Today’s rental cars are packed with tech features designed to make every journey safer, smoother, and a lot more entertaining. Whether you’re planning a long road trip or just a quick drive around the city, rental companies like Car Rental Belgrade are now offering vehicles with advanced infotainment and connectivity options to enhance your travel experience. Here’s a friendly guide to some of the most exciting tech features you’ll likely find in a modern rental car.
Touchscreen Infotainment Systems
The days of fiddling with clunky buttons are gone! Most modern rental cars now come with sleek touchscreen infotainment systems that make it easy to control your music, navigation, and more, all with just a tap. These touchscreens vary in size, but even standard rentals often come with a 7-inch display, and some models may even feature a spacious 12-inch screen.
Tip: Familiarize yourself with the layout of the screen before hitting the road to avoid any distractions. Many systems have built-in “shortcut” menus that can help you navigate more efficiently!
Smartphone Integration (Apple CarPlay and Android Auto)
Both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto have revolutionized the in-car experience. If your rental car supports these systems, you can easily connect your smartphone and access apps like Google Maps, Spotify, and even messaging, all displayed on the car’s infotainment screen. Voice commands allow you to keep your hands on the wheel while staying connected, giving you easy access to music, podcasts, and turn-by-turn navigation without taking your eyes off the road.
Pro-Tip: Bring your charging cable to ensure a smooth connection and to keep your phone charged throughout the drive.
Built-in Navigation Systems
While smartphone integration is popular, many rental cars still come with their own built-in navigation systems, often featuring larger screens and more detailed maps. Some cars also provide real-time traffic updates, helping you avoid congested areas and even offering alternative routes.
Advice: If you’re traveling in a remote area where cell service might be spotty, a built-in navigation system can be a lifesaver, as it won’t rely on cellular data.
Bluetooth and Wi-Fi Hotspots
Bluetooth is now a basic feature in almost all rental cars, allowing you to wirelessly connect your phone to stream music and make hands-free calls. Beyond Bluetooth, many newer rental models are equipped with Wi-Fi hotspots, which are especially useful for passengers who want to work or browse online during the drive.
Note: While some rental companies may include Wi-Fi as part of the rental package, others might charge extra for it. Be sure to check with the rental company about any additional fees if you plan to use the hotspot.
Voice Command and Virtual Assistants
Voice command features have come a long way, with virtual assistants like Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant now available in some high-tech rental cars. These assistants allow you to control various aspects of the car, such as navigation, music, and even climate settings, all by simply speaking. Using voice commands can help you stay focused on the road without the need to interact physically with the infotainment system.
Advanced Safety and Driver-Assist Features
Beyond infotainment, tech-driven safety features are becoming standard in many rental cars. Look out for driver-assist systems like adaptive cruise control, lane departure warnings, and collision detection, which can make driving safer and less stressful, especially in unfamiliar areas. Many of these features also integrate with the infotainment display, showing visual alerts to keep you aware of potential hazards.
Tip: Spend a few minutes reviewing these features before setting out to understand how they work. Knowing their limitations will also help you avoid relying too heavily on them.
In Conclusion
With so many features available, it’s worth taking a few minutes to familiarize yourself with the infotainment and connectivity options before you hit the road. Whether it’s setting up your navigation, pairing your phone, or learning the voice commands, a quick overview can save you time and improve your driving experience.