Abigail

As the year is coming to a close (I know, we’re wondering where the time’s gone, too!), we thought it fitting to discuss the best tech of the automotive industry so far. If you read our last blog post, you’ll know we’ve also covered the introduction of self-driving vehicles and how that may impact safety – can you see the theme here?

Tech features are hugely important in today’s vehicles; they affect how you interact with your vehicle and how it reacts to what’s happening around it. Here we look at some of the key automotive technologies of this year and how the driving experience has changed because of them.

1. Driver assistance systems
   This is an umbrella term for features like adaptive cruise control, collision warnings, reverse brake assist and cross-traffic alerts. All these tech benefits focus on safety and ensure you know of cars and obstructions around your vehicle. One of the first examples of this was anti-lock brakes, now standard on every new car.
   
2. Automatic emergency braking
   An essential part of safety tech, automatic emergency braking activates your car’s brakes when it senses a collision is imminent. It could minimise the potential damage during an accident or even help you avoid one altogether.
   
3. Connected apps/digital keys
   Almost every car company now has an app you can download for your car, with the smartest ones letting you remotely lock and unlock the doors, check the fuel and tyre pressure, and even remotely start the car. These apps will also display key maintenance features, and you can use them to find your nearest garage, petrol station, or charge station.
   Similar to contactless card payments, to use the digital key on a phone, it would have to be held near the door to lock and unlock it – and only your phone would have this capability.
   
4. Teen driver tech
   Something particularly cool is that you can now get vehicles with features aimed solely at parents with younger drivers in the house. The tech safeguards new drivers, allowing parents to put specific settings in place and put their minds at ease! For example, it can notify you if the car is driven over a specified speed, disable the audio if seatbelts aren’t in use, and set a volume limit on the sound system. There’s even a report card telling parents if safety systems like forward collision warnings have been triggered while their child was behind the wheel.

Of course, this is just a drop in the ocean of the technological advancements we see in cars today, but it certainly gives you an idea of how much the industry has progressed in recent years.

Read more of our latest blog posts:

• Catalytic converter thefts: is your car at risk?
• Is your car’s air conditioning bad for you?
• How your dirty car can cost you money
• Things to consider when buying a second-hand car
• How to save money on your car’s service

Fully autonomous cars dominating our roads may seem like a scene from a futuristic sci-fi film, but we are closer to this becoming reality than you may wish to believe. 

Driverless cars have remained a thing of the distant future for some years, but the Department for Transport (DfT) has said the first self-driving cars could be ready for use on UK roads this year.

Should we be nervous or excited about this development? There are both pros and cons to consider. 

Pros: 

• Reduced human error

“Algorithms can’t get drunk, drowsy or distracted,” said the BBC. And, they’re right. This technology’s primary goal is to create safer vehicles than human-driven cars. Self-driving cars will keep a close eye on speed and maintain a safe distance from other moving cars. The DfT believes these automated cars could improve safety, with more than 85% of road accidents in the UK caused by human error.

• Fuel efficiency

Driverless vehicles could be better for our planet. Many models in the making run on electricity, and even the way they drive is beneficial. The BBC states, “They accelerate and brake more smoothly, which ultimately reduces exhaust pipe emissions.” 

• Increased accessibility and independence

Automated vehicles could offer “life-changing benefits to people with disabilities.” They would also help older people deemed unsafe to drive ordinary cars on UK roads due to diminishing eyesight or mobility. 

Cons:

• Slow-moving traffic 

Research by GreenBiz has indicated that it could encourage “a lot more driving in the US.” A lot more people (as assumed by those who weren’t able to drive previously will be able to) and longer distances. The first self-driving cars may have to remain in the slow lane, only reaching up to 37mph while in a single lane. Until technology progresses, these slow speeds could cause a problem or a lot of road rage! 

• Hacking risks

We know from experience with desktop computers and mobile phones that all similar technology is at risk of being hacked. Unfortunately, it’s a “near-certainty that self-driving cars will be hacked, too.” The AI systems responsible for controlling autonomous vehicles are vulnerable to attacks that could compromise their function and pose a risk to drivers, passengers and pedestrians. 

• Different road variations

While a brand-new dual carriageway may be ideal for a driverless vehicle, narrow, winding lanes in rural areas, for example, could pose a challenge. Self-driving cars use radar, camera and laser-based guidance to navigate different environments safely. Still, the more complex the road, the more processing power is needed to understand it.

Do the pros outweigh the cons or vice versa? The answer at the moment is unclear – until these vehicles are on the road, we won’t know. However, as a garage, it will undoubtedly be interesting to learn how to service these automated cars in the future! 

To speak to a member of the team or book in your vehicle, call us in Hunstanton on 01485 533786 or King’s Lynn on 01553 763763.

For more news and articles visit www.kbrownautoskingslynn.co.uk/blogs-k-brown-auto-repairs.

