New Car Features That Can Confuse Older Drivers

Additional Coverage:

10 Modern Car Features That Actually Put Older Drivers at Risk (financebuzz.com)

Driving into the Golden Years: 10 Car Features Seniors Might Want to Skip

Car dealerships love to entice buyers with the latest bells and whistles, and modern vehicles are practically brimming with high-tech features. But for many senior drivers, these advancements can be more of a headache than a help – potentially leading to annoyance, distraction, or even danger. And let’s not forget the impact on those retirement budgets!

If you’re a senior driver looking to stay safe, comfortable, and financially smart on the road, here are 10 car features you might consider steering clear of:

1. Flush/Electronic Door Handles

While these sleek, retractable door handles (often seen on electric vehicles and models from Kia and Tesla) might look futuristic and even boost fuel economy, they can be a real pain for some. Seniors, especially those with arthritis, might find them tricky to grasp. They can also be confusing to operate and are more prone to freezing up in colder weather than traditional handles.

2. Keyless or Phone-Based Entry

Sure, the idea of never misplacing your keys again sounds appealing! But for drivers less comfortable with cutting-edge tech, keyless or phone-based entry systems can be a source of confusion.

Unlike the universal simplicity of a physical key, these systems vary widely – some require a button press, others just a touch of the handle. For many seniors, the familiar, straightforward key remains the easiest option.

3. Larger Wheels and Tires

Those massive 21-inch wheels might give a car a sporty look, but they often come with a trade-off: a rougher ride. Larger tires and heavier wheels also increase the risk of damage from potholes and uneven roads, and they’re typically more expensive to replace. If comfort and reliability are top priorities, smaller wheels and tires are often the better choice for everyday driving.

4. Infotainment Systems and Touchscreens

Sleek, tablet-like touchscreens are all the rage, consolidating many vehicle controls into one digital interface. While this might free up dashboard space, it can be a significant distraction for drivers, especially seniors. Trying to adjust the radio volume or cabin temperature on a touchscreen while driving can pull attention away from the road, making simple tasks more complicated and potentially hazardous.

5. Modern Gear Shifters

The classic “P-R-N-D-L” gear shifter is slowly becoming a relic. Many newer vehicles now feature a variety of selectors, dials, or buttons to shift gears.

However, surveys have shown that some drivers using push-button selectors occasionally choose the wrong gear. For seniors who want to avoid accidentally shifting into Reverse or Neutral, a traditional gearshift might offer more peace of mind.

6. Lane Departure Warnings

Designed to help drivers stay in their lane, lane departure warning systems can sometimes be more distracting than helpful. Some drivers find these warnings to be inaccurate, and the alerts themselves – loud beeps or vibrating steering wheels – can be startling or confusing, potentially posing a danger, particularly for older drivers.

7. Adaptive Cruise Control

Adaptive cruise control, which automatically adjusts vehicle speed, offers convenience. However, drivers can become overly reliant on it.

The system may not always react quickly enough to sudden stops or adverse weather. Seniors who don’t fully grasp the limitations of adaptive cruise control might develop a false sense of security, leaving them unprepared to take manual control when needed.

8. Small Buttons

Similar to the issues with touchscreens, small buttons can be problematic. While they might appear stylish, they can be difficult to see and manipulate for drivers with arthritis or those who find small controls challenging to operate while driving. This can lead to distraction and frustration.

9. Manual Parking Brakes

For some senior drivers, especially those with severe arthritis, operating a manual parking brake can be difficult. Additionally, manual parking brakes are more prone to wear and tear and potential failure than electronic ones. This not only presents a safety concern but also could lead to costly repairs down the line, impacting retirement budgets.

10. Auto Stop-Start Systems

These systems can save a little gas, but they’re not without their quirks. Some can be slow to restart at busy intersections, and they may not be ideal for stop-and-go freeway traffic. For seniors, the abrupt stopping and starting of the engine can be jarring, and some might even mistake it for the engine stalling, especially in traffic, which could be dangerous.

The Bottom Line

With technology permeating even economy cars these days, advanced features are more common than ever. But for older drivers who might feel uncomfortable or confused by all the new gadgetry, opting out of these features at the dealership could be a smart move – both for safety and for the wallet.