A to Z of Modern Car Features

This comprehensive list of ours below highlights the diverse range of modern car features available in 2024, enhancing safety, comfort and connectivity for drivers and passengers alike. As technology continues to advance, we can expect to see even more innovative features coming from the automotive industry. Increasingly we’re seeing cars even just a few years old with many of these features included so we’ve listed them to help if you’re not too sure what they do!

 

A

ABS

ABS (anti-lock braking system) allows the vehicle to maintain steering control when braking in slippery conditions by preventing the wheels from locking up. Find out more.

Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC)

Sometimes referred to as Radar Cruise Control, ACC automatically adjusts the vehicle’s speed to maintain a safe distance from the car it “sees” ahead. The driver of the car sets the maximum speed and the minimum distance to the car in front and the computer takes care of the rest.

Adaptive Lights

Adaptive lights work to optimise your main and dipped headlight beam for the road ahead – without dazzling drivers, oncoming ones in particular. The car detects a light source ahead and automatically covers a portion of main beam to ensure people aren’t dazzled by it.

AdBlue

A manufactured solution (using Urea in most cases!) AdBlue is sprayed into the exhaust system to reduce the amount of noxious gases coming from a diesel powered engine.

Android Auto

A system that integrates Android smartphones with the car’s infotainment system for navigation, music and messaging. We believe as more cars having their own infotainment system it’s looking like some car manufacturers will not continue to install Android Auto as much as they once did.

Apple CarPlay

A system that allows hands free use of your iPhone by way of your car’s screen enabling you to navigate and play music whilst driving.

AEB

Detects an impending collision, Autonomous Emergency Braking sounds an alarm to warn the driver and in many cases applies the brakes to prevent or mitigate any vehicular or pedestrian impact.

 

B

Blind Spot Monitoring & Detection

Alerts the driver to vehicles in their blind spots by audibly and/or visually signalling in their mirror, reducing the risk of lane-change accidents.

Bluetooth Connectivity

Allows wireless connection of phone or tablet devices, via Bluetooth for hands-free calling and/or audio streaming.

 

C

Climate Control

A step up from a standard air conditioning system, climate control automatically keeps the interior of the car to the required temperature negating the driver (or passenger) from having to change any heater or air con settings, a “set and forget” system.

CO2 Emissions

Any (fossil) fuel powered car will generate (emit) Carbon Dioxide gas from its exhaust as a result of burning fuel to power the engine.

Collision Avoidance System

Uses sensors to detect potential collisions and takes action to avoid them.

Cross-Traffic Alert

Warns drivers of approaching traffic from the sides (and in a blind spot) when backing out of parking spaces. Fairly rare on most cars, it usually being an option that most people don’t consider but it is slowly gaining popularity.

Cruise Control

The cruise control system allows a driver to set the car to travel at a set speed, however it is not “adaptive” so if the driver fails to switch off approaching the rear of another vehicle they risk driving into it!

CVT (Continuous Variable Transmission)

An alternative to an automatic gearbox, the Continuous Variable Transmission stays (in theory) in “one gear”, rather than changing through a fixed set of gears as it would in a normal automatic gearbox. Interesting fact, the CVT was originally designed by Leonardo Da Vinci!

 

D

DAB

A digital form of radio broadcasting (Digital Audio Broadcast) that gives better sound quality over the airwaves (though we find it fades in and out far too easily). Increasingly DAB is found as a modern car feature in many car infotainment systems and most owners are moving away from using FM reception.

Dash-cam

Usually bought as a separate add-on, this video camera records what you see ahead of you as you drive. Some systems also incorporate a rear looking camera too. Both can be used to give drivers peace of mind in the event of an accident or incident on the road.

DRLs

Also known as Daytime Running Lights, these automatically come on as a safety feature once you start your car’s engine during the day, once you switch on your headlights at night these go off.

Drive mode

Selecting a drive mode allows the vehicles handling to be (slightly) changed to suit the mood of the driver. Typically drive modes consist of “Comfort”, Eco”, “Normal” and “Sport”.

Digital Instrument Cluster

A customisable display that replaces traditional gauges with digital screens showing vital vehicle information in a graphical format.

Driver Attention Monitoring

Monitors the driver’s driving behaviour and accuracy and alerts them if signs of drowsiness are detected.

