In the early days of our country, a lot of people didn’t own cars. The average American didn’t get his or her first vehicle until they were 29 years old.
Today, it’s more like 16 years old! Over time, cars have transformed from something that you might use once in your life to something that’s an integral part of our everyday lives. Here are some ways car culture has evolved over time:
| Takeaways |
|---|
| 1. Car culture has a rich and diverse history spanning many decades and different subcultures. |
| 2. Different generations have influenced and responded to changes in car culture in different ways. |
| 3. Car culture has had a significant impact on popular culture and entertainment, from iconic cars to movies and TV shows. |
| 4. The future of car culture is uncertain, but it is likely to continue evolving with advancements in technology and shifts in societal attitudes. |
| 5. Car culture remains an essential part of automotive history and a source of passion and community for those who love cars and driving. |
1. A revolution in the car engine
Did you know that most cars on the road still use an internal combustion engine? It may be hard to believe, but these engines have been around since the 19th century. However, there is a new wave of technology evolving in the auto industry: electric engines.
Electric motors are much more efficient than their internal combustion counterparts and produce zero emissions as well. They’re also more expensive, which means they’re not widely used yet (although Tesla Motors has made some strides in bringing them down to earth).
If you’re interested in learning more about the different subcultures in car culture, our Ultimate Guide to Understanding Car Culture and Its Subcultures is a great resource. From hot rods to lowriders to JDM culture, you’ll learn about the unique history and customs of each subculture in the automotive world.
2. An increased focus on safety
With an increased focus on safety, we’re seeing people driving less and choosing to walk or bike for shorter trips.
And these days, people are less likely to own cars than ever before. It’s no surprise that this shift has led to fewer crashes and more fatalities from car accidents each year.
While there were more than two million motor vehicle deaths in the US alone in 1950s and only around 50 per 100k people the number of traffic fatalities has steadily declined since then.
A recent study found that fewer teens are dying behind the wheel because they’re getting better at driving safely (no drunk texting) and wearing seatbelts (which were invented in 1912).
3. New forms of transportation and ridesharing
- Transportation has become a lot more accessible. There are now many forms of transportation available to us, including:
- Uber and Lyft
- Taxis
- Public transportation
- Car sharing (such as Zipcar or Car2go)
- Bike sharing (like Citi Bike in NYC)
Walking is also often overlooked when it comes to modern modes of transportation. In fact, walking can be just as efficient as driving in some situations!
If you’re going on a short trip (less than 5 miles), consider walking instead of driving. You’ll feel energized after the walk and your body will thank you for the exercise.
4. The rise of the electric car
Electric cars are usually more efficient. Electric cars can be charged from a wall outlet, which means they use less energy than gas-powered vehicles.
The electricity needed to power an electric car is also cheaper than the regular cost of gas, making them more cost effective for drivers who want to go green and save money at the same time.
Plus, electric cars don’t require oil changes or tune-ups like gas vehicles do so there are less maintenance costs involved with owning one.
They’re better for the environment too! An average gasoline car produces about six tons of greenhouse gases per year while an average electric car only produces one ton per year! Reducing your carbon footprint is easier than ever with an electric vehicle on your side!
Did you know that the first speeding ticket in the United States was issued in 1902 for going 45 mph? Check out our article on 10 Fascinating Facts About the History of Car Culture You Need to Know for more interesting facts like this and a deeper understanding of the impact of cars on society.
5. The beginning of the end for car ownership
It’s no secret that car ownership is on the decline. The convenience and efficiency of ride-sharing services have made them appealing to many people, who are choosing to use these services instead of owning their own vehicles. You can even get an electric car for just $10/month through Zipcar!
Car sharing services aren’t the only thing that’s changing how we think about owning cars; other trends like ride-hailing apps and autonomous vehicles are also impacting our relationship with cars. As technology continues to advance, more people may decide not to buy a car at all.
While you might be surprised to hear it, this shift away from car ownership isn’t necessarily bad news it actually means that you’ll have more time on your hands (and money in your wallet) since you won’t have to spend so much time going from place-to-place or maintaining a vehicle.
6. A new way to drive
You might be surprised to learn that self-driving cars are already here.
Driverless cars aren’t a futuristic technology, but rather one that’s already making its way into our daily lives.
While the technology is still being developed and safety concerns are being addressed, driverless cars have been tested in real-world situations. For example, Google has used its fleet of driverless vehicles to transport passengers around Mountain View, California since 2014.
And Uber has given riders in Pittsburgh rides in driverless cars since 2016 (though those rides were limited to a small section of the city).
It may not seem like much just two tech giants testing out their new technology on some unsuspecting residents but it shows how quickly autonomous driving is progressing toward becoming a common sight on our roads.
7. We’re buying cars differently, too
In the car industry, there are a lot of factors that can affect sales numbers. For example, the price of gas can drive people away from buying SUVs and toward smaller cars.
Or maybe it’s just that people don’t like how much work it is to change your oil every 3 months! But you might be surprised if you’re thinking about this in terms of what happened to men and women buying cars and seeing how much has changed over time.
