The world of automobiles is constantly evolving, bringing in new features and design elements. While some trends are welcome additions, others can be downright frustrating or even impractical. Here’s a list of 15 auto trends that many drivers agree need to disappear.
Oversized Grilles
Oversized grilles have become a staple in the design of many modern vehicles, making the front end look aggressive and attention-grabbing. While they can be eye-catching, they often appear overdone and disrupt the overall balance of the car’s design. Repairing or replacing these massive grilles can be costly after a minor accident. For many, the exaggerated grille trend is more of a distraction than an appealing design choice.
Fake Exhaust Tips
Fake exhaust tips that serve no functional purpose have become common in newer car models. These decorative add-ons are meant to make the vehicle look sportier, but they don’t actually connect to the exhaust system. This trend can feel misleading, especially to car enthusiasts who value performance over appearance. Genuine exhausts are preferred for authenticity and practical reasons.
Touchscreen-Only Controls
While touchscreen technology is modern and sleek, it has become the sole interface for many car functions, replacing physical buttons. This might look futuristic, but it can make simple tasks more complicated and distract drivers. Reaching for a touchscreen while driving can be more difficult than pressing a button, as touchscreens often lack tactile feedback.
Artificial Engine Sounds
If you love cars, you love the sound of engines. But artificial engine sounds? Really?
The aim may be to make the driving experience more exciting, but it often comes off as fake. Cars, especially electric ones, use this feature to simulate the roar of an engine.
While it may appeal to some, many drivers find it unnecessary or even annoying. A vehicle should feel authentic, and synthesized sounds take away from that genuine experience.
Excessive Chrome Accents
Chrome accents were once a sign of luxury, but now many vehicles go overboard with shiny details. Excessive chrome can make your car look flashy in a dated way and be difficult to maintain as it fades or peels over time.
Instead, subtle or matte finishes are often preferred by drivers who want a cleaner, more modern look.
Overly Complex Gear Shifters
Gone are the days of simple gear shifters. Now, some cars have gear selectors that look more like a puzzle than a functional part of the vehicle. These shifters may come in forms like rotary dials or buttons, which can be confusing for drivers. A straightforward gear shifter is reliable and easy to use, while overly complicated ones can be unintuitive and lead to mistakes, especially when switching between different car models.
Massive Wheels on Compact Cars
Big wheels can look stylish, but when they’re fitted to small cars, it often looks disproportionate. These oversized wheels may appeal to some for their flashy appearance, but they can reduce ride quality and be more prone to damage on rough roads.
Additionally, larger wheels can increase tire replacement costs and negatively impact fuel economy due to added weight.
Overuse of Gloss Black Interiors
Every car owner has their own preferences, and while gloss black finishes inside your car might look sophisticated at first, they quickly show fingerprints, dust, and scratches. This basically translates into a high-maintenance car that could be difficult for everyday drivers.
Matte or textured finishes are probably the better choice as they provide a cleaner and more durable option without the constant need for polishing.
Invasive Driver-Assistance Alerts
Driver-assistance systems like lane-keeping assist and forward collision warnings are useful safety features. However, the beeping, vibrating, and sometimes excessive alerts can become irritating, especially when they are overly sensitive.
Customizable settings or more subtle alerts would make these features more tolerable and effective without causing annoyance.
Fake Vents
Fake air vents on cars are another trend that leans more on appearance than function. These decorative vents are often added to make a car look sportier or more aggressive, but they do nothing to improve performance or aerodynamics. Many drivers find fake vents unnecessary and would prefer design elements that serve a real purpose.
Giant Infotainment Screens
Large infotainment screens have become a focal point in many modern cars, sometimes stretching across the dashboard. While these screens offer a lot of information and functionality, they can be overwhelming and distract from driving.
Try to go for a more balanced approach. A screen that is functional yet doesn’t dominate the cabin would be better for usability and safety.
Lack of Spare Tires
More and more cars are being sold without a spare tire, often replaced with a repair kit to save weight and space. While this might make sense for fuel efficiency, it can leave drivers stranded if the repair kit isn’t sufficient for certain tire damage. A simple spare tire provides peace of mind and makes it easier to get back on the road after a flat.
Excessive Badge Branding
Some car manufacturers take branding to another level with oversized and numerous badges. While a single logo can be a classy touch, excessive badges can make the vehicle look cluttered and less appealing.
Minimalist branding tends to look more refined and lets the design of the car shine without unnecessary decoration.
Daytime Running Lights That Are Too Bright
Daytime running lights (DRLs) improve visibility, but some models have lights that are excessively bright. This can be harsh on the eyes of other drivers and pedestrians, especially at dawn or dusk.
Adjustable brightness settings or toned-down DRLs would make driving safer and more pleasant for everyone on the road.
Pointless Performance Spoilers
Although spoilers are meant to improve aerodynamics and downforce on high-performance cars, many non-sporty vehicles now come with decorative spoilers. These added features do little to enhance driving performance and often look out of place. Removing pointless spoilers would streamline the car’s design and save on unnecessary production costs.