Now, we know you’ll be making sure your next car is fitted with a new turbo, but what’s your view on in-car technology? We’re not talking about popcorn makers that plug into your cigarette lighter – rather the mod-cons that keep our journeys as safe and comfortable as possible.
Whatever your view, it has become a staple of what many people now look for in a new car, and according to recent reports by the Society of Motoring Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT), 58 per cent of new cars bought in 2015 were fitted with safety technology – up from just six per cent in 2010.
Some of this tech includes automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control that keeps a safe distance from the car in front and smart warning systems that tell you if an incident is imminent. According to the Telegraph, these devices could prevent 25,000 serious accidents and 2,500 fatalities a year by the year 2030.
For many at the SMMT, including chief executive Mike Hawes, these technologies are the stepping-stone to the driverless cars of the future. He said: “Fully driverless cars are still a long way off from everyday use, but this data shows advanced autonomous technology is already making its way into the majority of new cars.
The SMMT report predicts that drivers in the UK could save as much money as £41 billion a year in the next ten years, as new autonomous technology will mean drivers can multi-task and save money on insurance as claims will be less frequent.
When it comes to car modifications, men are apparently most likely to install a new turbo on their vehicle, while women would typically opt for parking sensors, but what you do to your car could have an impact on how much money you spend each month.
This is according to new research from MoneySuperMarket, revealing the most popular modifications. These include adding alloy wheels, installing a tow bar, doing work on the suspension, changing the exhaust system and adding tinted windows.
It would be worth bearing in mind, however, that some car modifications can push your insurance premiums up. For example, a new turbo can increase your premiums by up to 132 per cent, while bonnet bulges, wheel arches and flared wings can also result in a significant insurance hike.
But you can drive your insurance premiums down by adding parking sensors or a tow bar. The latter could see your premiums reduced by an average of 20 per cent, in fact.
“Modifications can be a great way to personalise a car and in some instances will improve performance, but can quickly bump up the cost of your car insurance. Insurance is based on risk and modifying your car is a warning sign to insurers,” consumer affairs expert Kevin Pratt said.
Of course, adding a new or reconditioned turbo to your car can often be a necessity, not a choice. Warning signs that your turbo needs replacing or repairing include check engine warning lights, loss of power, a smoking exhaust pipe and a very loud whining noise. If you are worried about your car, it would be wise to take it to a garage or a local mechanic to find out more.
