New modern car advancements ,likes and dislikes.

[nilagin]

In the late 70s and early 80s, I had various cars. Such as Austin 1100 and 1300s and Escorts and Cortinas etc. When I bought them, they were only a few years old, but rotten through. They lasted me an average of about six months. Back in the days when you bought a car with 12 months MOT on it, and sold it after 6 months. In the mid 90s I bought a Citroen AX and I had it for ten years. When I sold it, the body was still gleaming, not a spot of rust on it. The new owner got a good few more years out of it. The bodies of cars now, do last better. Rare to see a rusty car now..

Other than the bodyshell itself, a lot of it is plastic, wings, bonnet hatch and the doors to I believe. I had the misfortune of having a Citroen AX as a courtesy car in the late 90's. it was more basic than the 1976 Fiesta base model that I'd had in the eighties.

 

[jonbeeza]

Other than the bodyshell itself, a lot of it is plastic, wings, bonnet hatch and the doors to I believe. I had the misfortune of having a Citroen AX as a courtesy car in the late 90's. it was more basic than the 1976 Fiesta base model that I'd had in the eighties.

I think only the hatch was plastic, because it was so light, probably seemed like most of it was plastic. Being so light, it was the most economical car I had ever owned, other than the Citroen C1 that I also had. Oh and the C1 also felt so fragile, you would think it was moulded plastic..

 

[decigallen]

Or the most pointless automotive invention ever!

How hyperbolic.

It's a safety feature as well as an aesthetic one. And what's wrong with aesthetic inventions anyway?

 

[ianp5a]

Surely a vinyl roof is the most pointless?

Or can you name an even more pointlesser car invention?

 

[nilagin]

Surely a vinyl roof is the most pointless?

If it covered the rear pillars too, it was to give cars a convertible appearance, hence why some American cars had fake hinges on the rear quarters. They do protect the roof from stone chips also so they do have an active purpose. Vinyl roofs still have a modern day equivalent, they just no longer imitate convertibles.

 

[Ricardodaforce]

How hyperbolic.

It's a safety feature as well as an aesthetic one. And what's wrong with aesthetic inventions anyway?

I think you are defensive because it is your car. Of course indicators are a safety feature, but the new Audi light style doesn't make them more safe does it? Just looks pretentious.

 

[dejongj]

I think you are defensive because it is your car. Of course indicators are a safety feature, but the new Audi light style doesn't make them more safe does it? Just looks pretentious.

I think it does. It is clear which way they are going. BTW didn't the Ford mustang have that since 1965 or something like that.

It now with led technology that it can be made neat and small and much brighter.

Pretentious? Really, blimey comrade best get back to work on those tractors.

 

[Ricardodaforce]

I think it does. It is clear which way they are going. BTW didn't the Ford mustang have that since 1965 or something like that.

It now with led technology that it can be made neat and small and much brighter.

Pretentious? Really, blimey comrade best get back to work on those tractors.

Well we all have our own opinions don't we. If a car uses its RH indicator then I think we generally assume it's clear they are going to the right. How does the Audi light make it clearer? As for a 1965 Mustang, I was 1, so can't quite remember.

 

[dejongj]

Well we all have our own opinions don't we. If a car uses its RH indicator then I think we generally assume it's clear they are going to the right. How does the Audi light make it clearer? As for a 1965 Mustang, I was 1, so can't quite remember.

Fair enough as I saididn't let make them all the same. Let's all have the same clothes and keep working those tractor lines comrade. It's an opinion but pretentious? Really.

 

[Ricardodaforce]

Fair enough as I saididn't let make them all the same. Let's all have the same clothes and keep working those tractor lines comrade. It's an opinion but pretentious? Really.

Well like the car in question, mine is a convertible with "Auto lights/wipers, heated seats, cruise, park sensors etc etc", so not quite industrial. Though I guess from the outside the diesel engine might sound a bit tractor-like!

 

[dejongj]

Well like the car in question, mine is a convertible with "Auto lights/wipers, heated seats, cruise, park sensors etc etc", so not quite industrial. Though I guess from the outside the diesel engine might sound a bit tractor-like!

It's nothing new or unique though is it? My BMW from 1989 had all that already. Yes LED automotive lighting is a modern car advance.

A diesel convertible? Really? That must be annoying when you have the roof down along the lovely country lanes.

 

[jonbeeza]

On the note of indicators. I do not like the way they place the indicators, inside the headlight housing. Very hard to see at night, the headlight makes it very hard to see the indicator flashing. By concentrating so hard trying to see, tend to by less unaware of other hazards.

 

[ianp5a]

How hyperbolic.

It's a safety feature as well as an aesthetic one. And what's wrong with aesthetic inventions anyway?

Yes. Most of what you see on a car is for aesthetic purposes. It even has a priority over aerodynamics.

