Usually, the newer the car, the more features it comes with to simplify driving and enhance safety. If the epitome of hi-tech for you is being able to charge your phone or having parking sensors, then you’ll be flabbergasted by the number of features that modern cars have. Your car might have some of the most interesting features and technologies that you had no idea about.
Luckily, we’re here to help you discover these hidden but useful “gems” on your car. Take a look and make sure you check your car afterward for these features!
Useful Features You Didn’t Know Your Car Might Have:
Gas tank locator arrow
If you haven’t changed your car for years, then you probably know where the filler cap is located. When it comes to new cars, the side of the car with the filler cap might differ from that of your old car. To make sure there’s no confusion as to its position, new cars indicate the side of the filler cap in order to know what fuel pump to use at the gas station. If you take a closer look, you’ll find a triangular arrow shown on the fuel level gauge.
Road condition indicator
Most cars indicate the outside temperature via a temperature sensor. On many cars, this sensor also shows road conditions and temperature in the case of lower temperatures. Check your dashboard for a small snowflake light.
Some car systems also include a warning message, either audible or displayed on the dashboard, to inform you about the road being icy or slippery. Such warnings are usually given when temperatures are lower than 38°F or 40°F, given that overpasses and bridges are usually the first ones to freeze during cold weather.
Stability control
Not being able to control your car while driving is one of the worst things that can happen to you. Luckily, all cars released on the market in the United States, since 2012, include a stability control system that keeps track of the vehicles’ wheels. If something unusual happens to one of the wheels and the car seems to be sliding, the system will make the wheels on one end move faster than the other wheels while braking one side of the car.
The pictogram showing that your vehicle has electronic stability control looks like a sliding car or the letters ESC. In some cases, such as when towing a boat out of the water or getting your car out of snow or mud, it might be useful to deactivate your ESC. Otherwise, allow the ESC to do its job and keep you and other fellow drivers safe.
Heads-up display
Unfortunately, it is becoming more and more common to see drivers on the phone while driving. This is one of the main contributors to road accidents. This means conscious drivers should pay even more attention while on the road. To come to their help, car manufacturers have provided cars with heads-up display systems that show important information such as riving speed and navigation, the speed limit of the road. This type of information is shown in front of the driver.
Advanced driver assistance systems
Another feature that most modern cars have is the Advanced Driver Assistance System. As explained by the National Safety Council, this system helps drivers have a better view of the road ahead and of the potential hazards, with the help of radar and laser systems.
One important feature of the Advanced Driver Assistance System is the forward collision warning. This feature scans the road and identifies other vehicles that are slowing down in an unnaturally fast way. If you don’t hit the brake pedal, or the system does not sense you doing it, it will send you a visual warning on your dashboard. In some cases, the assistance system will press the brakes for you, to prevent you from colliding with the other car.
Storage
We can all probably agree that a safe driving experience means no phones while driving. Generally, cars have designated slots for storing certain items, such as sun glasses, smartphone and the like. Newer cars, like the 2021 Chrysler Pacifica, have upped the game and come with hidden storage spots, great for storing larger items. The vehicle has been installed with a feature named Stow ‘n’ Go which allows owners to fold the seats on the second row and create hidden storage space.
Read also:How to Store Your Car Long-Term: 7 Amazing Tips You Need to Know!
Blind-spot monitoring
Driving on a busy highway can cause quite the stir, especially when it comes to moving from one lane to another. Adjusting your mirrors is necessary, obviously, but there might still be a blind spot that might cause problems. The blind-spot monitoring system makes sure there are no obstacles to your left, right or behind your car. The system immediately alerts you via a warning light or an audible warning to let you know that changing a lane is not possible.
Conversation mirror
In recent years, more and more minivans and crossover vehicles designed for family use, have been featured with a secondary mirror. This convex mirror, located close to the rear-view mirror, allows a better view of the rear seats. This way, the driver can have the second-row occupants, most of the times, the children, under supervision, without having to turn around every time.
A good example is the Odyssey minivan from Honda, which made things even more hi-tech by providing a conversation mirror. The system is called the CabinWatch and includes cameras that show “live” footage of the rear seat area. No more he said, she said; now parents have real proof of what is going on back there.
Smartphone compatibility
Smartphones have become part of our lives, we can all agree on that. We are using them for just about everything, from shopping to paying bills, listening to music, watching movies, reading and so on. However, using our phones while behind the wheel is extremely dangerous. Not to mention it is a violation of the law in most places and punishable by a fine of up to $100 for first offense.
To help drivers stay safe but also connected, car manufacturers and smartphone manufacturers have developed compatible systems. Thus, drivers can now connect their Apple or Android smartphone systems to their cars and use several features while driving in safe conditions. Nothing that would distract the drivers, such as movies or games, though.
Seat massagers
Driving for several hours can be extremely tiring for a driver. A long road can turn what was supposed to be a nice start for a vacation into a complete nightmare. Fortunately for drivers, cars these days have been provided with a built-in massage feature, meant to relax tension in muscles and improve blood circulation.
This feature will certainly succeed in reducing stress for the driver, not only during a longer road trip but also after a tiresome day at the office or running errands.
You might also like: 8 Easy Fuel Cost Reduction Tips to Put Money BACK in Your Pocket
Heated steering wheels
All drivers probably know how cold a steering wheel can be in frosty mornings. Not to mention that if you have to take the snow off your car and windscreen, your fingers are already frozen. Luckily, most newer cars come with a very interesting technology – the heated steering wheel.
Having a heated steering wheel is a great way to keep your hands warm and be able to control the touchscreen on your dashboard better. You should look for a button placed on the steering wheel or next to the seat heater buttons.
