These Are THE WORST Car Features On Modern Cars You Need To Avoid

Summary

In this episode of Car Corner, the host highlights the most infuriating features found in modern cars, including engine start-stop technology, touchscreen climate controls, and run-flat tires. The video also criticizes large glass roofs without shades, complex electronic gear selectors, and dual-clutch transmissions, emphasizing their drawbacks in terms of cost, reliability, and user experience. The host encourages viewers to consider these factors when purchasing a new vehicle and invites feedback on additional features to cover.

Takeaways

• 😤 Engine start-stop is a common feature that can be annoying due to its jerky operation and questionable fuel savings.
• 😡 Touchscreen climate controls can be distracting and potentially unsafe, with physical buttons being more reliable and user-friendly.
• 😖 Run-flat tires are expensive, have a shorter lifespan, and require full replacement upon puncture, making them a poor choice for most drivers.
• 😠 Extra low-profile tires with large wheels are prone to damage, offer a firmer ride, and are costly to replace.
• 😡 Driver attention monitoring can be irritating with its instant alerts and may lead to drivers disabling the feature.
• 😤 Active parking assist systems are slow and unreliable, often not justifying the additional cost.
• 😖 Large glass roofs without sun shades can make the car uncomfortably hot and are a safety concern if they shatter.
• 😡 Panoramic roofs, while aesthetically pleasing, can be expensive to repair and may not provide significant benefits over a regular sunroof.
• 😤 Electronic gear selectors can be confusing and unnecessarily complex, especially when different systems are used across multiple vehicles.
• 😡 Dual clutch transmissions (DCT) are less smooth, more complex, and potentially more expensive to repair than traditional automatics.
• 😖 Small displacement turbocharged engines, while fuel-efficient, can add heat and pressure to the engine, potentially shortening its lifespan and increasing repair costs.

Q & A

What is the main purpose of engine start-stop technology in modern cars?

The main purpose of engine start-stop technology is to save fuel by automatically shutting off the engine when the car comes to a stop at a light or stop sign, and restarting it when the driver releases the brake pedal.

Why is the engine start-stop feature considered annoying by some drivers?

The engine start-stop feature is considered annoying because it can be jerky and abrupt, not very smooth, and the amount of fuel saved is minimal compared to the wear and tear on the engine caused by constant starting and stopping.

What are the issues with replacing traditional climate control buttons with touchscreens?

Replacing traditional climate control buttons with touchscreens can be irritating and distracting, potentially leading to driver inattention. It also poses a safety concern if the screen freezes or glitches, as it could prevent the driver from adjusting the heat or defroster when needed.

Why are run-flat tires not recommended for some drivers?

Run-flat tires are not recommended due to their high cost, shorter lifespan, tendency to get noisy as they age, and the fact that punctures require full tire replacement rather than a simple patch, making them an expensive and unnecessary expense.

What are the drawbacks of extra low-profile tires with large wheels?

Extra low-profile tires with large wheels are more prone to damage, provide a firmer ride quality, and are more expensive to replace. They may also be less safe due to the thinner sidewalls.

What is the concern with driver attention monitoring systems in cars?

The concern with driver attention monitoring systems is that they can be overly sensitive, triggering alerts or beeping as soon as the driver's eyes leave the road, which can be irritating and potentially distracting.

Why might some drivers find active parking assist features to be more frustrating than useful?

Active parking assist features can be frustrating because they often work too slowly and may not accurately park the car, leading to a lack of reliability and trust in the technology.

What are the potential issues with large glass roofs without sun shades?

Large glass roofs without sun shades can lead to excessive heat and glare on sunny days, making the car uncomfortable and potentially unsafe due to the driver's impaired visibility.

Why are electronic gear selectors in automatic transmissions sometimes seen as a disadvantage?

Electronic gear selectors can be frustrating to use and unnecessarily complex, especially if a household has multiple vehicles with different gear selector designs, leading to confusion and inconvenience.

What are the potential downsides of dual clutch transmissions (DCT)?

Dual clutch transmissions can be less smooth than traditional automatics, potentially leading to a jerky driving experience. They are also mechanically complex, making them more expensive to repair and replace when failures occur.

Why might a small displacement turbocharged engine be problematic for some drivers?

A small displacement turbocharged engine can add heat and pressure to the engine, potentially shortening its longevity and adding complexity with additional components that may fail and require replacement.