Unless you are independently wealthy, an unexpected auto repair could seriously cramp your budget. Fortunately, auto manufacturers have developed new technologies that might help you to avoid extra expenses. Here are two new auto inventions that could fend off car repairs, so that you can save money.

1: Crash Avoidance Features

Car accidents can happen fast, even if you are paying attention to the road. However, some cars actually contain complex on-board systems that might help you to avoid wrecks. Here are a few crash avoidance features you might be able to find in a new car, and why it might be worth it to upgrade:

• Automatic Breaking: When you drive, it isn't always easy to tell how far away you are from objects around you. That car ahead of you might slam on their breaks suddenly, or those jaywalkers might be wearing dark clothing, making them difficult to see. However, automatic breaking systems use radar systems to spot objects around your car. By detecting nearby obstacles and calculating your speed, these systems will apply the breaks for you to protect you from collisions and prevent auto repairs.  
• Blind Spot Notifications: When vehicles or motorcyclists speed up alongside your car, you might not see them until it is too late. Fortunately, blind spot notification systems use cameras and radar systems to detect objects you might not notice. If you start moving closer to an object in the blind spot zone, the system will notify you with an audible warning so that you know to back off.  
• Adaptive Headlights: When you are driving on curvy roads at night, it can be difficult to see the road that lies ahead of you. Since your headlights point straight ahead, you might not be able to see potholes, cyclists, or road construction until it is too late to stop. However, adaptive headlights turn in the direction you are steering to illuminate the road ahead.

As with any other safety system, crash avoidance features aren't meant as a replacement for good driving. However, these upgrades might help you to adapt more effectively to changing road conditions so that you can avoid problems.

2: Start-Stop Engines

Most people don't realize it, but letting your car idle for long periods of time can be hard on the engine. As those components function at low speeds, they might burn through extra fuel or overheat. Unfortunately, when you are sitting in halted traffic or at a stoplight, idling might be your only option—until now. Start-stop systems automatically switch over to battery power whenever the car comes to a complete stop, providing these benefits:  

• Better Fuel Economy: When your car isn't guzzling through gas while you sit at that stoplight, you might enjoy better fuel economy. Start-stop systems only cost about $300 to add to your car, but they save enough fuel to pay for themselves within about three years. Also, since these systems use less fuel, they also reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 3 to 10%.
• Quieter: If you are worried about making less noise as you leave for work, a start-stop system might be right for you. Since electric engines are quieter, start-stop systems might help you to keep the peace.
• Smooth Driving: Although it might seem like it would be hard for your car to constantly start and stop, the process happens seamlessly in half a second or less. This means that you can enjoy a smooth ride without worrying about waiting for your car.

To top it off, start-stop systems can be disabled if you want to drive without the feature. By investing in a car with state-of-the-art technology, you might be able to protect your family and your monthly finances. If it's time to upgrade your car or get a safer model, click here for more info.