What is a multi-function display in a car?
Multi-function displays in cars are used for a range of purposes, as the name implies. In general, cars with multi-function displays use them for navigation, satellite radio, Bluetooth, or other multi-media functions. However, drivers who want more out of their cars typically also want more out of their multi-function displays. Whether the multi-function display is an optional upgrade in your car, comes stock, or is an after-market part, drivers can get a lot more information out of a multi-function display other than just simple infotainment stuff.
Not all drivers are concerned with learning all they can about their car’s capacity, ability or their own driving skills. Most modern vehicles are equipped with displays that produce at least minimal information about the car or driver’s actual conditions. For instance, being able to learn detailed information about how fast your car is going is not a feature that comes standard in all cars. High performance or luxury vehicles, however, include more efficient and detailed multi-function display systems that require specialized care.
What information can a multi-function display give the driver?
As we mentioned before, multi-function displays may come stock in certain cars, may be upgraded when the car is purchased, or may be purchased after-market. Usually when cars come with a multi-function display, they include only the following general uses:
- Navigation
- Bluetooth
- Radio functions
- Video display
- Other entertainment functions
However, more advanced multi-function displays can offer the driver other valuable information about the car and the driving experience. Individuals who want to know more about their car may be interested in multi-function displays that relay some of the following information:
- General performance measurements – velocity, altitude, and travel distance
- Brake performance measurements – average deceleration time, deceleration distance, and average speed when brakes are engaged
- Acceleration measurements – maximum speed, time to get to a target distance, acceleration time, and acceleration distance
- Lap timing measurements – last lap, best lap etc.
These measurements and information offer drivers of high-performance vehicles the opportunity to learn more about their car’s capabilities and their own driving habits. It’s important that if you decide to purchase an after-market multi-function display that you have it installed by a professional automotive shop to ensure that it works properly.
Factors that Affect the Multi-function display
Not all cars require or work well with general or advanced multi-function displays; this is largely determined by the year and model of the car. Here are some of the factors that you should think about if you’re considering installing a multi-function display in your own car:
- Type of car you drive
- The capabilities of the car & technical requirements
- Ease of use
- Access to servicing, maintenance, and repair
While multi-function displays are fun and exciting to have in a car, it’s important to know how to use them, including how to service them over time.
How you can keep your multi-function display working well
Maintaining a multi-function display usually isn’t too difficult, 
as they require minimal servicing; however, over time the feature may require software updates issued by the manufacturer, or it may encounter glitches such as freezing or other malfunctioning errors. Here’s what you can do to keep your multi-function display in good working condition:
- Hire an automotive shop that specializes in the type of car you drive
- Make sure the technicians are experienced working with multi-function displays
- Stay on top of maintenance procedures like software updates and installs
- Follow up on any glitches or concerning symptoms right away
Here at Mark Douglas Motorworks, we see a lot of high-performance cars such as Porsche, Maserati, Ferrari, BMW, and Audi from all over the Orange County area, including the cities of: Mission Viejo, Lake Forest, Costa Mesa, Irvine, Huntington Beach, Laguna Hills and Laguna Nigel, CA. Southern California is known for its great roads to drive on, especially for the aforementioned cars. Multi-function displays are rather simple devices, but can be tricky to install and maintain without the proper knowledge and skill. If you need some help with your multi-function display or infotainment in your own car, please call us here at Mark Douglas Motorworks to schedule an appointment or speak with a helpful professional.