Car Features Drivers Ignore: Auto Stop/Start, Paddle Shifters, and Built-in GPS

Ask drivers which features they ignore in their cars, and you'll get a predictable mix of gripes about tech they didn’t ask for — and some answers that make you wonder why they bought a modern car at all. A recent reader poll delivered all of that and then some.

A few responses were totally expected: people shutting off auto stop/start the second the engine fires up, frustration with overly eager lane-keeping systems, and the usual rant about beeps, nudges, and warnings that feel more annoying than helpful.

But then the answers went off the rails in the best possible way. Here’s a quick look at the features people swear they never touch.

Lane-keeping assist

Several readers called it downright dangerous. One driver said the system tried to steer him back into a drifting truck. Most leave the warning beeps on for long trips and shut everything else off.

Automatic climate control

One Escape owner gave up on it completely. The fan blasting at full speed was a deal-breaker — and manually picking a temperature worked just fine.

Head-up displays

Some turned it off before they even got home from the dealership. The complaint: information floating in the line of sight is more distracting than helpful.

AM/FM radio

With CarPlay and endless streaming options available, plenty of drivers say they haven’t tuned in to a local station in years.

Built-in GPS

No surprise here — most prefer their phone. Faster, easier, and always updated.

Auto stop/start

A popular ritual: start car → immediately disable stop/start. The worry? Starter wear isn’t worth the few dollars saved at the pump.

Power seats

One reader prefers manual seats because they move instantly. A quick shove to eat lunch or take a nap beats waiting for an electric motor to hum everything into place.

Auto-parking systems

They exist, but almost no one uses them. For many, the only demonstration they ever saw was the one from the salesperson.

Paddle shifters on automatics

Plenty called them pointless — especially on CVTs or hybrids where they don’t change much except maybe the vibe.

Cruise control

Yes, someone out there has never touched it and claims they never will. They just like driving too much to hand over the throttle.

The “Sport” button

One Mazda owner says the only real change is more noise and slightly worse MPG. It mostly stays off.

Heated seats… for people

One Boston driver refuses to use the heated seat for themselves — but happily uses the passenger seat warmers to keep takeout food hot.