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TECHNOLOGY Friday 24 February 2017

When test-driving a new car, take the technology for a spin

DEE-ANN DURBIN are some shortcomings.
AP Auto Writer Apple CarPlay doesn’t
DETROIT (AP) — Car shop- support the Waze traffic
ping isn’t just about kicking app or Google maps, for
the tires anymore. It’s also example, and if you want
about testing the technol- to change a radio station,
ogy. you have to scroll out of
The rapidly evolving in-car Apple CarPlay and back
infotainment and naviga- to your car’s radio. You
tion systems can be bewil- should decide what sys-
dering for all but the most tem is best for you.
tech-savvy car buyers. The — SHOP AROUND: Even
average vehicle on U.S. if you’ve settled on a ve-
roads is 11 years old; that hicle, it never hurts to test
means many people last drive something else. You
went car shopping before may find, for example,
iPhones were invented. that you prefer climate
Car buyers should make controls on a touchscreen
sure they can pair their instead of on dashboard
phone with a car, play mu- knobs, or that one vehicle
sic from their phone, make has easier-to-use buttons
a hands-free call and use In this May 26, 2015 file photo, an iPhone is connected to a 2016 Chevrolet Malibu equipped with on the steering wheel for
the navigation system be- Apple CarPlay apps, displayed on the car’s MyLink screen, top, during a demonstration in Detroit. making calls or adjusting
fore they leave the deal- Associated Press volume. “It might expose
er lot, experts say. They phone connectivity, navi- When he takes customers sound is clear. Make sure you to something better,”
should make sure volume gation and infotainment for test drives, Paul Ma- the car understands your Montoya says.
knobs, climate controls systems have lowered kowski pairs his own phone voice commands. Enter — DON’T FORGET SAFETY:
and other technology is vehicle dependability with the car and has cus- an address into the navi- Lane departure warning
intuitive and displayed the scores in annual rankings tomers make a call, stream gation system or, if the car systems, backup cameras
way they like. Some drivers from J.D. Power and Con- music and do other tasks. has the capability, down- and blind-spot detection
want volume controls on sumer Reports. Poor show- He uses his own phone so load an address to the car systems work differently
the steering wheel, for ex- ings in such rankings can customers don’t worry that from your phone. Moody depending on the car.
ample, while others prefer put a dent in sales. Car their data will be shared says it’s better to learn all Some lane departure sys-
a knob on the dashboard. shopping site Autotrader. with the dealership. these tasks at the dealer- tems buzz the seat if you
Safety technology is also com has found that as “Some people fear ship than on the road. drift out of your lane, for ex-
changing rapidly, and many as one-third of buy- the technology and de- — UPDATE YOUR PHONE: ample, while others beep
buyers should familiarize ers will choose a different cline it all, but we still go Make sure your phone has loudly. That’s something
themselves with what the brand if they think a vehi- over it. They don’t leave the latest operating sys- you might hear or feel a
car can and can’t do. cle’s tech features are too here not knowing what tem when you go shop- lot, so choose the technol-
Some vehicles will brake hard to use. their car has to offer,” says ping. New cars will be most ogy you prefer.
automatically to avoid a To combat that, some Makowski, the sales man- compatible with updated — BUY WHAT YOU NEED:
collision, while others flash brands are setting ager for Ed Rinke Chevro- phones. Not everyone wants to
a warning and help the up technology help desks let Buick GMC in Center — DECIDE WHAT YOU LIKE: stream Spotify and chat
driver pump the brakes at dealerships and boost- Line, Michigan. Six percent of new cars with Siri while they’re driv-
but won’t bring the car to ing employee training. In Here are some tips for tak- sold last year had Apple ing. If you’re in that cat-
a full stop. 2013, General Motors Co. ing a tech test drive: CarPlay and Android egory, choose a stripped-
“Spend some time in the formed a staff of 50 tech — TAKE YOUR TIME: Test Auto, which display many down model so you’re not
parking lot sitting in the car specialists to help deal driving the technolo- of your phone’s apps on paying for features you
and just messing with it,” with an increase in ques- gy should take at least 45 the touchscreen. That’s don’t need, Montoya says.
says Ron Montoya, senior tions from customers about minutes, says Brian Moody, expected to rise to 50 per- For example, a Toyota
consumer advice editor new technology. Those the executive editor at cent by 2020, according Camry starts at $23,050,
for the car shopping site specialists train U.S. dealers AutoTrader.com. Find out to IHS Markit. The familiar but the EnTune infotain-
Edmunds.com. to pair customers’ phones, whether your phone is interface of those systems ment package, which in-
The issue is a serious one set up in-car Wi-Fi and set compatible with the car can make it easier to tran- cludes hands-free calling
for the auto industry. Con- preferences like radio sta- and learn how to pair it. sition to in-car technology. and other features, costs
sumers’ complaints about tions. Call a friend and ask if the But Montoya says there $775 extra.q