Whether you’re a new driver or a seasoned one, knowing more about cars is always a good thing. Even if you’re not thinking about getting a new car, there could be some cool features in your current one that you’re not using. That’s why we’ve gathered these must-know car features and driving tricks to make your time on the road more enjoyable. So, fasten your seatbelt, and let’s hit the road!
Most Cars Have A Gas Cap Holder
Don’t touch the back end of your gas cap, especially if it’s covered in gasoline from sloshing around in the tank. Instead, use the handy holder inside the tank door when you stop to fill up. This keeps the cap out of the way and your hands clean while refueling.
Backseat Sensors Will Remind You if Anyone’s In The Car
A few decades ago, cars didn’t have airbags, but now we have safety features galore. One standout is the backseat sensor, a favorite addition. It alerts you when there’s still weight in the backseat, preventing you from forgetting groceries or, more importantly, ensuring you don’t leave your kids behind. Safety first!
Don’t Sweat It – The Engine Parts Are Color Coded
We don’t recommend backyard mechanic work if you’re not confident, but you can still learn about your car by popping the hood. Use your owner’s manual and check the diagrams to understand the different parts in the engine compartment. Many cars have color-coded parts and fuses, making it easier to identify what’s related to each system. Just a little peek under the hood can go a long way in understanding your vehicle.
The Hidden Backseat Mirror
Many mini-vans come with a handy feature for multitasking parents: the back seat mirror. It’s often stored in a roof compartment above the rearview mirror. This mirror gives you a fisheye view of the back seat, allowing you to keep an eye on your kids without taking your focus off the road. It’s a helpful tool for parents on the go.
Steering Wheel Heaters Are Awesome In Winter
Sure, we all know about heated seats, but have you heard of a heated steering wheel? It’s a cool new feature in some vehicles that keeps your hands warm on winter days. No more need for gloves while driving – we’re all for more cars having this feature in the future. Although, if you’re cruising in a convertible, you might not need it as much!
How to Know Where Your Rental’s Gas Tank Is
Ever been on vacation and right before returning the rental car, you realize you need to fill up the tank? It should be a simple task, but if you don’t know which side the gas tank is on, you might end up doing that awkward dance of backing out and reparking at a different pump. Avoid the embarrassment by checking which side your gas tank is on before you pull into the station!
Subaru’s Genius Feature for When You’re Stuck at a Light
We all dislike being stuck at a never-ending red light, especially when you’re in a rush or have been driving for a while. That’s why Subaru’s designers added a traffic light indicator to their vehicles. This cool tech beeps when the light turns green, reminding the driver to refocus and hit the road. It’s a handy feature for those moments when you just want to keep moving!
Trunk Sensors Make Grocery Shopping Easier
Ever struggled with a heavy load, only to realize you forgot to open the trunk? It’s a hassle to set everything down, find your keys, unlock the car, and pop the trunk before lifting again. Luckily, some car manufacturers now have a solution – cars with a trunk sensor underneath. Wave your foot around, and voila, the trunk automatically pops open, saving you from the lifting, unlocking, and reloading routine!
Do You Have Hidden Storage Space?
Many vehicles have a hidden feature that owners often overlook, and it’s beneath the trunk – not under the car, but under the trunk floor. In this space, you’ll often find an extra storage compartment where you can stash breakdown supplies and tools. In some vehicles, like Jeeps, there’s even a drain at the bottom of this compartment, turning it into a handy cooler. It’s a neat and practical surprise tucked away in your trunk!
Anti–Lock Brakes Can Save Your Wheels – And Your Life
In the past, if you needed to stop suddenly, the advice was to pump the brakes to avoid locking up the wheels and losing steering control. It might sound counterintuitive, but slamming on the brakes in older vehicles could lead to sliding. However, with ABS (anti-lock brake system), that’s no longer a concern. ABS prevents wheel lock-up, helping you maintain steering control during emergency stops.
Jeep Gives Their Cars Some Fun Surprises
Jeeps are globally recognized, known for their classic design and a history that traces back to the US army’s demand for vehicles in World War II. These iconic vehicles have made appearances in numerous films, notably in the famous Jurassic Park. As evident in the photos below, Jeep designers focus on ensuring each vehicle that comes off the production line is not just functional but also exudes a sense of fun and adventure.
Alertness Sensors Can Save You In A Pinch
While the idea might seem a bit like Big Brother, having facial scanners and alertness sensors in your vehicle is an effective way to prevent falling asleep at the wheel. These sensors can alert you if they detect signs of drowsiness or drifting, promoting safety for you and your passengers. Keep in mind that not all cars come equipped with this feature, so if it interests you, be sure to inquire with the dealer about its availability.
Headrest Hooks Make Great Storage Space
While most people are aware that the headrests in their cars are adjustable, not everyone knows that many of them have handy hooks at the bottom. These hooks can be rotated to offer extra storage, serving as sturdy holders for items like purses or grocery bags. They prevent car owners from having to juggle and Tetris their belongings into the floor of the car. If this feature appeals to you and your needs, it’s worth noting that these hooks are also available as aftermarket additions.
