Michael Strong

An inflatable seat belt is a passive restraint strap in a car enhanced with internal airbags. The airbags inflate during a crash, helping to distribute forces from the crash across the torso, reducing the risk of injury to the occupant.

A massaging seat is a luxury comfort feature that uses built-in inflatable bladders under the seat covers to simulate common massage techniques, such as kneading, pressing, rolling, and more. Automakers often install bladders in the backrest and the seat cushion to provide a more effective massage.

Running boards are narrow platforms attached to the vehicle’s underside running from the front to the back wheel that help a person more easily enter or exit a vehicle with higher ground clearance. Vehicles built early in the 20th century sported running boards due to their higher ride height. Today, you’ll usually find running boards on larger sport-utility vehicles, pickup trucks, and vans.

Hill descent control is a safety technology that frees the driver to steer while the vehicle’s computer actuates the anti-lock brakes and traction control to keep the vehicle moving downhill at a pre-set speed. Vehicles with off-road capability frequently feature this capability, where hill descent control can be highly effective.

A proximity key (also called a “smart key” or “intelligent key”) is an electronic fob used for keyless entry and ignition systems in vehicles. Proximity keys pair with push-button starters, enabling drivers to unlock, enter, and start their cars without removing the fob from their pockets or purses.

The “key” transmits low-frequency (LF) radio waves to communicate with a vehicle to lock and unlock doors and start the engine when within a short range. Antennae within the vehicle identify the rolling code radio pulse generator inside the fob.