The petrol-powered automobile has come a long way since [Karl Benz was awarded his patent](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Karl_Benz) in the late-1800s, so much so, that the concept of a car being just a mode of transport is a distant memory. Car manufacturers are falling over themselves to be the first to invent ground-breaking, in-car features to enhance and simplify our driving experiences. However, some are more useful than others...
Here are some of the best in-car features I can’t live without, as well as a few that should have been left on the cutting-room floor.
## Airbags
*It may look like a comfy night’s sleep, but this could one day be a life-saver.*
Ok, so this one is pretty obvious, but with the saving of tens-of-thousands of lives attributed to the [inventor of the airbag](http://www.thewareaglereader.com/2011/12/26000-saved-lives-later-auburn-alum-finally-getting-credit-for-the-air-bag/#.UX-fmStARxh), this is one invention that these people, literally, could not have lived without. This is of such high-importance, that a Japanese airbag manufacturer [recently recalled 3 million vehicles worldwide](http://www.arnoldclark.com/newsroom/068-nissan-toyota-honda-and-mazda-recall-more-than-3-million-vehicles-worldwide) to offer free repairs on a potential airbag safety problem.
With a handful of my own family and friends being part of the aforementioned number of lives saved, there’s no doubt a huge amount of peace-of-mind comes from knowing airbags come as standard in your next [new or used car](http://www.arnoldclark.com/used-cars/options/min_price/0/max_price/150000/keywords/airbags/per_page/25/orderby/price_up/).
## Aux-in socket / USB adapter
For those with an insatiable appetite for music-on-the-move, the invention of the MP3 - and consequent [in-car connectors](http://www.arnoldclark.com/used-cars/options/min_price/7000/max_price/150000/images/1/keywords/mp3/per_page/25/orderby/price_up/) to play your MP3 devices - has said goodbye to the days of 6-disc CD changers and cluttered glove-boxes full of plastic CD cases.
However, thanks to those lovely people at Apple (insert sarcastic tone here), millions of in-car iPod connections will eventually be rendered useless as Apple rolls out its new “Lightning” connection across the iPod, iPhone and iPad range. That is, unless you’re willing to fork out [£25 for an adapter](http://store.apple.com/uk/product/MD823ZM/A/lightning-to-30-pin-adapter?fnode=48) to hook your new connection to the old-style in-car adapters.
Luckily, many car manufacturers, including makers of my own car, [Volkswagen](http://www.arnoldclark.com/volkswagen/), included a variety of in-car entertainment options to cater for those non-Apple products. As a result, the [Aux-in socket](http://www.arnoldclark.com/used-cars/options/min_price/0/max_price/150000/keywords/aux%20socket/per_page/25/orderby/price_up/), along with the [USB connection](http://www.arnoldclark.com/used-cars/options/min_price/0/max_price/150000/keywords/usb/per_page/25/orderby/price_up/), has been a life-saving invention for playing endless hours of music, without the need for lining the pockets of the Apple shareholders with an extra 25 quid.
## Bluetooth connectivity
Using your mobile phone whilst driving has been [illegal since 2003](http://www.theaa.com/motoring_advice/legal-advice/mobile-phones.html), carrying a £60 fine and 3 penalty points on your license. [In-car Bluetooth connectivity](http://www.arnoldclark.com/used-cars/options/min_price/0/max_price/150000/keywords/bluetooth/per_page/25/orderby/price_up/) has revolutionised how drivers stay in touch whilst on the move, not to mention the reason the legislation was introduced in the first place - to prevent countless accidents. This feature easily makes the top 5.
## The electronic, digital fuel gauge
*One thing that fills drivers with dread.*
When does your fuel ACTUALLY run out? When the pointer hits red? When it goes REALLY red? Or, when you’re pushing the car to the side of the motorway, before a treacherous trudge to the closest petrol station, fuel can embarrassingly in-hand?
The invention of the digital fuel gauge means your car cleverly tells you exactly how many miles are left in the tank, giving plenty of warning before your car will be running on fumes alone. One word of caution – don’t rely 100% on the numbers you’re being shown. The gauge can fall from 20 miles to 5 miles very quickly…….
## “Blue”/”Eco” engines
The days of the gas-guzzler are long gone, with fuel and taxation costs through the roof and a shift in opinions towards saving the planet for the long-term health of our children’s children.
Thankfully, car manufacturers have really got their act together in recent years, with the invention of [more environmentally friendly engines](http://www.arnoldclark.com/used-cars/options/min_price/0/max_price/150000/roadtax/0/per_page/25/orderby/price_up/) that don’t take the fun out of driving, with a long-term plan to shift to [electric-powered vehicles](http://www.arnoldclark.com/renault/electric-cars/).
As a result, most manufacturers have introduced an “Eco” or “Blue” range, allowing Joe Public to drive a car that continues to deliver a level of performance and driving enjoyment, but is kinder to Planet Earth – and their wallets.
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## When inventors take it too far…….
## Parking sensors
Now, I’m not for one second criticising the innovation behind the invention of front and rear parking sensors, which could be classified as a stroke of genius by some.
My gripe comes from those who rely SOLELY on sensors when reversing and trust me, switching back to reversing your car without the luxury of sensors telling you you’re about to hit that lamp-post/tree/police car is no easy feat, as this driver will testify to. There’s a lot to be said for good-old human spatial awareness.
## DVD Players
*Keep your eyes on the road please, Mum and Dad.*
Long car journeys, screaming under-agers in the back seat, little eyes, spied just once too many? Well, the invention of in-car DVD player is heaven for parents, especially those seriously considering leaving the kids behind at the next Little Chef.
However, I’ve never quite been able to work out why you can’t use a mobile phone while driving, yet it’s fine for a driver to be distracted by the latest Disney classic, playing in the front seat for all to enjoy. I dare anyone to be able to look in the other direction when Bruce the Shark makes his dramatic entrance to Finding Nemo, which doesn’t make keeping to the middle lane as easy as task as it should.
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