First off, more women than ever are buying their own cars these days. In fact, according to one report from Jaguar Land Rover (JLR), almost half 45% of all new JLR vehicles were sold primarily to women from 2013-2016! And these aren’t just fancy sports cars either: they include sedans like the Range Rover Evoque and even some trucks such as Land Rovers Discovery Sport SVR
Car culture is an essential part of automotive history, and From Muscle Cars to Lowriders: A Look at the Different Types of Car Culture is an in-depth article that offers insight into the various types of car culture that exist today. Learn about the origins, customs, and style of each unique subculture within the car community.
8. New ways to pay for cars
With the increased prevalence of car-sharing, it’s no surprise that consumers are looking for more convenience in their vehicle payment methods.
Consumers now have access to a variety of ways to pay for cars, such as through financing, leasing and even credit cards.
Many banks now offer cardholders the option to use their credit card as collateral for monthly payments on their cars.
This method is called “credit card-secured loans” or “secured credit cards” because you can put up your own assets (the value of the car) against any money you borrow from participating lenders.
By using this method, you can take control over your finances without having to ask anyone else for help or wait in long lines at a dealership or bank branch office.
In addition, by putting down $1 as collateral on this type of loan instead of 20% or more with other types of loans like auto title pawn loans and payday advance loans, you save thousands on interest costs over time while still being able to afford purchasing newer vehicles every few years!
| Advantages | Examples |
|---|---|
| 1. Subscription-based car ownership | Care by Volvo, Porsche Passport |
| 2. Personalized financing options | Tesla Financing, Carvana |
| 3. Pay-per-use and shared car ownership | Zipcar, Turo |
| 4. Online payment and financing options | Ally, CarMax |
| 5. Leasing and trade-in programs | BMW, Audi |
Note: The examples provided are not an exhaustive list, but rather representative of the types of brands and services available for each advantage.
9. Cars are moving online, too
It’s no secret that the Internet is revolutionizing how we buy and sell things. But even the way we interact with our vehicles has changed in recent years and it’s happening faster than you may think.
From researching models to buying new cars or used ones, there are now countless ways to do it all online.
You can even order a car through Amazon Prime Now and have it delivered straight to your doorstep! If you prefer browsing at home rather than dealing with pushy salespeople, then rest assured:
There’s plenty of information available online as well such as reviews on any type of vehicle imaginable (including hybrid cars).
10. Finding our next cars online
Online car shopping is growing in popularity every year. It’s easier than ever, more efficient than ever, more convenient than ever and more transparent than ever.
The world of online car shopping has made it possible to find the best deals on your next vehicle without having to leave your home or office. How does it work? Well, you just need to:
- Find a car that interests you.
- Visit their website.
- Click “Get Pre-Approved.
- Fill out the form with your information (name and email address).
Car culture has undoubtedly influenced pop culture and entertainment. Our article on How Car Culture Has Influenced Pop Culture and Entertainment explores the unique and often underappreciated impact that car culture has had on movies, music, and more. From James Bond’s iconic Aston Martin to the resurgence of 80s and 90s tuner culture, this article has it all.
11. Cars that connect with your home and office
As cars become more connected to the outside world, expect to see more and more automotive features that allow them to connect with your home and office.
Cars of the future will be able to receive commands from a remote location, which means they can be controlled while you’re away from them. Your car could even function as an extension of your home or office you’ll be able to monitor it remotely through an app on your phone and get alerts when something goes wrong (like if someone breaks into it).
The same technology could also allow you to use your vehicle as a monitoring device for other things: You could use it for health monitoring or pet surveillance, among other possibilities.
| Advantages | Examples |
|---|---|
| 1. Ability to remotely control home devices | Tesla Model S and X, BMW i Series |
| 2. Seamless integration of calendars and route planning | Ford SYNC, Apple CarPlay |
| 3. Access to in-car data from home and office devices | Audi A8, Mercedes-Benz S-Class |
| 4. Hands-free operation of smart home devices and appliances | Volvo XC90, Nissan Leaf |
| 5. Real-time updates on home security and environmental controls | Porsche Taycan, Rivian R1T |
Note: The examples provided are not an exhaustive list, but rather representative of the types of brands and services available for each advantage.
12. New ways to find a mechanic
If you’re in need of a mechanic, there are several ways to find one. Word of mouth is still the best way to go.
Ask your friends and family members who they use when their cars are acting up and why they like them. If all else fails, though, there are other options nowadays that can help you out in your search for an honest mechanic.
First, do some online research to see if any negative reviews have popped up about certain shops around town—but be careful not to just read one side of the story! Try looking at different sources including Yelp or Google Reviews so that you get a balanced perspective on things (and don’t forget: those reviews were left by actual customers).
You should also check out BBB ratings as well as Angie’s List; both sites offer valuable insight into how each shop performs based on previous customer experiences with them.
Second, seek out a shop specializing in whatever type of car yours happens to be—if it’s German then find one specialized in German vehicles!
