While upgrading the exterior is nice, you spend most of your time inside your vehicle, so modifying the interior is just as important. Adding leather seats, a great sound system, and a sunroof can help make the driving experience much more enjoyable. Cruise control and satellite radio are perfect for drivers who spend multiple hours on the road, while a GPS system ensures you always know where you are going. In the age of the smart phone, hands-free calling has improved safety, while upgrading your airbags helps prevent serious injury in the case of an accident.
A sunroof is an operable (sliding or venting) opening in an automobile roof which allows both fresh air and light to enter the passenger compartment. Sunroofs come in many different styles, sizes, and shapes, and can be motor driven or operated manually. Sunroofs date back as far as 1937 when Nash Motor Company offered them(…)
Modern car manufacturers almost always include some form of sound system on their factory model. This is typically referred to as the stock system. These stock systems are supplied by a company that specializes in sound system production or by an exclusive vendor to the manufacturer. Many drivers, however, choose to upgrade their sound system(…)
Satellite radio is a radio service broadcast from satellites that allows for a much wider geographical area than standard radio. It is used primarily in automobiles, but some people also use it in their homes. It is available by subscription, and offers a wider variety of programming options and more stations than standard radio. It(…)
Leather, a flexible and durable material created by the tanning of animal skin and rawhide, has become a popular accessory to the interior of a vehicle. Many manufacturers today offer leather seats as an add-on option for customers when they originally purchase their vehicle. Others choose to swap out their seats for leather seats after(…)
At driving school, we are taught to keep our hands at ten and two. The increasing popularity of the smart phone and constant communication, however, has made people ignore this defensive driving mantra. Luckily, there are many Bluetooth devices available that allow for hands-free calling, helping you keep your hands on the wheel and eyes(…)
GPS stands for Global Positioning System, which is a satellite navigation system that provides time and location anywhere on the Earth, provided there is an unobstructed line of sight to at least four GPS satellites. It is generally called an automotive navigation system when it is used by car drivers. Using the road database, the(…)
Cruise control is a system that essentially takes control of an automobile. It maintains a steady speed (as originally set by the driver) by taking over the throttle of the car. Speed control has been used in automobiles for over 100 years, but the modern cruise control was invented in 1948. The driver brings the(…)
An airbag is a device used in a car to help improve safety. Its main purpose is to cushion occupants during an accident and help provide their bodies with protection while preventing them from hitting interior objects like the window or steering wheel. It is designed to inflate during moderate to severe crashes. Most modern(…)