Automakers from BMW to Mercedes to Tesla are racing to pack cabins with more tech, while regulators are pushing back on distraction, and buyers are asking, “Do I actually need any of this?” The joke is that a lot of in‑car tech looks cool on a spec sheet but doesn’t make your daily drive any better. The good news: you don’t have to accept “useless tech” in your next car—or in the one you already own.
Below are five practical ways to tell useful auto tech from gimmicks, and how to set up the features you already have so they genuinely improve safety, comfort, and running costs.
Focus on ADAS That Actually Prevent Crashes
Advanced driver‑assistance systems (ADAS) are where tech moves from “nice to have” to “might save your life.” Right now, NHTSA and the IIHS are heavily focused on features like Automatic Emergency Braking and Lane Keeping, while some flashy extras (like basic lane‑centering that ping‑pongs you between lines) are getting criticized for being more annoying than helpful.
When you’re shopping or configuring a car, prioritize features with real safety data behind them: automatic emergency braking (with pedestrian and cyclist detection if possible), blind‑spot monitoring with rear cross‑traffic alert, and adaptive cruise control that can handle stop‑and‑go traffic smoothly. These systems have been linked to reductions in rear‑end collisions and lane‑change crashes in real‑world studies. Skip or deprioritize “steering assist” packages that constantly nag or fight you and can’t be reliably trusted—especially if owners’ forums are full of people turning them off. If you already own a car with ADAS, dig into the settings: adjust sensitivity, volume of alerts, and steering intervention so it feels like a co‑pilot, not a back‑seat driver. Then practice using it deliberately on familiar roads before you rely on it in heavy traffic.
Use Your Big Screen Like a Tool, Not a Toy
The tech world is currently roasting products that look slick but don’t solve real problems—and modern car infotainment can fall into the same trap. Huge touchscreens and deep menus are now standard, with brands like Tesla, Ford, and Hyundai pushing software updates regularly. Meanwhile, regulators in the U.S. and Europe are actively reviewing how in‑car screens affect distraction.
Treat your infotainment system less like a tablet and more like a cockpit instrument. Before you drive, do a one‑time setup: pair your phone, log into Apple CarPlay or Android Auto if available, pin your most-used apps (maps, music, calls, maybe one EV charging app), and turn off non‑essential notifications. Disable on‑screen keyboards and complex menus while moving if your system allows it—many do. Learn the steering‑wheel and voice controls for core actions (volume, skip track, answer call, navigate home). If your car gets over‑the‑air (OTA) updates, read the changelog like you would a phone update and immediately review any new menu positions or features in your driveway, not on the freeway. The goal: fewer taps, fewer glances, and no “where did they move that button?” surprises while you’re doing 70 mph.
Turn Connectivity Into Real‑World Savings
Connected services and “smart” subscriptions are another category where tech can tilt from helpful to pointless. We’re seeing automakers experiment with everything from paywalled heated seats (BMW backed off after backlash) to subscription‑based hands‑free systems like GM’s Super Cruise. At the same time, connected apps are quietly becoming incredibly useful for owners who know how to use them.
If your car has a companion app, treat it as a utility, not a novelty. Set up remote start or pre‑conditioning to warm or cool the cabin while the car is still plugged in if you drive an EV or PHEV—this preserves range. Schedule charging for off‑peak hours if your utility offers cheaper nighttime rates. Enable service alerts so you get a notification for upcoming maintenance, recall notices, or low battery on your 12V system. Many newer vehicles offer built‑in trip logging and fuel/energy reports; use those to spot “expensive habits” like lots of short trips with cold starts, aggressive acceleration, or long idle times. If your subscription offers features you don’t use—like a built‑in Wi‑Fi hotspot when you always tether from your phone—cancel them at renewal. Let the data and the bill decide which tech stays.
Use Driver Profiles and Memory Settings to Reduce Daily Friction
One of the quietest but most practical advances in today’s vehicles is the rise of personalized driver profiles. Tesla, Volvo, Hyundai/Kia, BMW, and others will not only remember seat and mirror positions, but also your preferred drive mode, climate settings, favorite radio or streaming stations, and even navigation history. It’s the opposite of “useless tech”—yet many owners never set it up.
If your car supports profiles tied to a key, phone, or user login, take 10–15 minutes to lock in your ideal setup: seat and wheel position that give you a clear view of all mirrors and instruments, mirrors adjusted to eliminate blind spots as much as possible, climate control temperature and fan preference, your preferred drive mode (e.g., “Normal” or “Eco” instead of default “Sport”), and instrument cluster layout if it’s configurable. Then create a second profile for any regular co‑driver (partner, teen, parent). In households where two people share a vehicle, this eliminates constant readjustment and reduces the chance of driving with a bad seating position, which can affect reaction times and comfort on long trips. If your EV supports range‑optimizing modes, save a “Road Trip” profile that turns down seat heaters, moderates acceleration, and uses more efficient climate settings—then switch to it before long drives.
Treat Over‑the‑Air Updates Like Software, Not Magic
Software‑defined vehicles are now mainstream, with Tesla, Ford, Hyundai, Mercedes, VW Group and others pushing OTA updates that can change everything from charging behavior to interface design overnight. Some updates genuinely fix bugs or add safety‑critical improvements; others introduce half‑baked features that feel more like gimmicks. With regulators increasingly scrutinizing automated driving claims and software reliability, it’s smart to approach updates like you would on a laptop or smartphone.
When your car prompts for an update, don’t just tap “OK” and walk away without context. Skim the release notes in the app or on the infotainment screen. Ask: does this update address a known safety recall, a bug you’ve personally seen, or a feature you actually want? If yes, schedule it for a time when you don’t need the car—overnight or during a workday when it will be parked for a few hours. After the update, take a short test drive on quiet roads to confirm: driver‑assistance behavior feels normal, your charging settings and timers are still correct, and frequently used features (like climate controls, camera views, or CarPlay/Android Auto) are still where you expect them. If something seems off, document it immediately (photos, short video) and contact your dealer or service center; early complaints often drive quick follow‑up patches.
Conclusion
The internet is right to laugh at “useless tech”—we’re surrounded by gadgets and features that look clever but don’t earn their place in daily life. Cars are not immune to that trend. But under the marketing gloss, there’s a core set of auto technologies—ADAS safety suites, smart infotainment use, genuinely helpful connected services, driver profiles, and well‑managed software updates—that can make every drive safer, cheaper, and less stressful.
You don’t need every new feature an automaker dreams up. You do need the ones that actually solve problems you have on real roads, in real traffic, with real bills to pay. Treat your car’s tech like a toolbox, not a toy shelf—and make sure every digital “upgrade” earns its spot.