Think you know your car inside and out? You might be surprised. Cars today come with a lot of hidden features that make driving easier, more comfortable, and sometimes, just a bit cooler. These are the little things that might not be obvious at first, but once you know about them, you’ll wonder how you ever missed them. Here are 15 awesome hidden features your car probably has that you didn’t even realize.
1. Roll Down All Your Windows with the Key Fob
It’s a scorching hot day, and the last thing you want is to sit in a stuffy car. If your car has this feature, you can roll down all your windows at once before even getting inside. Just hold down the unlock button on your key fob, and voilà—instant air circulation. Not every car has it, but if yours does, it’s a total game-changer on those warmer days.
2. That Little Arrow on Your Fuel Gauge
How many times have you pulled up to a gas station, only to forget which side your fuel tank is on? Check your fuel gauge—you’ll probably see a tiny arrow next to the pump icon. That arrow isn’t just for decoration, it actually points to the side of the car your fuel cap is on. Simple, but a total lifesaver when you’re driving a rental or just having a forgetful day.
3. Rear Wiper That Activates Automatically
Ever notice that when you put your car in reverse on a rainy day, the rear wiper automatically kicks in? If your front wipers are already on, some cars will activate the rear one as soon as you hit reverse. It’s a small thing, but it means you don’t have to fiddle with annoying controls and buttons when the weather takes a turn.
4. Secret Storage Spots
Ever looked under your seats or inside your trunk floor? Some cars come with hidden storage compartments that are perfect for stashing emergency kits, jumper cables, or even a few snacks for a road trip. These secret spots are great for keeping your car organized and clutter-free while still having everything you need at arm’s length.
5. Sunglass Holder Above the Rearview Mirror
Tired of scratching up your sunglasses in the glove box? Some cars have a built-in sunglass holder right above the rearview mirror. It’s a small feature that’s easy to miss, but it keeps your shades easy to grab and out of harm’s way. You’ll be reaching for this every time the sun hits.
6. Adaptive Headlights That Follow Your Turns
If you’ve driven at night and noticed that your headlights seem to follow the curves of the road, that’s no accident. Some cars come with adaptive headlights that actually swivel with your steering wheel, giving you better visibility around corners. It’s one of those sneaky safety features that makes nighttime driving so much smoother.
7. Remote Start from Your Key Fob
Cold mornings or blazing hot afternoons are no match for remote start. If your car has this feature, you can start the engine from your key fob, letting the air conditioning or heat kick in before you even open the door. It’s a total luxury that makes getting into your car way more comfortable.
8. Volume That Adjusts with Speed
Ever notice how your music seems to get louder when you’re driving fast and quieter when you slow down? That’s speed-sensitive volume control, and it’s designed to automatically adjust your music so you can still hear it over the sound of the road. It’s subtle, but once you know it’s there, you’ll appreciate never having to constantly fiddle with the volume.
9. Steering Wheel Buttons You Didn’t Know About
You probably know about the basics, like changing the radio or adjusting the volume, but some steering wheels have more hidden buttons than you think. You might be able to access your car’s tire pressure, adjust the display brightness, or even set cruise control preferences without taking your hands off the wheel.
10. Parking Guidelines on Your Rearview Camera
That rearview camera does more than just show what’s behind you. Many of them come with built-in guidelines that shift as you turn the wheel, helping you park perfectly every time. It’ll save you from embarrassing parking fails and it also makes backing into tight spaces a breeze.
11. Auto-Dimming Mirrors for Night Driving
If you’ve ever been blinded by someone’s high beams in your rearview mirror, this feature is a lifesaver. Some cars have auto-dimming mirrors that adjust when bright lights hit them, and others have a manual switch, but it’s designed to get rid of the glare. It’s a subtle but effective way to make nighttime driving more comfortable.
12. Hill Start Assist
For anyone who’s ever dreaded rolling backward on a hill, hill start assist is a game-changer. It holds the brake for a few seconds when you’re on an incline, giving you time to switch from brake to gas without the fear of rolling back. If you drive a manual, this feature is especially handy.
13. Adjustable Seatbelt Height
Ever feel like your seatbelt is choking you? Some cars come with adjustable seatbelt anchors, letting you raise or lower the height so it fits perfectly. It’s one of those things you don’t think about until you need it, but it can make a huge difference for your comfort, especially on long drives.
14. Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS)
While you might know your car has ABS, you may not realize what it’s actually doing. When you slam on the brakes, the pedal pulses to prevent the wheels from locking up. It’s a safety feature that helps you stop faster and keep control of the car, especially on wet or slippery roads.
15. Voice Commands for More Than Just Music
If your car has voice control, you probably use it to change the radio station or make hands-free calls, but did you know it can do more? Depending on the system, you can set the temperature, navigate to a specific address, or even check the weather—all without taking your hands off the wheel. It’s worth diving into the voice commands to see just how much you can do.
