By Nic, the HapiWanderer
I still prefer my humble manual car — the kind with a stick shift and an honest dashboard. No digital theatrics, just analogue dials for tachometer, fuel level, speed, and engine temperature. It’s basic, yes. But it’s also beautifully unpretentious. No complicated electronics.
The only nod to modernity? A fuel injection system governed by a microprocessor — a quiet usurper of the good old carburettor, retired some three decades ago. Everything else? Delightfully manual.
Now contrast that with today’s dashboards: a carnival of buttons, blinking lights, and colour-coded confusion. But how many of those features do we actually use? Or even understand? And we have to keep our eyes focused on them, many a time.
Did you know that the petrol filling cap is located where the analogue fuel level indicator is positioned? For example, if the meter is found at the left side on the dashboard, the petrol filling cap will be located on the left. Modern cars will have an arrow to indicate the location of the petrol filling cap.
The ubiquitous turn indicator stalk, placed at either left or right side of the steering wheel, fails continuously to attract the driver’s attention to use it before they make a turn into a junction or change lanes on the road.
Technology no matter how high it is, can never replace human intervention, in this case. Perhaps one day, sensors in the car would be able to read the driver’s mind and activate the turn signal as necessary? Or better, have a smart driverless car.
Even the activation of the headlights and windscreen wipers are automated on certain makes and models of cars. Theoretically, all the driver needs to do, is just to focus on the driving, right?
Now, comes the use of smartphones. Although there’s tools and software applications to encourage handsfree safe use while driving, drivers still need to ‘show-off’ their ability to own the smartphone, a very common telecommunication convenience these days. Despite hands-free tools, many still clutch their phones like trophies, flaunting ownership mid-drive. Holding the phone using the right hand so that others can see it.
Automatic transmission had also contributed its bit into this bad habit of holding the phone while driving. Did technology help to ensure safe driving? There’s always the phone holder to hold the phone while you enjoy the conversation. The revised law only says you can’t hold it in your hand while driving, as ultra-modern cars necessitates and encourages button pressing or toggle turning during driving.
Too many electronic devices and systems in the car, would mean that the car’s battery need to have sufficient capacity to power up and maintain the active use of such equipment. In an emergency, what if the battery fails or electricity supply is cut off?
For my car, the doors will be unlocked during a power failure. How about modern cars with recessed door handles? Will an outsider be able to gain entry into your car to help you during an accident?
With everything considered, yes, I’ll hold on to my “manual everything” car for as long as I can.
I’ll shift gears with purpose. I’ll watch my analogue meters like old friends. I’ll switch on my headlights when dusk falls, and activate my wipers when the rain begins to dance.
Ah, the simple pleasures of driving and life…
WE