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Gimmick or Genius?
By: BJ Killeen / Down the Road
The amount of technology loaded into a new
vehicle today is enough to make anyone run
for the hills. JD Power conducts a study called the
U.S. Tech Experience Index Study that focuses on
the user experience with advanced vehicle technology.
It also studies if people are using the technology. The findings show
that over one-third of advanced features are used by fewer than half of
new-car owners.
I’ll bet many of you have features in your vehicle you have never
used. But which features are gimmicks and which are genius?
Back-up and 360-degree cameras are genius. They help prevent
dents and dings.
What about using hand gestures to change radio stations? That can
go either way, depending on if you use it or not, but it leans toward
gimmick.
One feature, however, proved itself invaluable during my recent test
drive of the 2023 Hyundai Palisade three-row SUV: Remote Smart Park
Assist (RSPA). This feature was first highlighted during the 2020 Super
Bowl in a commercial starring some well-known celebrities.
RSPA allows you to park and retrieve your vehicle from outside the
car. Sounds silly, right? But it really works.
Most of us have small, two-car garages. Maneuvering in and out can
be nerve-wracking especially if both vehicles are large. Not to mention
trying not to hit the other car when you open your door to exit.
RSPA makes this effortless. You can stand outside or inside your
garage, lock the door, remote start the car, then hold down the button
on the keyfob, and the vehicle will slowly move into or out of the garage
on its own.
Not only that, but it also uses parking sensors to judge the distance
to the vehicle next to it and turns the steering wheel to make room so
the vehicles don’t touch. I used this every time I got into and out of the
Palisade the entire testing week.
I’m sold. The feature is usually optional or only on top-end models,
but it’s worth every penny for those who need to park or get out of tight
spaces.
BJ Killeen has been an automotive journalist for over 30 years.
She welcomes all questions and inquiries, and can be reached at
bjkdtr@gmail.com
January 2024
Dear Abby
By: Chuck Dean / Vet 2 Vet
In 2008, I met Jeanne Philips, a/k/a Abigail
Van Buren, the advice columnist for the
advice column “Dear Abby.”
We were attending a ceremony to honor the yearly recipients of the
Didi Hirsch Community Mental Health Center Leadership Award. I was
attending as an honoree for my supporting veterans, and writing the
book, “Nam Vet: Making Peace with your Past.”
Over the years, she has
addressed many issues
facing veterans, such as
their struggles with PTSD
and readjusting to civilian
life. She has provided
advice on how to support
and understand veterans,
and she continues to urge
readers to be patient,
compassionate, and
knowledgeable about the
resources available for
veterans.
I encourage you, as a
veteran, to keep an eye out for any of her columns that pertain to our
service and challenges. Here is one of those letter exchanges:
DEAR ABBY: I am a veteran, and something gnaws at me every
time I hear it. It’s the expression, “Thank you for your service.”
Having lived through the ’60s and ’70s, I remember all too well
seeing many soldiers bad-mouthed and worse during those times.
Since 9/11 many of the same people who were critical of us then
are now thanking us. It rings hollow to many of the vets I know.
We did our job, some to the ultimate level. We never asked for
thanks, and we still don’t. We respect the rights given to those who
wish to abuse them because we believe in them. Some of us even
died so all could enjoy these rights.
If a person truly wants to thank a vet, DO something for him or
her instead of just offering lip service. Cut their grass, offer to help
carry in their groceries, etc. While words are appreciated at times,
hearing them too often becomes hollow. Showing appreciation is
always welcome.
DEAR VETERAN: I am printing your letter because I know those
feelings exist among some older veterans. However, I see nothing
wrong with expressing thanks when someone feels it is deserved,
as well as lending a hand when needed. These acknowledgments
should be accepted as graciously as they are offered.
Thank you, Dear Abby. I offer a big salute to those in the public eye
for supporting veterans.
Chuck Dean served as an Army paratrooper in Vietnam and
through that experience was led to address the many transitional
issues veterans struggle with. He is the author of several important
books for veterans.