Look at this pretentious jerk showing off his fancy "dynamic" indicators just because he can.

 

[dejongj]

On the note of indicators. I do not like the way they place the indicators, inside the headlight housing. Very hard to see at night, the headlight makes it very hard to see the indicator flashing. By concentrating so hard trying to see, tend to by less unaware of other hazards.

With the Audi led technology and also our Mercedes ILS the main light dims ever so slightly to make it more visible. And then once the slow down occurs and satnav knows where you are and steering input begins the cornering lights come on as well. I like that a lot.

My Golf R didn't have it. However I plugged my laptop in and changed the programming so now it does

 

[jonbeeza]

Just reading the Galaxy manual, and I have gotten to the Data Recording section.

It says a large number of electronic components of the vehicle, contain data storage modules. Storing technical data about the condition, events and malfunctions of the vehicle. In general, this technical information documents the condition of the parts, modules, systems and the operating conditions. It also saves data about the number of wheel revolutions / rotational speed, deceleration and acceleration. Etc etc etc...It goes on to say, service and repair works, and warranty cases / quality assurance, can access this information. It goes on to say. Situations may occur, in which this technical information may be accessed. This may be done by an expert, relating to an accident, or other damage.

Does this mean, no more boy racing activities in this car ?Can they really see what the driver has been up to?

Good job I do not like doing wheel spins .

 

[dejongj]

Just reading the Galaxy manual, and I have gotten to the Data Recording section.

It says a large number of electronic components of the vehicle, contain data storage modules. Storing technical data about the condition, events and malfunctions of the vehicle. In general, this technical information documents the condition of the parts, modules, systems and the operating conditions. It also saves data about the number of wheel revolutions / rotational speed, deceleration and acceleration. Etc etc etc...It goes on to say, service and repair works, and warranty cases / quality assurance, can access this information. It goes on to say. Situations may occur, in which this technical information may be accessed. This may be done by an expert, relating to an accident, or other damage.

Does this mean, no more boy racing activities in this car ?Can they really see what the driver has been up to?

Good job I do not like doing wheel spins .

I'm sure it could be adjusted or erased

 

[jonbeeza]

I'm sure it could be adjusted or erased

No spanners needed, just plug in a laptop .

 

[dejongj]

No spanners needed, just plug in a laptop .

LOL don't even have to do that. There are ways to do it without touching it some great research done at University of Twente which was presented at Black Hat last year. Sorry but welcome to my world

 

[decigallen]

I think you are defensive because it is your car. Of course indicators are a safety feature, but the new Audi light style doesn't make them more safe does it? Just looks pretentious.

No, I'm not defensive but I think you're being dramatic saying somehow that dynamic rear indicators are pretentious and the most pointless automotive invention ever? I think you're wrong on both counts.

Regarding safety, our visual system is attracted to movement and your eyes will certainly be drawn to these indicators (and LEDs in general over standard bulbs). So in this case, being aesthetically eye catching brings added safety benefits. The negligability of that could be argued all day, but even borderline safety improvements are worthwhile.

 

[decigallen]

On the note of indicators. I do not like the way they place the indicators, inside the headlight housing. Very hard to see at night, the headlight makes it very hard to see the indicator flashing. By concentrating so hard trying to see, tend to by less unaware of other hazards.

I agree on this. I have seen it on a few cars. In our new one, the front indicators are a very bright LED (where the DRL is) and if the headlights are on, they dim during indication. It's very clear.

 

[ianp5a]

I agree on this. I have seen it on a few cars. In our new one, the front indicators are a very bright LED (where the DRL is) and if the headlights are on, they dim during indication. It's very clear.

Whats a DRL?
Edit: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Daytime_running_lamp

 

[jonbeeza]

Whats a DRL?
Edit: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Daytime_running_lamp

Daytime Running Lights. Was it Volvo that started all that? They were always stuck in the on position...

Oh and Saab..

 

[ianp5a]

They had weird running lamps in North America years ago.

 

[dejongj]

Daytime Running Lights. Was it Volvo that started all that? They were always stuck in the on position...

Oh and Saab..

They had weird running lamps in North America years ago.

I found it funny how many in the UK were flashing their lights at me when I had mine on. The safety difference is just staggering. Had a great unwashed car this morning, with no lights that was just invisible during daylight.

 

[Giles2373]

Another vote for electronic handbrake dislike. Also on my Audi I hate the push button start that tells me to depress the clutch when its already depressed!

 

[Nod]

I found it funny how many in the UK were flashing their lights at me when I had mine on. The safety difference is just staggering. Had a great unwashed car this morning, with no lights that was just invisible during daylight.

I've had people pull out on me when I've had my bike light on. Their excuse has been that they though I was flashing them out. Some people need to reread (or maybe read for the first time!) their highway code.

