Post
by petefarrell360 » 19 Aug 2007 12:58 am
I was thinking about it again today, such a good topic Dai. One thing that really gets me is the gadgets that try to save time or effort, the thinking for you type of things, such as, rain sensing windscreen wipers. They would annoy the hell out of me, I control when the wipers work, no one or anything else! On the 300 it actually annoys me a little bit if you use the screenwash too much and the headlight wipers continue to swipe in the dark, as I can see them working, but often I don't want or need them but cannot control them!
You get traction control, ABS, and all other manner of 'safety' devices. In a situation I want to be the person who controls what goes on, not some geric computer that cannot judge the situation for what it is and under the circumstances. Yes if programmed right computers will have better reaction times etc than a human and won't panic, but if the situation is wrong for their programmed command, it could end in tears!
The classic Merc advertising gizmo that would stop the car from crashing into a parked car in fog,......... they forgot to turn it on, the test driver smashes into the parked car infront of all the press! Oh dear......... human error took over there, but become too dependent upon gadgets and computers and the real skills needed for when they fail won't be there!
How many people could actually stop a car without a major panic if the brakes failled? Most would keep jabbing the brake pedal and then just look blank and panic until they crash! I think it was on Britains Worst Driver, they had a controlled area where they simulated brake failure. They were utterly useless.
I like simple mechanical operation where it is vital. For starters it's easier to fix normally, and easier to detect a problem, wear will show, sudden computer failure won't have a build up or any warning. Don't get me wrong. I'm not afraid of computers etc, I love my gadgets, but when it comes to driving, I like to be responsible for everything that's happening. If something tries to make a decision for me that I don't like, or I may not agree with, it will annoy me! So modern cars are not for me if they've too much of that gadgetry!
Pete
G reg 360 GLT, G reg 340 GL Variomatic, plus many more..........
Other than rust or accident there's no reason why she won't be still in the family, although I'd like her to be summer only in the future. I think the parents are starting to think about getting something newer and easier to drive, so maybe the 850 will be leaving, but only after I've finished uni, she's a great load lugger.