You may remember us posting an article about the importance of female-friendly garages back in 2021 (it feels like ten years ago!). We feel so strongly about this topic that we felt it deserved another post. A year later, we still come across multiple customers who are initially nervous that we’re overcharging them or lying about something they need. This is particularly pertinent amongst our female customers but not completely uncommon with other genders. We treat every single one of our customers in the same way; never ripping people off, taking advantage of their potential lack of knowledge or making them feel embarrassed for this. But, unfortunately, at some garages, this is the reality, which sadly has resulted in everybody being a little wary of putting their trust in a new garage.

You are not alone if you’re a woman who has dreaded taking your car to a garage. A whopping nine in ten women believe they are treated differently at auto-repair shops than men. And with 31% confused by jargon and 28% nervous about asking technical questions, it’s no wonder women view a trip to the dentist more favourably than getting a car serviced, according to AutoMD. Yet, shockingly, despite the statistics above, many auto-repair garages are not making an effort to be ‘female appropriate.’

First impressions count, and if women, men, or people of any gender walk into a dirty, uninviting reception area, they are likely to feel uneasy from the off. Even things that may seem insignificant, like old, faded calendars on the wall and insufficient lighting, can impact how comfortable someone feels. On the contrary, a light, airy space with plenty of seating and tasteful decor will have the opposite effect. Another essential aspect of a reception is the right staff. A warm smile, friendly demeanour, and understanding approach go a long way to building trust and calming nerves.

Confused.com states that over a third of women motorists worry a mechanic will rip them off. This is a scary statistic, but it’s understandable given that some technicians use jargon and fail to explain what the car needs and any work completed. Then there’s the fear that you’ll be laughed at if you misunderstand anything. On the other hand, an honest garage would go through everything in detail and layman’s terms without patronising. The reception/admin team and mechanics should treat each customer with respect and compassion.

No garage should conduct work before getting prior approval from the customer, regardless of gender. This may seem like a given, but you’d be surprised how many garages aren’t so forthcoming when communicating effectively with customers. You may have heard horror stories about garages taking advantage of women, perhaps overcharging them, or doing more work on their car than discussed and still being charged for it. In fact, according to a study performed by The Times, women are much more likely to be quoted high prices for car repairs than men for the same services. It’s important to note that this isn’t always the case, however.

A handful of garages make providing a safe, welcoming environment and services to people of all genders a priority. With our all-female receptions and knowledgable, helpful technicians, we at K Brown Auto Repairs are dedicated to treating all customers with the same courtesy and care, regardless of gender.

Your car is an asset – possibly your most valuable, second to your house. Part of looking after your car is getting it serviced regularly, but choosing which garage to trust can be tricky.

Despite what you might believe, you don’t have to take your car to the main dealer for its regular service. Although the dealership might feel like the most risk-free choice, many independent garages can offer the same quality of servicing (following manufacturer guidelines in the same way) for a price that won’t burn a hole in your pocket.

Why are main dealerships so expensive?

And how can independently-run garages charge less? Put simply, there’s a big difference in overheads. Dealerships run a large showroom, pay more staff and budget for the added extras, like coffee machines in their waiting rooms. While you’re unlikely to get a barista-style coffee at an independent (although we do offer drinks to our waiting customers!), if you’ve found one you can trust, you will get the same level of service – and isn’t that what’s most important?

Key main dealer and independent garage comparisons:

• Technicians that work at a main dealer aren’t automatically more qualified. Fully trained mechanics are the same wherever they work.
• It’s a common misconception that going to an independent will mean you miss out on genuine parts for your vehicle. Many, like us, will give you the choice as to what type of part is fitted.
• If you want to understand better what’s wrong with your car or the work that has been done on it, you’re much more likely to be able to speak to a jargon-free technician at an independent.
• Main dealers tend to be less flexible when it comes to squeezing customers in at the last minute because they follow stricter time slots. If your car needs to be seen as soon as possible – if you’re travelling a long way the next day or need your vehicle for work, for example – an independent garage will be more likely to fit it in.
• It’s worth noting that, ultimately, independent garages have to work harder to maintain a good reputation. They can’t rely on their brand to get customers, so it’s reasonable to suggest they provide more attentive customer service, smoother communication, and a more personal experience.

Going to an independent garage can be beneficial, but unfortunately, not all can be trusted. It’s always best to form your own impression of the garage you are considering by looking at their website (is it up to date?; does it provide ample information about their services?; is it professional?) and checking out their reviews. If you’re still unsure, try giving them a call to ask them a question about their services. How they respond to your question, their phone etiquette, and the general feel of the conversation should either sway you to give them a go or confirm your worries. Ensure the garage in question is VAT-registered if your vehicle is under warranty.

Money is tight for everyone at the moment; if you’re looking for ways to cut back on costs without compromising on quality, give an independent garage a go – you may be pleasantly surprised.