You go to buy a new car expecting the same creature comforts, but what if key features quietly vanish? In recent years, automakers have begun eliminating car features without telling buyers, impacting comfort, safety, and peace of mind. No one wants their new ride to feel like a downgrade from the showroom floor—yet that’s exactly what happens. Understanding which features are being removed helps you ask the right questions before signing any deal. Let’s explore six car features being eliminated and how you can protect your expectations.
1. Physical Buttons and Knobs
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Automakers are steadily removing tactile buttons and knobs, shifting controls for climate, audio, and more into touchscreens. This trend not only frustrates many drivers, but research shows touch-only interfaces delay reactions, some more than alcohol or cannabis does. Want to lower the volume or adjust the temperature while driving? Without physical dials, you’re forced to look away from the road. Brands like Volkswagen, Subaru, and Hyundai are responding by bringing back buttons. If you like haptic feedback and immediate access, confirm physical controls are included before buying.
2. Spare Tires
Once a staple under trunk covers, spare tires are now rare in many new models. Instead, manufacturers substitute repair kits or run-flat tires to save weight and meet fuel efficiency goals. But what happens with a flat in a rural area? If the kit fails or run-flats don’t work, you might be stranded. Don’t let your new ride go tireless—ask whether a full-size or compact spare is included. If not, consider purchasing one separately or upgrading to a model that still offers it.
3. AM Radio
AM radio is quietly disappearing, especially from EVs and newer infotainment systems. Automakers justify it by citing tuning issues caused by electric motors or low consumer demand. However, losing AM means missing local news, talk shows, weather, and emergency broadcast access. For drivers in rural areas, dispatch or local weather alerts rely heavily on AM. If you depend on AM for news, verify it’s still part of the audio package before buying.
4. Manual Transmissions
The stick shift—a symbol of driving satisfaction—is vanishing fast. Many manufacturers have eliminated manual transmissions from once-manual-friendly models, citing low consumer interest and production costs. For car enthusiasts, losing manual control is a major downgrade in engagement and pleasure. If using a manual transmission matters to you, double-check availability in current model years. A look-alike with paddle shifters isn’t the same—confirm the transmission type before committing.
5. CD Players
Once the default media option, CD players are getting shelved in almost all new cars. Automakers cite streaming dominance and declining CD use, but not everyone has transitioned to digital libraries. If you’re nostalgic or still have a collection, you’ll likely need an aftermarket player. And if you’re counting on buying a car with CD capability, cross it off your list—few models still offer it new. Check if your preferences include built-in navigation or streaming as substitutes.
6. Engine Temperature Gauges
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A staple of analog dashboards, engine temperature gauges are being replaced by simple warning lights in many modern cars. This minimalist move hides early signs of engine heat build-up, relying instead on reactive alerts. Missing a slow temperature rise can lead to overheating and expensive engine damage. If you prefer monitoring your car’s vitals, make sure full gauges—not just indicators—are present. A light won’t tell you if things are gradually trending toward trouble.
Don’t Let Disappearing Features Drive You Off Track
Car features being eliminated often go unnoticed until after purchase, and that’s a problem no buyer should face. You deserve clarity on what comes standard, optional, or deleted entirely. Always ask for a complete spec sheet, compare trims, and test-drive to confirm physical buttons, spares, AM radio, manual shifter, CD decks, and gauges are really there. If automakers doubt these features’ importance, it doesn’t mean you should. A little scrutiny up front means a lot less buyer’s remorse later.
Have you noticed a beloved feature disappear from your new car? Which one annoyed you most, and what did you do about it? Share in the comments!
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