Auto expert named the most useless options in modern cars

Many of the car options that manufacturers actively use to attract customers turn out to be controversial in practice and often raise more questions than benefits. Evgeny Lipovitsky, an auto expert at Gazprombank Autoleasing, told Izvestia on June 10 that the functions and equipment elements that most drivers can safely do without.

Among the most controversial solutions, the specialist highlighted the LED interior lighting. Despite its spectacular appearance, bright lighting quickly begins to tire the eyes, especially at night. As a result, car owners most often turn off the backlight or leave one neutral shade.

"The gesture control system does not meet the expectations of many drivers either. Although the technology looks modern, in practice the usual buttons and touchscreens are more convenient and faster. In addition, electronic systems do not always correctly recognize commands, which can distract the driver from the road," the expert said.

Lipovitsky also mentioned eco-leather interior trim and elements from the so-called piano varnish among the controversial solutions. Artificial leather can eventually crease, lose its appearance and crack, while glossy panels quickly collect scratches and fingerprints.

Exclusive body colors are considered to be another option that often disappoints owners. Unusual shades really make the car stand out in traffic, but they can get boring over time. In addition, repairs and paint selection in case of damage are much more expensive.

The specialist advises to carefully approach the choice of a panoramic roof. In addition to reducing overhead space, this design requires regular maintenance. At the same time, replacing the glass panel in case of damage can be very costly.

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Fans of the spectacular appearance of the car are also advised to take into account the disadvantages of low-profile tires. They make the car visually more athletic, but they cope worse with uneven roads, increase the risk of damage to the discs and increase the load on the suspension.

The start-stop system, which automatically turns off the engine at traffic lights and in traffic jams, has also gained a mixed reputation, the specialist added. Despite the environmental orientation of the technology, some motorists note a decrease in operating comfort and additional loads on the vehicle components.

Separately, the expert highlighted functions that may be useful to novice drivers, but often raise questions from experienced motorists. Such systems include a parking attendant and keeping the car in the lane. Automatic parking is often slower than a human, and the lane control system may not respond correctly to poor markings and road conditions.

The specialist emphasized that the choice of equipment always depends on the individual preferences of the driver. However, if the main goal is to save money when buying a car, these options can be eliminated without significant loss of comfort and functionality.

From January to May, the share of dealer ads increased from 13% to 16% in the used car market against the background of a reduction in the presence of private sellers. As noted on June 5, an increase in the stocks of major players has led to an increase in discount offers. In five months, their number increased by 5% to 35%, and the median discount on a used car at a dealer reached 4.5%.