Are you sure you know all the features your car has? Many newer car models include lesser-known features that enhance both driving comfort and safety.
As technology moves forward, today’s vehicles come packed with exciting and innovative features that truly enhance convenience, safety, and the overall driving experience. While many of us know about the basics like air conditioning and navigation, there are a bunch of hidden features just waiting to make our daily drives even better.
Discovering these features can truly transform your driving experience into something even more enjoyable while helping you foster safer driving habits and better care for your vehicle. In this guide, we’ll explore some amazing vehicle features that you may not be aware of, emphasizing their significance and sharing tips on how to make the most of them effectively.
1. Adaptive Cruise Control
Adaptive cruise control is an advanced driving feature that takes traditional cruise control to the next level. It automatically adjusts your vehicle’s speed, ensuring you keep a safe distance from the car ahead. This technology utilizes sensors and radar to monitor both the speed and distance of the vehicle in front of you, making your driving experience much smoother and more enjoyable, especially in busy traffic.
To activate adaptive cruise control, begin by pressing the cruise control button located on your steering wheel or dashboard. Set your preferred speed as you would with standard cruise control. Then, choose the following distance you want to keep, which can usually be adjusted using the controls. While driving, the system will automatically adjust your vehicle’s speed to maintain the selected distance, even if the car ahead slows down or speeds up.
Stay alert and prepared to take charge, as adaptive cruise control is meant to assist the driver, not substitute their attention and decision-making.
2. Lane Departure Warning
One more fantastic feature found in newer car models is the Lane Departure Warning (LDW). This helpful safety tool is designed to notify drivers if their vehicle starts to drift out of its designated lane without signaling. By using cameras and sensors, LDW keeps an eye on the lane markings on the road. If it notices that the car is veering off course, it provides visual or audible alerts, greatly assisting in preventing potential accidents.
To use lane departure warning, just make sure the feature is turned on, usually by pressing a button on your dashboard or steering wheel. It’s a great idea to check your vehicle’s manual for specific instructions, as the location and functions can vary by model. Once it’s activated, the system keeps an eye on your position within the lane. If you start to drift without signaling, you’ll get a helpful warning to guide you back.
Although LDW is a helpful tool, it’s crucial to stay focused while driving. Although this feature is meant to support you, it is always important to stay alert while driving.
3. Blind Spot Monitoring
A blind spot is an area around your vehicle that you cannot see in the mirrors or when looking ahead. Driving windows and mirrors provide some visibility, but not everywhere.. Therefore, you must physically turn your head to see what mirrors miss – your blind spot.
Many modern car models come with blind spot monitoring (BSM), an advanced safety feature designed to help drivers identify vehicles that may be hidden in their blind spots. BSM uses sensors positioned in the rear corners of the vehicle, providing alerts when another car enters your blind spot while you’re driving or preparing to change lanes.
To activate blind spot monitoring, ensure the system is enabled, usually through a button on the dashboard. Once BSM is engaged, indicators—typically lights located on the side mirrors—will light up if a vehicle enters your blind spot. If you signal to change lanes while a vehicle is present in that area, the indicator may flash and make an audible alert, cautioning you to check your surroundings.
Although BSM is a great help, it’s always a good idea to check your mirrors and do a quick shoulder check before changing lanes. This way, you can be fully aware of your surroundings.
4. Remote Start
I hate it when it is really cold outside. I get in the car wearing my jacket, turn on the heat, and after 10 minutes, I feel too hot and have to stop to safely remove my jacket. Luckily, my new car has a remote start feature, so I can set the ideal temperature in my car before I get in through an app on my phone.
This amazing feature is a true game-changer, particularly during those chilly winter mornings or scorching summer afternoons. It lets you warm up your car before you hop in or cool it down on a hot day, making your drive easier and way more comfortable!
To use the remote start feature, first verify that your vehicle is equipped with it, as not all cars include this option. If your car does support remote start, you will typically find a specific button on your key fob or within your vehicle’s mobile app. To activate the function, simply press the remote start button, and the engine will initiate automatically. Most systems are designed with a timeout function, which means the engine will operate for a predetermined duration (usually between 10 and 15 minutes) before turning off. Always refer to your owner’s manual for detailed instructions and safety measures.
5. Automatic Emergency Braking
Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) is an essential safety feature aimed at preventing collisions by automatically engaging the brakes when a potential crash is identified. With the help of sensors and cameras, AEB observes the environment around the vehicle, detecting obstacles like other vehicles, pedestrians, or objects. If a potential collision is detected and the driver fails to react promptly, the system activates the brakes to slow down or stop the vehicle completely.
Once activated, AEB operates independently while you drive, requiring no deliberate action from you. However, staying alert and prepared to take over is crucial, as AEB is an assistive tool rather than a replacement for attentive driving. Review your vehicle’s owner’s manual for specific information regarding the system’s functionality and limitations to maximize its effectiveness.
6. Gas Tank Side Indicator
I might not be alone in this, but I often forget which side my gas cap is on. If you’re like me, there’s a simple trick to help you out. Instead of leaning out the window to see if the gas cap is on the driver’s side, just look down at your dashboard’s fuel gauge. Many modern vehicles come with a handy arrow indicator that points left or right, showing you where the gas tank is located.
There is no regulation regarding the placement of the gas tank on a car. Each manufacturer has its own technicalities and reasons for this. If you struggle to recall which side of the car has your fuel cap, just check your fuel gauge. By remembering this tip, you’ll avoid pulling up to the gas pump on the wrong side again.
7. Backup Mechanical Keys
I had no clue there was a real key concealed in my electric car key. One evening in a supermarket parking lot, as I was attempting to put my groceries in the trunk, I discovered the battery in my car key had died. What should I do? I called my husband and learned that the solution was right in my hands.
A backup mechanical key is a valuable feature in modern vehicles. It enables you to unlock and start your car when the primary key fob malfunctions. Typically concealed within the key fob, these keys can be easily accessed by sliding or pressing a release button.
To utilize the backup mechanical key, start by finding the key inside your key fob, which may require pressing a button or sliding a latch. Insert the key into the driver’s side door lock to unlock your car. Sometimes, the lock is protected by a little cap you have to remove. If your vehicle needs a key to start, place the mechanical key into the ignition and turn it like a traditional key.
8. Secret Storage Compartments
Secret storage compartments are concealed areas in your vehicle meant to hold valuables, personal belongings, or emergency supplies. You can find these compartments in several places, including underneath seats, inside the center console, behind panels, or in the trunk area. They provide a subtle way to keep your items out of view, minimizing clutter and improving organization security.
When using these compartments, make sure stored items are secure and won’t move during driving. It’s advisable to keep essential items, such as registration documents or emergency kits, in these compartments for quick access. If you keep a lot of stuff in your trunk, consider buying a trunk organizer to help you keep everything in place. Always consult your owner’s manual for information on the location and functionality of secret storage compartments specific to your vehicle model.
Discovering your vehicle’s hidden gems can genuinely elevate your driving experience and boost your convenience. Knowing these fantastic features allows you to enjoy your car to the fullest and prepares you for any surprises along the way. Don’t forget to check your owner’s manual for all the specific details and handy tips.
If you want to learn about more surprising car features, take a look at: 5 Surprising Classic Car Features You Didn’t Know About.
