What are the advantages and disadvantages of installing ETC in a car?
4 Answers
The advantages of installing ETC in a car are saving time, fuel, and money, as well as being environmentally friendly; the disadvantages are limited usability, relatively single functionality, and cumbersome application procedures. More details are as follows: How ETC works: ETC uses dedicated short-range microwave communication between the onboard electronic tag installed on the vehicle's windshield and the microwave antenna in the ETC lane at the toll station. It utilizes computer networking technology for backend settlement processing with banks, thereby achieving the purpose of paying tolls without stopping at road and bridge toll stations. ETC card and OBU must be used together: The ETC card and OBU must be used together and bound to the vehicle, implementing a dedicated use policy. To pass through an ETC lane, the ETC card must be properly inserted into the OBU.
I've been driving long-distance highways for 10 years. Initially, without ETC, I had to queue for a long time at toll stations every time, which was particularly annoying. After installing it, there are really many benefits: first, it saves time as you don't need to stop to take out cash or swipe a card, just pass through slowly; second, it saves fuel and reduces emissions because you don't need to idle while waiting, making the car run more efficiently; third, you might enjoy discounts, as some highway sections offer ETC-exclusive benefits, which can save you money in the long run. However, there are also downsides to note: the installation requires a one-time cost of several hundred yuan, including equipment and service fees, which can be expensive; there are also privacy concerns, as travel data may be collected, raising worries about misuse by third parties; the device might also malfunction, such as failing to read, requiring a trip to a service center for repairs, making it less cost-effective for those who don't frequently drive on highways. Overall, the benefits far outweigh the drawbacks, but whether to install it should depend on your driving habits.
As a daily commuter who frequently takes the highway, I've had a deep experience with ETC after installation. The biggest advantage is convenience and efficiency—no need to queue during peak hours, avoiding traffic anxiety; plus, the automatic deduction system eliminates the hassle of manual payments. Additionally, ETC helps reduce carbon emissions, as vehicles pass through without stopping, making it more environmentally friendly. However, drawbacks are evident too. First, the installation cost, including initial setup and annual fees, isn’t cheap. Second, there’s strong reliance on the device—once issues arise, like battery depletion or signal interference, it becomes a hassle. Privacy is also a concern, with travel information being recorded online. Still, small details like regular device checks can prevent sudden malfunctions. Overall, it makes driving smoother and is highly recommended for frequent users.
As a new driver who just started driving, I found ETC quite practical after installation. The benefits include much faster speed at toll stations, saving time and avoiding panic; it also reduces exhaust emissions, making a small contribution to environmental protection. The downsides are the cost of installing the equipment, which can be a dilemma when on a tight budget; occasional malfunctions like weak signals can lead to awkward waiting; and travel data records may expose privacy. Despite its imperfections, driving has indeed become easier after installation.
