Connected Vehicles

Vehicles become more connected every year and many automobile industry experts agree that this trend will continue during the next five years.  Built in Internet access in vehicles continues to increase and the quality of these connections will improve as 5G networks continue to expand.  Keep reading to learn how connectivity is changing our driving experience.

From OBD Ports to Smartphones

OBD devices (onboard diagnostic) devices have been used for years for a variety of reasons including location tracking, crash information and driving habit recorders that can help to lower auto insurance premiums.  As smartphone technology has advanced and capabilities have increased, OBD devices have taken a backseat.  As 5G connectivity becomes more prevalent, due to faster speeds and lower latency, the smartphone will be a completely integrated driving device in a number of ways.

Telematics

Telematics, as defined by Wikipedia, is an interdisciplinary field that encompasses telecommunications, vehicular technologies (road transportation, road safety), electrical engineering (sensors, instrumentation, wireless communications), and computer science (multimedia, Internet).  Practical capabilities include:

• the technology of sending, receiving and storing information using telecommunication devices to control remote objects
• the integrated use of telecommunications and informatics for application in vehicles and to control vehicles on the move
• global navigation satellite system technology integrated with computers and mobile communications technology in automotive navigation systems
• (most narrowly) the use of such systems within road vehicles, also called vehicle telematics

Multimedia

Of course, this increased and improved connectivity in vehicles provides a variety of entertainment and shopping options but vehicle telematics has a much broader impact and will continue to do so well into the future.

Vehicle Maintenance and Repair

The increased use of sensors can advise repair technicians of a variety of issues and factors that can assist the repair and maintenance of vehicles.  Depending on optional subscriptions and offerings, your dealership or favorite repair technician can monitor the health of your vehicle’s systems and notify you about issues that may need attention.

Insurance and Safety

It is expected that insurance companies will continue to increase utilization of smartphone data to understand driving habits.  Even with stricter laws, smartphone distraction is still a factor in at least 25% of vehicle collisions.  Consequently, insurers use our smartphones to detect if we are using our smartphones. Insurers, with our permission, can also understand our driving speeds and acceleration and braking habits.  In some cases, safe drivers can be rewarded with lower premiums.  Mobile telematics can even detect a crash and send help, decreasing the first responder to accident scene time. A smartphone can even provide a collision repair facility of details regarding the accident in order to help facilitate repairs.

For all of your auto collision repair needs, contact Spirit West Motor Carriage Auto Body Repair at 636.394.1712 Monday through Friday between 7:30am-5:30pm or stop by our convenient location at 610 Park Lane, Manchester, MO 63021.