Upgrading cars using advanced technological features is a welcomed development. However, to appear futuristic and modernized, sometimes manufacturers add redundant or dummy functionalities, which can be deceptive and occasionally dangerous. Let’s look at a few automotive trends that carmakers must put an end to.

Fake Exhaust Tips

Fake exhaust tips have become a buzzword in modern car designs. They are often used to give the illusion of a sportier, high-performance vehicle. These decorative tips are not connected to the exhaust system and serve no functional purpose. On the contrary, they can mislead consumers about the car’s capabilities and add unnecessary design complexities.

Oversized Grilles

Wide grilles, designed to be the focal point of car front ends, regularly disrupt the overall aesthetic balance of cars. They can appear disproportionate and clash with other elements, undermining a vehicle’s visual appeal. Furthermore, expansive grilles can be impractical, sometimes impacting aerodynamics and fuel efficiency. It is better to prioritize cohesive, attractive aesthetics over exaggerated, attention-grabbing features that do not contribute to functionality.

Excessive Badge Engineering

One troubling automotive trend is the practice of multiple brands selling essentially the exact car with minor changes. Excess badge engineering dilutes brand identity, making it difficult for consumers to distinguish between models. It also reduces innovation, as companies focus on rebranding rather than developing unique functions. Customers may feel deceived by superficial differences, resulting in confusion and dissatisfaction.

Daytime Running Lights that are too Bright

Blinding other road users during the day is a growing challenge because of the prevalence of overly bright daytime running lights and misuse of high beams. Intense lights, mainly designed for aesthetic appeal, can impair the vision of oncoming drivers, leading to a higher risk of accidents. The glare also causes discomfort and distraction, reducing road safety.

Fake Vents

Non-functional vents for elegance add no output benefit and are a misguided buzz in auto design. They give a false impression of high delivery and advanced engineering, misleading consumers. Instead of improving aerodynamics or cooling systems, these faux vents only clutter the automotive’s appearance. Users advocate for a greater focus on genuine engineering enhancements, prioritizing function over form to ensure that car elements contribute meaningfully to efficiency.

Touchscreen Overload

The automobile industry’s overreliance on touchscreens for controls is problematic. Touchscreens can be distracting, requiring users to take their eyes off the road to make adjustments. Physical buttons, in contrast, offer tactile feedback, allowing for more intuitive and safer operation. Additionally, touchscreens can be less reliable and prone to glitches or slow response times.

Fake Engine Sounds

Artificial engine noises piped into the cabin through speakers create a false sense of performance. This trend disconnects owners from their vehicles’ actual mechanical experience and misleads consumers about their cars’ capabilities and characteristics. Relying on artificial sounds can also be distracting and diminish overall driving pleasure. Instead, emphasis needs to be placed on enhancing real engine sounds.

Oversized Wheels with Low Profile Tires

Oversized wheels usually improve a vehicle’s visual appeal but come at a cost. These giant wheels frequently compromise ride quality, leading to a harsher driving experience on rough or uneven roads. They can also reduce fuel economy and add to tire replacement costs. Smaller, more practical wheels provide better ride comfort, improved handling, and lower maintenance expenses, contributing to more enjoyable and economical driving.

Dark Tinted Taillights

They may look sleek but pose a significant risk by reducing visibility, especially in low-light conditions. Such modifications can hinder other road users’ ability to see braking signals, increasing the likelihood of accidents.

Subscription Services for Basic Features

Automakers need to reassess their approach to charging monthly fees for features that should be standard. Such practices are unfair to consumers who expect these basic functionalities to be included in their purchase. In addition, they create a sense of dissatisfaction and erode trust in the brand.

Fake Carbon Fiber

The trend of incorporating carbon fiber stickers or panels solely for fashion must cease. Despite mimicking the look of genuine carbon fiber, these additions serve no purpose in weight reduction. Instead, they contribute to a superficial notion of quality without delivering tangible benefits.

Unnecessarily Complicated Gear Shifters

While promising convenience, electronic shifters often prove perplexing and counterintuitive in practice. Their build lacks the tactile feedback of traditional gear selectors, leaving drivers uncertain of their actions. The absence of a clear pattern or physical positions further exacerbates the confusion. As a result, users may inadvertently engage in the wrong gear or struggle to find the desired mode, leading to frustration and potential safety hazards.

Excessive Chrome Trim

Carmakers must curb the excessive use of shiny chrome, frequently resulting in a flashy and gaudy appearance. Embracing subtler, more refined finishes could enhance aesthetics without overwhelming the design. This shift would cater to evolving consumer preferences, fostering a more sophisticated and timeless appeal.

Artificial Intelligence Overload

The auto industry should reduce overly aggressive driver aids. These aids can overwhelm drivers with constant alerts, leading to complacency or frustration. A balance must be struck between helpful reminders and excessive interference, allowing drivers to stay focused without feeling overwhelmed by technology on the road.

Extreme Negative Camber

Excessive wheel angling applied solely for beauty sacrifices both handling and tire longevity. While visually striking, this fad undermines the vehicle’s performance and safety. The compromised handling affects maneuverability, especially in critical situations. Additionally, the increased tire wear not only diminishes the lifespan of the tires but also incurs unnecessary maintenance costs for owners.