The Most Pointless Car Tech Features Drivers Should Watch Out For

Motoring experts have revealed the most pointless car tech features, with advanced driver assistance systems and infotainment amongst the least reliable.

Car and van leasing specialists, Leasing Options, have partnered with the UK’s largest vehicle repair network, Vizion Network, to share the car tech features that both mechanics and vehicle owners consider unnecessary.

Mike Thompson, Chief Operating Officer at Leasing Options, says: “Modern cars are increasingly packed with advanced features to ease driver concerns and enhance the in-car experience. However, some of these high-tech additions can prove unreliable – ultimately causing more stress than convenience. Not everyone needs to spend the extra money on the luxury tech, and being able to identify which features are an unnecessary extra can help drivers save their cash and avoid a headache later down the line.”

A spokesperson at Vizion Network highlights four of the most pointless and unreliable car features:

1. Parking sensors and blind spot assist

“Two of the most common tech features found in today’s vehicles are parking sensors and blind spot assist, collectively known as Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS). These systems use sensors to detect nearby vehicles and provide alerts to help drivers park and change lanes safely.

“While the concept of having ‘extra eyes’ on the road sounds ideal, these systems often create more problems than they solve. Just a small speck of dirt on the camera or sensor can render them ineffective, potentially leading to costly garage visits. If they get damaged, replacement parts can take a long time to arrive, leaving drivers without their car for extended periods.”

2. Lane assist

“Lane assist is another ADAS that uses a front-facing camera to detect road markings and prevent cars from accidentally drifting outside of a lane – either by alerting the driver or applying gentle steering to bring the car back within the lines.

“Despite its intended safety benefits, this car feature can be more gimmicky than helpful. Many drivers say it often feels like they are ‘fighting’ the vehicle and have disabled the feature altogether to avoid the frustration it causes.”

3. Infotainment

“As infotainment systems have evolved over the years, many have become increasingly fragile and seem to be a source of complaints amongst vehicle owners. This central hub houses sat-nav, radio, CarPlay, and more – with most now having touchscreen interfaces.

“Prestige brands appear to be amongst the biggest culprits, with high-end systems that aren’t as robust as they should be for the price. Many motorists find themselves returning to dealerships to report issues with their infotainment systems and spend a long time waiting for them to be repaired.”

4. Fake dual exhausts

“Arguably one of the most pointless features on a vehicle, though not necessarily the most unreliable, is fake dual exhausts. Genuine dual exhaust systems are expensive to manufacture, so they are often replaced with fake versions to create a desirable ‘sporty’ look.

“Fake dual exhausts don’t add any functional value to the car and are purely aesthetic, making them relatively pointless. Many manufacturers want you to believe that a car genuinely has two exhausts, but you can poke a stick through them to easily identify if they are fake or not.”