Crazy Gizmos

Question: I know you keep up with the latest gizmos and gadgets carmakers are offering. What’s the craziest you saw or read about in 2016 models? Answer: Easy: the power seatbelt “presenters” on the Buick Cascada, apparently intended for people too tired or lazy to actually extend an arm and yank on the seatbelt. These “presenters” extend from behind the front doors of the spiffy, sporty convertible, whirring into duty as soon as you close the door, thereby reducing the amount of energy driver and passenger must expend when buckling up, allowing one to conserve said energy for other front-seat energy depleters, such as texting. It could be argued that this is something that could, conceivably, help some elderly people who struggle a bit to reach the seatbelt to connect it up. Argument accepted. However, this is not a vehicle built for or marketed to the elderly. A plus that should, in fairness, be acknowledged: it does keep the belts out of the way of people climbing into the back seat (though you’d have to be a pretty small grownup to develop much interest in getting into that tight-squeeze area). So there’s that. Question: My 2014 CTS has automatic braking and I’m nervous when it activates on freeways. After a few close calls of being rear-ended, I worry that system does NOT activate rear brake lights, so drivers behind me don’t get warning that my car is braking. My Cadillac dealer could not provide a definitive answer. Answer: I didn’t get a good answer from a dealership, either, so I contacted Cadillac corporate. Here’s the response: “Yes, the brake lamps engage for any type of braking action (manual or automatic).” The automatic braking systems offered by manufacturers vary, though all are designed to accomplish essentially the same thing. Your specific system is called Intelligent Brake Assist (IBA). When the system detects a vehicle in your path that you might be about to crash into, it can provide a boost to braking or automatically brake the vehicle. But in most scenarios, before that happens, you would receive warnings, such as lights, beeps and a “buzz” in your seat, to alert you to apply the brakes yourself. In either case, drivers behind you will know you’re stopping. What’s your question? Sharon Peters would like to hear about what’s on your mind when it comes to caring for, driving and repairing your vehicle. Email Sharon@ctwfeatures.com.