6 Technologies That Will Make Your Next Vehicle Safer

Vehicles have been changing in so many ways over the last few years. Fuel economy is improving, design is changing, and cars are becoming safer. A lot of the safety has to do with new technology being implemented in vehicles. I came across this article describing six different technologies that are making vehicles safer to drive and thought I’d summarize it a little bit for you. You can read the entire article here.

1. Back-Up Camera

Put the car in reverse and the screen in your dash or on the review mirror will switch to show you what is behind you. I mentioned earlier that design of vehicles is changing as cars become sleeker looking. This design makes it harder to see when backing up which makes a back-up camera almost a necessity. In fact, the US government is considering mandating that all vehicles come with a back-up camera so keep an eye on that.

2. Back-Up Camera Intervention

The 2013 Infiniti JX is the only vehicle available right now that takes the capabilities of the back-up camera further by being able to stop the vehicle if there is something behind you.

3. Texting Discouragement

Most states have passed a ban on texting while driving but many people still text while driving today. Now there is technology, found in Fords, which will read your text messages to you. There are automated responses, such as “call me back later”, that you can use to respond without having to look at your phone.

4. Lane Keeping and Intervention

Lane keeping intervention can help keep you in your current lane. It is similar to blind spot detection. This technology can be found in Infiniti or Mercedes Benz vehicles.

5. Pre-Collision Alerts

This technology uses radars that can alert you if you are about to crash and even apply the brake for you. This type of technology is becoming more affordable and common as it can be found on vehicles such as the Subaru Legacy, Chevrolet Equinox, and Honda Accord.

6. Substance Abuse Detection

Vehicles having the capability to tell if you are under the influence of alcohol or drugs and prevent you from driving the vehicle might not be available right now but something along these lines could happen down the road even if it is just a warning to notify a passenger that the driver is too intoxicated to drive. This one will likely be a hot button for politicians to debate. 

Scion xB Maintenance Required Indicator Light Reset Procedure

Have you ever wondered how to reset the maintenance required indicator light in your first generation Scion xB?  Here is a video and step by step instructions in case you're changing your own oil or for some reason your service department overlooked it.

1. Insert key and turn ignition switch to the "On" position
2. Make sure the odometer is not set in either trip mode
3. Press and hold the trip meter reset button
4. Continue holding the button while performing all of the following
5. Turn the ignition switch to the "Off" position
6. Turn the ignition switch back the "On" position
7. Wait for the odometer to count down to "000000"
8. After the odometer switches back to displaying the mileage, release the reset button

Once you've performed these steps, your maintenance required indicator light will have turned off.  The next time you need service, bring it to Custom Car Care in Decatur, IN near Fort Wayne and we'll take care of this reset for you.