Do your homework before signing up for car subscription-based services

Just about any new car today is really a computer on four wheels. A computer becomes more powerful by adding paid apps and free operating system updates, and cars are also moving in that direction.

A car manufacturer charges a monthly fee that allows you to use a key fob to lock and unlock your car! More on that below. Additional equipment has existed since the beginning of car sales, but subscription-based services are relatively new.

At least the popular GPS apps are still free. Here are five Google Maps, Apple Maps and Waze tips and tricks you’ll want to use all the time.

Your car may be older. You don’t have to go without all the bells and whistles. Tap or click for high-tech upgrades you can do to an older model.

If you’re in the market for a new car, do your homework on subscription costs before you sign a purchase contract.

Mercedes

Car manufacturers want to charge us for more performance or even the most basic features. For example, Mercedes Benz charges its electric car owners 1,200 dollars a year to drive a little faster.

The pricey software upgrade, “Acceleration Increase”, gets you zero to 60 mph one second faster. It is available for the Mercedes-EQ range of electric cars.

The German luxury car brand also charges German buyers $576 per year for rear-wheel steering on the EQS. This function reduces the car’s turning arc, and helps in tight turns and parking. While this is standard on EQS vehicles sold stateside, it could be a sign of things to come.