DSG

Developed by Volkswagen and used in (some) Audi’s, VW’s, Skodas and Seats, a DSG (Direct Shift Gearbox) uses two independent gearboxes, two clutches and two drive shafts and (depending on the driver’s style) selects what it thinks will be the next gear in anticipation. In theory and practice it allows for a faster, smoother gear change over a traditional automatic gearbox.

DTE

“Distance to Empty” – in days of old, drivers would have only an indication of 1/4, ½ or ¾ (or full) in their fuel tank indicator and would have to guess how much range they had left. With DTE it now shows the driver how many miles they have left before running out of fuel.

Dynamic Stability Control

Helps maintain vehicle stability during slippery conditions by adjusting engine power and braking. Most manufacturers allow the Stability Control to be switched off but this is something we don’t recommend for driver safety.

 

E

Power Steering

Provides steering assistance using an electric motor, improving fuel efficiency and responsiveness.

Eco Mode

Putting the car into “Eco Mode” adjusts vehicle settings to increase its fuel efficiency, such as optimising throttle response and minimising air conditioning and/or climate control.

Emergency Call (eCall) System

The eCall system automatically contacts emergency services in the event of a serious accident.

ESC

Standing for Electronic Stability Control, it is the same as DSC (Dynamic Stability Control).

Euro 6

Perhaps not a “modern car feature” but it is something we’re increasingly asked about by our customers, this is a Vehicle Emissions Standard that came into effect in September 2015. Many vehicles below Euro 6 will struggle to enter modern day CAZ (Clean Air Zones) without paying to enter.

 

G

GPS Navigation

Provides real-time directions and traffic information using satellite technology.

Gesture Control

Allows drivers to control certain functions (like audio or navigation) with hand gestures performed in front of the infotainment screen.

 

H

Hands-Free Tailgate

Opens the boot automatically when the driver waves their foot under the rear bumper, useful when their hands are full (but can still look a little awkward trying to operate!).

Head-Up Display

Projects navigation, speed and other essential information onto the windscreen, a car’s HUD can enhance driver awareness, removing the need for the driver to take their eyes off the road.

Heated Seats (and Steering Wheel)

Provides warmth in cold weather for added comfort, was typically found on luxury cars but many “standard” cars can also be found with them these days.

Hill Descent Control

Usually found on AWD and 4WD cars (typically SUVs), the HDC allows a driver to drive at a set speed off road and on steep descents for greater safety.

Hill-start Assist

Particularly useful for cars with electronic handbrakes, a Hill-start Assist system stops the car from rolling back when initially pulling away from a standstill on a hill.

 

I

Intelligent Park Assist

Assesses and then automatically steers the car into a parking space while the driver controls the accelerator and brake.

Infotainment System

A centralised system that integrates audio, navigation, car setup and connectivity features for entertainment and information.

Isofix

A type of connection that allows a child’s car seat to be attached securely to the car itself providing better protection in an accident. Some manufacturers hide the ISOFIX attachment between the seat back and seat itself, whilst others make them clearly visual (and easier to use!).

 

K

Keyless Entry (and Ignition)

A keyless entry system allows the driver to unlock and start their car without having to remove the key fob from their pocket or bag. When starting the car detects if the fob is present and allows the engine to fire up when a Start button is pressed.

L

Lane Departure Warning

Alerts the driver if the vehicle unintentionally drifts out of its lane, typically a buzzer. Lane departure warning can be slightly unusual to people who have never experienced it or weren’t aware it was fitted in the car.

LED Headlights

Provides brighter, more efficient lighting compared to traditional halogen bulbs, improving visibility.

Lane Keeping Assist

Actively steers the vehicle back into its lane if it begins to drift across lanes without signalling.

 

M

Massaging Seats

Offers adjustable massage functions in the seats for enhanced comfort during long drives.

Multi-Zone Climate Control

Allows different temperature settings for various areas of the vehicle, accommodating all passengers in the front and the rear.

Memory Seats

Remembers individual seating positions for multiple drivers, adjusting automatically when a driver enters. A very handy convenience feature but we find many people never really set them up properly!

MPV

Stands for “Multi Purpose Vehicle” – think of the Vauxhall Zafira, Volkswagen Touran, Ford S Max or the Citroen Berlingo, all cars we regularly service and maintain here at AutoCare Centre Chepstow! Once highly popular cars, they’ve now really been superceded by modern SUV’s, much preferred by families in 2024!