This Is Way Cooler Than A Regular Old Air Freshener
In certain newer BMW models, there’s a unique feature that lets you pre-order and experience a custom fragrance package inside your car. This feature operates similarly to a household plugin, but in this case, the car dispenses the scents for you, eliminating the need to manually turn it on or off. The vehicle even notifies the driver when it’s time for a refill. To replenish the fragrance, drivers can conveniently visit their local dealerships and pick up additional scent pods. It’s a luxurious touch to enhance the driving experience.
A Seat Belt Cutter Could Save Your Life
With the advanced technology in modern seat belts, cars are designed to lock the belts and secure occupants in place during a serious impact or rollover accident. However, in the event of significant damage, there’s a possibility that the belts could stay locked, potentially leaving occupants trapped until first responders arrive. Fortunately, there are handy tools called seat belt cutters that you can purchase. In the unfortunate event of an accident, these tools can be used to quickly and safely free yourself from the seat belt, providing an additional layer of safety.
Why Doesn’t Every Car Have A Trunk Vacuum?
The genius who came up with the idea of a back seat vacuum was probably a very frustrated parent – that’s our assumption! Only a parent truly understands the value of this invention. Now, whenever your kids make a mess in the car, you can relax knowing that you can deal with it easily in the driveway once you get back home. It’s a game-changer for parents on the go!
Sunroof Vs. Moonroof
Here’s the breakdown: A sunroof is an opaque panel that either tilts open or comes off completely, allowing you to get some air. On the other hand, a moonroof is a glass panel that either tilts open or slides back between the roof and headliner of the car, giving you that open-air feeling. So, the main difference lies in the material – sunroofs are opaque, while moonroofs are made of glass.
Built-In Ice Tools Come In Handy After A Storm
Growing up in a snowy area comes with its set of tips, and one essential for winter safety is having ice tools in your car. You don’t want to be caught without a scraper when your windshield is iced over. Recognizing this, engineers at Skoda started attaching ice tools to the fuel door on their vehicles, ensuring that drivers are always equipped to handle icy situations. It’s a practical solution to make winter driving a bit more manageable.
Heads Up Display Keeps Your Eyes on the Road
The heads-up display, or HUD, is a fantastic feature found in many cars. It utilizes the area on your windshield just above the dashboard to display information like speed and road details, allowing you to keep your eyes on the road without checking your gauges. Many cars even allow you to customize the HUD to show the specific information you want at a glance. It’s a smart and convenient way to stay informed while driving.
These Types of Blindspot Detectors Can Save Your Life
We all make mistakes on the road, and forgetting to check your blind spot before changing lanes can be a costly one. That’s why we appreciate the presence of blind-spot monitors in cars. These sensors illuminate an icon on your side mirror, alerting you to the presence of a vehicle in your blind spot and helping prevent accidents when changing lanes on the highway. It’s a valuable safety feature that adds an extra layer of awareness to our driving experience.
Lane Keep Assist to the Rescue
Although old cars may have a cool factor, there’s no denying that today’s vehicles are significantly safer. Lane keep assist is just one example of this advancement. Many cars now come equipped with this feature, utilizing small cameras to detect road markings. If the system senses you drifting out of your lane, it gently corrects your course, enhancing overall safety on the road. It’s a testament to how technology has made driving not only more convenient but also much safer.
Adjustable Back Seats Make Storage Easy
Car manufacturers employ various strategies to maximize storage space, and one of our favorites is the adjustable back seats you see below. These seats use a design where they can fold up into themselves, creating a versatile rear compartment. This design opens up the entire space from floorboards to headliners, allowing you to easily load in suitcases, bicycles, and whatever else you might need. It’s a clever solution for optimizing storage and accommodating various cargo needs.
Exterior Cameras Help You Drive Safer
Modern cars are equipped with diverse driver assistance systems that rely on a network of cameras to monitor the vehicle’s surroundings. As you drive, these cameras analyze factors like the distance from the car behind you and the proximity of the vehicle next to you. These cameras also serve dual purposes, assisting with tasks such as backing up and parallel parking. Their multifunctionality highlights how these cameras are more useful than we might initially realize, contributing to enhanced safety and convenience while driving.
Rain Can’t Stop Us
It’s a feature we’ve observed in Skoda and Rolls Royce vehicles, and it’s quite intriguing – built-in umbrella holders. No longer will you find yourself without an umbrella or rushing across a parking lot because you forgot to grab it from the trunk. This stylish and innovative design makes clever use of unused space in the door panel, maximizing efficiency and ensuring you’re prepared for unexpected rain. It’s a small but thoughtful detail that adds both convenience and style to the driving experience.
This Button Actually Helps Your Air Conditioner Work Better
Drivers have recently discovered the true purpose of a button on the center console of every car, and it turns out they’ve been using it wrong for years! The air recirculation button does something pretty cool – it stops your air conditioner from bringing in fresh outside air and instead circulates the air that’s already inside your vehicle. It’s like creating a cozy little air bubble in your car just for you, making your driving experience more comfortable.
Backseat Massage Chair Anyone?
Living in the lap of luxury is a dream for many, especially when you’re on vacation and can truly kick back. If you happen to have some extra funds, consider investing in one of these back seat massage chairs to recreate that indulgent feeling. Perfect for working professionals dealing with a bit of sciatica, these chairs bring a touch of relaxation and comfort to your car, turning your commute into a more enjoyable experience.
0 Comments