assist

It’s important to keep your vehicle within your lane, which can be a challenge sometimes when you are driving a wide car.

Lane assist can help you stay in your space, but the technology has some glitches and might warn you about leaving your lane when you are still well within the lines.

3. Low-profile wheels

Picking up a car with 21-inch wheels can make you look cool, but those low-profile wheels might not give you the best driving experience.

Low-profile tires can give you a rougher ride compared to typical tires and rims. They also might not perform well in winter weather, making it harder to get a grip on snowy or icy roads.

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4. Bluetooth

Bluetooth can be a great feature to help you with hands-free driving, especially when you are trying to talk on the phone or use voice commands to read and send messages.

However, this technology can start to become cumbersome if you try to get too many devices or apps to connect when you are driving your vehicle. It might be better to take some time and set everything up properly before you start driving.

5. Touchscreens

Today’s touchscreens are getting bigger and offer more options than touchscreens in previous models. Tesla even allows drivers to shift the car into drive or reverse on a screen instead of with a shifter.

While that sounds great, some drivers aren’t enjoying touchscreens. They prefer more tactile buttons for adjusting climate control or when controlling the volume on the stereo.

6. Glossy interior trim

Glossy trim inside your vehicle can give you a flashy, shiny finish that will make you excited about getting behind the wheel.

But that extra gloss can also reflect sunlight into your eyes and cause issues while you are driving. The glossy surfaces can show more fingerprints and dirt, requiring you to clean them more frequently.

7. Cruise control

Cruise control has been a feature on car models for decades, but some drivers are struggling to come to grips with recent changes in the technology.

These drivers are having trouble getting used to adaptive cruise control, which uses technology to automatically slow the car down based on traffic around it.

8. Assisted parking

Parallel parking can seem daunting to some drivers, especially if you haven’t done it in a while. But many of today’s drivers appear reluctant to try assisted parking technology that helps you park the car.

This could be an issue with drivers who want more control over parking. There also might be instances where the technology doesn’t work optimally.

9. Controlling your car from your phone

Car manufacturers have become more tech-savvy and now offer apps that can help you control your vehicle from your smartphone. You might be able to remotely start your car, unlock your doors, or adjust your climate control from your app.

However, there is a difference between ordering lunch from a phone app and controlling your car with an app. Some drivers are simply not ready for this technology.

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10. Driving mode

Some vehicles have different modes — such as sport mode or racing mode — that will change how a vehicle performs under different conditions.

Most drivers don’t actually know how to use these modes properly or even when to switch to these modes. They are often an example of great tech that doesn’t have much use for the average driver.

Bottom line

You might find some technology features to be useful, but others can seem like a pain. So, balance the cost of those features against how much you will use them so you don’t overspend on your next vehicle.

Another great way to cut costs is to shop around and gather multiple quotes so you save money on car insurance .

Money tips that can work for everyone

No matter what your bank account balance is, there's always an opportunity to optimize and improve your finances. Here's a quick checklist of things you can look at today.

Focus on paying off your debt . Debt can hold you back from making progress with your overall financial well-being. Aside from cutting expenses, there are tools that can help you pay off debt faster like balance transfer credit cards and debt counseling.

Earning extra income can give you breathing room. If finances are tight, earning some extra money to supplement your income can make a huge difference. A new job is one option to consider, but if you're not ready to make a big change or already retired, a part-time side job could be a better choice.

Cut your expenses. It sounds painful and so not fun, but it doesn't have to be. Take a look at your biggest expenses because that's where you'll probably find the biggest savings. For example, auto insurance rates have been soaring so shopping around for a new insurance company can be the fastest way to cut your bill. Also, look for ways to cut your grocery bill (despite rising inflation).