Cars today come packed with features, but many drivers only scratch the surface of what their vehicles can actually do. Some functions are tucked away in menus, while others are hidden in plain sight.
Once you know about them, you might wonder how you ever drove without them, so here’s how to find them.
Gas Tank Arrow
Ever pulled up to a gas station and forgotten which side your fuel tank is on? There’s a tiny arrow next to the gas gauge on your dashboard that points to the correct side. It’s a simple feature but one that saves time and hassle.
Many drivers never notice it, yet it’s been in most vehicles for years. Next time you’re at the pump, check it out: it’s always there.
Hidden Sun Visor Extension
Glare from the sun can be annoying, especially when your visor doesn’t quite cover the angle you need. Many cars actually have an extendable piece hidden inside the visor that can slide out for extra coverage. Some even detach and move sideways to block more light.
Auto-Down and Auto-Up Windows
Most drivers know that some car windows automatically roll down with a single press of the button, but did you know they can also roll back up the same way? Many vehicles have an auto-up function, which works when you fully press the switch.
Instead of holding it down the whole time, a quick tap does the job. It’s a time-saver that many overlook.
Rear Wiper Delay
Your rear windshield wiper isn’t just an on-or-off function. Many cars have a delay setting that makes it swipe intermittently rather than constantly running. This helps save wear on the wiper while keeping the glass clear when it’s only lightly raining. A lot of drivers don’t realize they have this option, so they either leave it on full-time or don’t use it at all.
Emergency Trunk Release
Locked in the trunk? Hopefully not, but if you ever need to escape, there’s a glow-in-the-dark emergency release inside. This is especially useful in case of an accident or if someone gets trapped. The lever is often overlooked because most people never go digging around inside their trunk.
Hidden Key Inside the Key Fob
If your car has a push-button start, you probably don’t think about a physical key. But what happens when your key fob battery dies? Many fobs have a hidden metal key tucked inside that can manually unlock the door. There’s usually a small release button or sliding mechanism to pull it out.
Heated Side Mirrors
It’s a routine task in winter to defrosting your windshield, but did you know your side mirrors might heat up too? Many vehicles come equipped with heated mirrors that automatically warm up when you turn on the rear defroster. This helps prevent fog and ice from forming, making it easier to see.
Speed-Sensitive Volume Control
Some cars can adjust the audio volume automatically based on speed. When you’re driving fast, road noise increases, and the system raises the volume slightly. When you slow down, it lowers it again.
This keeps music and calls at a consistent level without constant manual adjustments. It’s a simple but effective feature that’s often buried in the settings menu.
Hold Function for Brakes
It can be tiring sitting at a red light when you have to keep your foot on the brake. Many modern cars have a “brake hold” feature that keeps the brakes engaged after a full stop, even when you lift your foot. This is especially useful in stop-and-go traffic. It’s often controlled by a small button near the shifter, but because it’s not always labeled clearly, many drivers don’t use it.
Lane Keep Assist
If you’ve ever felt your steering wheel nudge slightly when drifting out of your lane, that’s lane keep assist in action. This feature helps keep your car centered by making small corrections. Some people mistake it for a malfunction when they feel the wheel moving on its own. Instead of turning it off, learn to use it properly and make highway driving safer and more comfortable.
Built-In Garage Door Opener
Many cars have built-in garage door openers. They’re usually located on the sun visor or overhead console, with programmable buttons that can replace an existing remote. Once set up, you can open your garage with a single tap.
Because it requires an initial setup, a lot of people never bother to use it, even though it’s more convenient than keeping a separate clicker.
Auto-Adjusting Headlights
Your headlights don’t just turn on and off. They often have automatic high beams that adjust based on traffic. When driving on a dark road, they brighten for better visibility but will dim as soon as another car approaches.
This keeps you from blinding other drivers while ensuring you always have the best lighting. Many people never realize their car can do this.
Fuel Cap Holder
The tiresome but necessary task of pumping gas can be annoying, especially when the fuel cap dangles and scratches the paint. Most cars have a small hook or slot on the fuel door designed to hold the cap while you fill up. It’s a minor feature, but it keeps things tidy and prevents damage.
Hidden Storage Compartments
Some cars have secret storage spaces hidden under seats, inside armrests, or even beneath the trunk floor. These compartments are great for keeping valuables out of sight. SUVs and trucks often have extra cubbies in the doors or under the back seats. Because they’re designed to blend in, people don’t always realize they exist, even after driving the same car for years.
Adaptive Cruise Control
Regular cruise control holds a steady speed, but adaptive cruise control goes a step further. It automatically adjusts your speed to maintain a safe distance from the car ahead. If traffic slows down, your car does too.
If it clears up, it speeds back up. It’s a fantastic feature for long drives, yet many drivers stick to old-fashioned cruise control simply because they never learn how to use the adaptive version.
Windshield Wipers with Hidden Settings
Just about every car lets you adjust the speed of the wipers, but some have an extra “mist” mode or adjustable sensitivity for automatic rain-sensing wipers. These settings allow for better control in light drizzles or sudden downpours. Because they’re not always labeled clearly, many people never touch them, leaving their wipers running at an inconvenient speed.