 

[dejongj]

I've had people pull out on me when I've had my bike light on. Their excuse has been that they though I was flashing them out. Some people need to reread (or maybe read for the first time!) their highway code.

And go to spec savers

 

[jonbeeza]

I found it funny how many in the UK were flashing their lights at me when I had mine on. The safety difference is just staggering. Had a great unwashed car this morning, with no lights that was just invisible during daylight.

Read this some place ...

European legislation adopted in 2008 required dedicated daytime running lights (DRL) to be fitted to all new 'types' of passenger cars and small delivery vans since February 2011

Does this mean, we no longer have to follow this rule?

Another vote for electronic handbrake dislike. Also on my Audi I hate the push button start that tells me to depress the clutch when its already depressed!

Still not second nature for me, on our Galaxy. Just does not feel right. Besides, how are you supposed to slow down when being tailed by Police. I suspect some of us, would give a little touch of the hand brake, rather than the foot brake, to prevent the tell tale brake lights coming on? The last bit, was tongue in cheek .

 

[Nod]

Change down a gear or 2?

 

[jonbeeza]

I've had people pull out on me when I've had my bike light on. Their excuse has been that they though I was flashing them out. Some people need to reread (or maybe read for the first time!) their highway code.

What, flashing lights should only be used, as a warning you are there, and not as a beckoning gesture?

 

[jonbeeza]

Change down a gear or 2?

Can you change down, in an auto? Don't know if it is possible..

 

[dejongj]

Read this some place ...

European legislation adopted in 2008 required dedicated daytime running lights (DRL) to be fitted to all new 'types' of passenger cars and small delivery vans since February 2011

Does this mean, we no longer have to follow this rule?

I would like them to keep that rule. The UK was hopelessly out of date with such a simple and obvious safety measure. Lights on is good, especially during bright sunny days.

 

[nilagin]

On the note of indicators. I do not like the way they place the indicators, inside the headlight housing. Very hard to see at night, the headlight makes it very hard to see the indicator flashing. By concentrating so hard trying to see, tend to by less unaware of other hazards.

Cars have had indicator side repeaters since the 80's and were fitted in the front wings. Most manufacturers now fit them in the door mirrors so should still be visible from the front as well as the side with headlights on.

 

[nilagin]

I would like them to keep that rule. The UK was hopelessly out of date with such a simple and obvious safety measure. Lights on is good, especially during bright sunny days.

I have more motorists pulling out in front of me since having a car with DRLs, than I ever have before. It's almost become a daily occurrence.

 

[dejongj]

I have more motorists pulling out in front of me since having a car with DRLs, than I ever have before. It's almost become a daily occurrence.

Don't think that is because of the drl well not because it is visible, perhaps they think we are pretentious cocks

 

[jonbeeza]

I have more motorists pulling out in front of me since having a car with DRLs, than I ever have before. It's almost become a daily occurrence.

Too much traffic, fighting for so little space. Just glad I do not have to do a daily commute .

 

[Nawty]

Daytime Running Lights. Was it Volvo that started all that? They were always stuck in the on position...

Oh and Saab..

Because in Sweden it's dark for half the year so DRLs are much more useful.

 

[nilagin]

Don't think that is because of the drl well not because it is visible, perhaps they think we are pretentious cocks

Too much traffic, fighting for so little space. Just glad I do not have to do a daily commute .

My previous car was black and no DRLs and rarely had the problem of cars pulling out on me, Current one is bright red, hard to miss even without DRLs, yet I seem to be plagued with people pulling out on me.
Mind you, when I first got my previous car, a black Mondeo ST, it did have the appearance of an unmarked police car, I often found car drivers and motorcyclists, suddenly driving a lot more carefully and watching their speed.

 

[decigallen]

Our audi has an electronic handbrake and I love being able to drive off without having to release the handbrake. Actually annoyed that our Leon doesn't have it. The Leon also has a touchscreen NAV/Radio which I dislike. Until haptic feedback is the norm, touchscreens in cars are a terrible idea. Audi's jogwheel system is much better - I can use most functions without paying much attention to the screen.

 

[Nod]

My first Landy was white and had no DRLs. Had loads of people pull out on me. One of them came so close to collecting a small RSJ up his rear end that I felt compelled to point out just how f*****g poor standard SWB Landy Diesel brakes are and that he was f*****g lucky I had uprated ones on mine. People just don't look, let alone actually see what's coming.

What, flashing lights should only be used, as a warning you are there, and not as a beckoning gesture?

That's the one, the same as a horn but quieter!

Can you change down, in an auto? Don't know if it is possible..

Can in mine, using the flappy paddles and in Mrs Nod's using the J gate selector. In the s***box, either kickdown and come straight off the gas or use the stick and pull it back a s many times as necessary. (The kickdown trick works with both the decent cars as well.)