Automotive engineering technology has grown by leaps and bounds since I started in this business in the 90s. As cars progress, new features and options come into play, for better or worse. While there are things that can improve safety, comfort, and enjoyability of our cars and trucks, some innovations and options are less than ideal.
Here are some automative trends that I find annoying.
- The CVT gearbox: The continuously variable transmission, or CVT, is an abomination and needs to be scrubbed from the automotive sphere. Accredited to Leonardo Da Vinci, I am sure he would be rolling in his grave to find his name attached to such an unreliable piece of machinery. The CVT uses cones and a chain instead of gears to have an infinite number of gear ratios. This sounds like something awesome until you see it in practical application. The CVT operates more smoothly and keeps the engine at the optimal RPM when it doesn’t internally implode, which is often. Most are not rebuildable and cost upwards of $5,000 for replacement, which must be done by someone with a factory scan tool to program it. Even if they are well maintained they have much shorter lifespans than their hydraulic and manual counterparts. My advice is to stay far away from any car that has the CVT in it. The eCVT is a different animal all together and is perfectly reliable. These are the transmissions in hybrid vehicles, like the Prius and Ford’s Hybrid vehicles. They do not use the cone/chain design and are “Mr. B approved.”
- Electrically operated door handles: The mechanical door handles that have worked in our cars and trucks for over 100 years are acceptable. Why are we adding complexity to things that don’t need it? I just need to yank on a lever or handle, and the door needs to open. No need to get electrons involved. These handles, like the ones on Tesla and other higher end cars, fail at a much higher rate and cost way more to repair. They can also fail to operate in emergencies and if the battery dies.
- Sunroofs: I have always hated sunroofs, which aren’t a new thing, but now it seems like every car has one. It is a failure point for leaks, rattles, and wind noise. I have had them on many cars and probably used them once or twice when I owned them. However, I have fixed thousands of dollars of water damage due to the drains on them clogging, ruining interiors, wiring, and causing mold issues. Unless you use it a few times a week and plan to maintain the drains, seals, and adjustments, I would definitely skip this option if you can. The bad part is sometimes you cannot because it is paired with a package of things you do want.
- Stupid shifters: This is a huge pet peeve of mine that I deal with daily with my Ford Maverick. It is this rotary knob shifter instead of a handle at the console or a lever at the column. I have also seen push buttons and even shifters on the central display screen you must touch with your finger. The transmission gear or “mode” is actuated electrically instead of using a cable. Besides being an extra failure point, it is downright unnatural to use, at least for me. If the electrical system dies there is no way to get it out of gear and on a tow truck without a lot of extra work.
- Lack of color: I know I have written about this before, but it bears repeating. The color options on most new cars are poor and monochromatic. Unless you are shopping for a high-end sports car, the colors on most vehicles are too muted to add personality. That doesn’t bother most drivers as evidence of the practice, but it annoys me seeing the same old colors on the road. Paired with bland design and boring interiors, and you have a recipe for falling asleep while driving.
While all of this is just my opinion and can be disputed, I can’t help but think that many buyers feel the same way about some of these things as I do. There are also many good things, and I will be writing about them soon.
As for me, I will see you on the road!
