Road trips can sometimes be draining, especially if you are planning for a long one. Fortunately, car manufacturers and app developers found ways to develop smart dashboard technology.

Gone are the days when a car's dashboard was mainly used for displaying speed and fuel levels. You are also not forced to browse endlessly to find the perfect radio station that plays your favorite songs.

Modern dashboards now offer a comprehensive suite of features designed to enhance every aspect of the driving experience. Passengers are also given more importance as they can do many things to prevent the trip from getting boring.

From navigation to entertainment, here are some smart car dashboard tips that you can use the next time you are in for a long road trip:

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Take Advantage of an Advanced GPS

Modern dashboards are often integrated with GPS navigation systems that provide real-time traffic updates and route optimization. It can display apps like Google Maps or Waze that update the driver and passengers about the traffic situation and estimated time of arrival.

Google Maps launched various advanced features that are perfect for navigating a new place. Users can discover nearby points of interest like restaurants, tourist spots, and more along the road. If you are traveling alone, you can also opt for a voice command navigation.

Check Smart Device Integration

You can connect your smartphone via Bluetooth for hands-free calling, messaging, or accessing your phone's apps through voice commands. Companies like Apple and Google also launched special dashboard features such as Apple Car Play, Android Auto, and Google Assistant Driving.

These special dashboard apps can be used to customize the dashboard interface to a display that is more efficient for the driver. Some interfaces allow drivers to set up to four different profiles, which is perfect for people who share cars with others.

Enjoy Endless Curated Entertainment

The search is over for people who often switch channels to the local radio stations, looking for that perfect station. You can now use integrated apps like Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music, and more to play your favorite songs, albums, podcasts, and even audiobooks.

Likewise, radio stations are also active but this time you can access the internet to expand your content search. There are also smart dashboards that allow passengers to stream movies simultaneously on different screens within the car.

Explore Advanced Safety Features

Modern cars are often advertised for their advanced dashboard features. They often come with driver assistance systems which offer lane-keeping assist, adaptive cruise control, and automatic emergency braking.

Most of the cars now have a parking assist system which is done through rearview cameras installed in the car. This is perfect for people who are anxious when parking their car and often take a couple of tries.

Drivers and passengers must always upgrade the software of their dashboards to ensure that the latest features are available along with security updates. It is also normal to take time to explore its features as some can have hidden functionalities.

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