the complete guide to buying a car consider your options
Once you ’ ve selected your new vehicle , what options do you want ? The choices have changed — some didn ’ t even exist five years ago ! Here are a few of the most popular in today ’ s new cars
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High-intensity discharge bulbs light the road ahead more effectively than standard halogens , but without dazzling oncoming drivers . automatic dimming lights can also detect an oncoming car and dim the beams without any driver input .
Voice actiVation
Voice activation learns the sound of your voice and will turn on or off many of the car ’ s features with just a spoken command . But always be mindful of the road : Voice activation can still be distracting . see page 25 to learn more about the dangers of distracted driving . dual-zone climate controls
this allows both the driver and passengers to set their own heating and ac levels . You can also opt for automatic climate controls : In auto mode , the system will fine-tune the temperature to keep everyone comfortable . this can help reduce driver distraction by eliminating the need to fumble with buttons .
VladImIroquaI / Istock power open / close
cars , suVs and minivans often offer the option of power opening and closing for the trunk ( or the tailgate for pickup trucks ) to keep your hands free . Just press a button and the trunk lid or tailgate will close itself securely . some vehicles even let you wave a leg under the rear bumper to open the trunk .
electronic sensors
more common and effective than they used to be , radar and sonic sensors detect other objects and vehicles around the car and can help prevent collisions . some even help drive the car by keeping it in its lane or parking in a tight spot .
Heated seats they used to be a luxury , but they ’ re much more commonplace today , and are often coveted in alberta winters . they ’ re usually available on mid-pricedand-up levels of most vehicles . some offer heated seats in the rear , too .
cameras
Backup cameras can help prevent collisions and fender-benders , when used in combination with attentive checks by the driver . By may 2018 , they will be compulsory for new cars in canada . surround cameras — more common on luxury cars — display everything around the car on a central screen , as if seen from above . make sure the monitor screen is large enough for your eyesight , as some may be quite small .
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