WITH its stunning beaches and vibrant destinations, the Philippines practically begs to be explored during the hot summer months. It’s a time for families and friends to reconnect, and what better way to explore the country’s stunning beaches, historical landmarks, or scenic mountain towns than with a road trip? Although public transportation is viable, having a car during this season unlocks a new level of comfort and convenience for your summer adventures.
Imagine escaping the crowded terminals and waiting for buses. With a car, you can set your own pace and itinerary.
Craving a spontaneous stop at a roadside fruit stand overflowing with mangoes or a hidden waterfall, you stumbled upon online? No problem! A car allows you to discover hidden gems and create unforgettable memories.
A car provides a safe and comfortable haven for Filipino families, especially those traveling with young children or elders. You can pack all the essentials–from beach umbrellas and coolers to comfy pillows and snacks–to meet everyone’s needs. The air conditioning provides a cool escape from the scorching summer heat, making the journey more enjoyable.
Fortunately, modern cars have new developments and features to make the ride more comfortable, especially for long summer drives.
Staying cool on the road
One example is the Dual-Zone Climate Control feature. Filipino families are known for their close-knit nature, which often translates to carpooling during summer adventures. But what happens when your significant other prefers the A/C cranked to the max while you crave a slightly warmer environment? The new dual-zone climate control systems in many of the latest models come to the rescue. These innovative features allow independent temperature adjustments for different zones within the car, ensuring everyone enjoys their ideal comfort level. Gone are the days of arguing about the perfect temperature because the dual-zone climate control system can bring the best of both worlds.
Conversely, leather seats can be uncomfortable while driving under the scorching heat. Thankfully, ventilated seats are becoming increasingly common. These seats pump cool air through tiny perforations, keeping the back and thighs comfortable even on long drives.
While staying cool inside the car is crucial, ensuring your engine doesn’t overheat under the relentless summer sun is equally important. Modern vehicles feature enhanced radiators and high-performance coolants, providing efficient heat dissipation even during long drives under extreme temperatures.
The Start-Stop function is another feature that keeps the car from overheating and is widely available in many of the latest models. It automatically shuts down the engine when the vehicle stops, like at traffic lights, reducing unnecessary idling and heat generation.
Keeping the boredom at bay
Yet besides the cooling features, the latest cars also offer entertainment and accessibility to cater to the various needs of all ages. Many vehicles now allow seamless integration with your smartphone. Access navigation apps, make hands-free calls, or stream your favorite music to entertain everyone on long drives.
Some cars have specific functions, with some having built-in WiFi hotspots to keep everyone connected no matter how long or far the drive is.
Moreover, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto allow seamless integration of your smartphone with the car’s infotainment system, providing access to music, podcasts, and audiobooks to keep everyone engaged during the journey.
Meanwhile, passengers don’t have to crane their necks to look at the screen in front to keep themselves entertained or choose what media to play, which can sometimes be a struggle given everybody has different choices. Rear-seat entertainment systems featuring built-in screens and individual headphone jacks enable them to watch movies, play games, or even follow the navigation system, making the journey more enjoyable for everyone, especially during long road trips.
However, not all features of modern vehicles come from recent developments; some of them took groundbreaking ideas from earlier versions and incorporated them into the latest iterations so users can experience their functions and benefits. One example is a panoramic sunroof, perfect for those who want to witness the beauty of their surroundings without leaving the vehicle. When opened carefully and with sun protection in mind, panoramic sunroofs allow users to soak in the sights and sounds of the summer landscape, creating a truly immersive experience.
Features to make driving easier and safer
Much like how you’re preparing for anything that could happen throughout the trip, modern vehicles also come with new systems that ensure the passengers’ safety and security. One example is the Advanced Driver-Assistance Systems (ADAS). These systems include features like Lane Departure Warning, Blind Spot Monitoring, and Automatic Emergency Braking, which act as virtual co-pilots, constantly monitoring your surroundings and alerting you to potential hazards.
The Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) is another noteworthy feature for modern vehicles because it gives drivers an added perspective of the car’s performance, giving them a heads-up if they need to take precautionary measures. Proper tire pressure is crucial for safety and fuel efficiency. TPMS constantly monitors tire pressure and alerts you to sudden drops, preventing potential blowouts, especially on long summer journeys.
In the meantime, those planning to visit mountains or far-flung areas with narrow, rugged roads can benefit from 360-degree Camera Systems. These provide a bird’s-eye view of your car’s surroundings, making maneuvering tight spaces or navigating narrow mountain roads a breeze, especially when visibility is limited.
Other car tech features you can look for are fuel efficiency and eco-driving features. Opt for cars with high fuel efficiency ratings or consider hybrid or electric vehicles (EVs) to minimize your carbon footprint and reduce fuel costs, especially during long summer road trips.
Although these features are fantastic advancements, responsible driving habits are still crucial. Stay hydrated, avoid driving during peak heat hours, and never leave children or pets unattended in a parked car, even with the A/C running.
Many of these innovative features are available in various modern versions from car brands. Choosing the right vehicle that meets your personal and technological preferences will be a notable investment. With a combination of new car tech and clever practices, your Filipino summer will be one for the books —filled with cool comfort and unforgettable experiences for everyone.