 

O

Over-the-Air Updates

Allows manufacturers to remotely update vehicle software, improving performance and adding features without a visit to the dealership.

P

Parking Sensors

Typically found on the front and/or rear bumpers, these detect nearby objects when parking and provides audible beeps (or bongs!) as well as visual alerts to prevent collisions.

Panoramic Sunroof

A large glass roof that extends over both front and rear seats, enhancing the cabin’s openness and light. Most people think they open when in fact many are fixed in place.

PHEV

Standing for Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle, this enables the car to either use electric to propel itself or resort to the fossil fuelled power engine if little battery charge is left, effectively reducing “anxiety range”. Popular as company cars as their benefit in kind tax is low but not so much with private users.

Pre-Collision Tensioning

Uses the vehicle’s radar and cameras to detect potential collisions and then prepares for a crash by tightening seatbelts in use and adjusting brakes.

 

R

Rearview Parking Camera

Provides a view of the area behind the vehicle when reversing, improving safety.

Remote Start

Allows drivers to start their vehicle from a distance, often via a smartphone app or key fob, thus allowing them to cool or heat the car before they get in.

Regenerative Braking

Captures energy normally lost during braking and uses it to recharge the vehicle’s battery, improving efficiency.

 

S

Surround View Camera System

Provides a 360-degree view around the vehicle using multiple cameras, aiding in parking and low-speed manoeuvres.

Semi-Autonomous Driving Modes

Allows the vehicle to take over certain driving tasks, such as steering and acceleration, under specific conditions.

Smart Motorways

First implemented on the M42 back in 2006, the smart motorway allows for drivers at permitted times to use the hard shoulder as an additional lane to ease congestion as well flash up variable speed limits as part of active traffic management. Not particularly popular with motorists, the police or politicians, as of April 2023 no new smart motorways will be started (a bit late at this point!). Not so much a modern car feature but very likely will begin to integrate even more with cars in the future via onboard tech.

Stop-Start System

Detects when the car has stopped and then temporarily shuts off the engine to save fuel and reduce emissions. Once the driver applies the throttle the car fires back into life to get moving once again.

Supermini

Really just another name for a small hatchback, think of the Ford Fiesta or Vauxhall Corsa!

SUV

Stands for “Sports Utility Vehicle” and probably the most popular style of car in the UK right now. Drivers and families love them, certainly for their increased ride height, passenger carrying ability and in some cases, sheer brand snobbery! 😉

 

T

Traffic Sign Recognition

By way of a forward looking camera which detects and displays road signs on the car’s driver instrument panel, such as speed limits, to assist the driver.

Tire Pressure Monitoring System

Monitors tire pressure and alerts the driver when levels are too low, improving safety and efficiency.

 

U

USB Ports

Multiple ports for charging devices and connecting to the infotainment system whilst on the road.

 

V

Voice Control

Enables drivers to control various functions using voice commands, minimising distractions. Many drivers we speak with don’t actually use their voice control feature, many say they prefer to use the buttons on the dashboard as it gives a faster and more accurate response.

Ventilated Seats

Provides cooling airflow through the seats, enhancing comfort in hot weather. Typically not found in many UK spec cars.

Virtual Cockpit

Audi’s term for it’s 12.3 inch screen facing the driver and used to display speed, range, navigation and more just below the drivers field of vision.

 

W

Wi-Fi Hotspot

Provides internet access within the vehicle, allowing passengers to connect their smart devices on the go.

Wireless Phone Charging

A charging pad that allows compatible smartphones to conveniently charge without the need for cables being draped all over the car!

 

 

X

Xenon Headlights

Increasingly desirable to many motorists, Xenon headlights are much brighter than standard halogen car bulbs with a clearer white beam. Many drivers complain of being dazzled by the intensity and glare of Xenon headlights even when they’re on dipped beam, however they’ve been around on a few models of car since the late nineties.

Y

Yaw Control System

Helps maintain a vehicle’s stability by controlling the vehicle’s rotation during turns and manoeuvres.

 

Z

Zero Emissions

Refers to electric vehicles that produce no tailpipe emissions, contributing to a cleaner environment (as long as the electricity produced has been created by a green source).

 

If there are any other terms we’ve missed do leave them in the comments below and we will add them (and give you credit for it).