This will ensure that whoever fixes yours knows exactly what kind of issues could arise down the road so there aren’t any surprises later down the line when something goes wrong again (or worse yet—while driving).
13. Control over our commute
Although we can’t anticipate the exact date of when autonomous cars will hit the market, it’s not far off: Google predicts that its self-driving cars will be available in 2020. Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are already disrupting traditional transportation models, as well as creating opportunities for new entrepreneurs to enter this emerging field.
And as electric vehicle technology improves, we’ll see more people looking to go green behind the wheel—and not just because they want their car to be environmentally friendly; some people just enjoy driving electric vehicles because they’re quieter than traditional combustion engines (which emit harmful tailpipe emissions).
| Advantages | Examples |
|---|---|
| 1. Ability to choose specific route of travel | Google Maps, Waze |
| 2. Flexibility to vary our transportation method | Uber, Lyft, Zipcar |
| 3. More freedom and autonomy in our daily routine | Personal vehicle ownership |
| 4. Control over departures and arrivals | Train schedules |
| 5. Customizable travel experiences | Luxury car rental services |
Note: The examples provided are not an exhaustive list, but rather representative of the types of brands and services available for each advantage.
14. Cars are getting smarter (and dumber) all at once
Over the past few years, we’ve seen a huge shift toward self-driving vehicles. There are now more than 1,000 self-driving cars on public roads in the United States but that’s only one way to make your car smarter.
In fact, there are several ways you can upgrade your ride to make it more intelligent and efficient:
Self-parking features allow your vehicle to park itself in a tight space or parallel park along a busy road without human intervention.
Automatic braking systems can be programmed to brake when they sense something in front of them coming too close.
Adaptive headlights will turn as you change lanes or follow curves in order to illuminate the road ahead more effectively.
Automatic headlights will turn on when it gets dark outside
Car culture wouldn’t be what it is today without the iconic cars that have graced its history. Our article on The Top 10 Most Iconic Cars in Car Culture History pays homage to some of the most iconic and recognizable cars in car culture history, from the Ford Mustang to the DeLorean. Relive some of the most memorable moments in car culture history and explore the stories behind each car.
15. The rise of new car technology, however you define it!
The rapid rise of new car technology has been an exciting development for the auto industry, and it’s changing the way we interact with our vehicles in more ways than you might think. On one hand, there’s safety.
Vehicle-to-vehicle communication systems can help prevent accidents by alerting drivers to hazards that other cars are experiencing.
It also makes driving more efficient by anticipating a driver’s next move and helping them get there quicker a boon for anyone who hates traffic jams!
This technology also makes driving more fun, because it allows you to control your vehicle with voice commands or gesture controls while keeping your hands on the wheel at all times.
This means you won’t have to take your eyes off the road while adjusting music volume or temperature settings in the cabin which could be especially important if you’re already distracted from texting someone about what happened when they went out last night…
Conclusion
So there you have it the 15 most surprising ways car culture has evolved over the years. We’re sure that we didn’t cover all the changes in this article, but the point is to show you just how different things are today from when we first started driving.
It’s exciting to think about what might be next for our cars (and our roads!) in the coming years as technology continues to progress and change at such a rapid pace.
Further Reading
How America’s Car Culture Has Changed Over the Years: This article examines the evolution of American car culture over the decades, from the rise of muscle cars in the 60s and 70s to the growing popularity of electric vehicles today.
Generation Gap: 5 Ways Car Culture Has Changed: This article explores how different generations have influenced and responded to changes in car culture, including everything from attitudes towards classic cars to technological advances in the automotive industry.
Artomobilia 2017: This event recap provides a closer look at Artomobilia, a popular event in Indiana that celebrates classic, sports, and exotic cars. See pictures of the stunning cars on display and learn more about what makes this event so special.
FAQs
What is car culture?
Car culture refers to the various customs, attitudes, and practices related to cars and driving. It encompasses everything from classic car restoration and racing to tuning and customization.
How has car culture changed over the years?
Car culture has experienced significant changes over the years, from the rise of muscle cars in the 60s and 70s to the growing popularity of electric vehicles today. Factors like technology, environmental concerns, and shifting attitudes towards driving have all contributed to these changes.
What are some of the different types of car culture?
There are many different types of car culture, including classic car culture, racing culture, tuner culture, and lowrider culture, among many others. Each subculture has its unique customs, style, and history.
How has car culture influenced popular culture and entertainment?
Car culture has had a significant impact on popular culture and entertainment, from iconic cars like the Batmobile and the DeLorean to movies and TV shows like The Fast and the Furious franchise and Bullitt.
What is the future of car culture?
The future of car culture is uncertain, given the rapid advancements in automotive technology and the growing focus on sustainability and environmental concerns. However, car culture is likely to persevere in some form or another, as long as people are passionate about cars and driving.
Hello friends. My name is Hellen James and I’m here to help you make good decisions when it comes to buying, selling, and maintaining your vehicles.
