10 Hidden Features in Modern Cars You Didn’t Know Existed
The latest and greatest cars have some amazing technology on board. There’s so much going on that some of the coolest things get overlooked. These 10 hidden features help make your ride smoother, safer, and more enjoyable overall. Does your vehicle have these features?
1. Auto Hold Brake Feature
Auto Hold is a convenient feature that keeps your car stationary after coming to a complete stop, without you needing to keep your foot on the brake. It’s especially useful in stop-and-go traffic or at long red lights. Once you press the accelerator, the car automatically releases the brake. This reduces foot fatigue and enhances comfort during city driving. It’s typically activated with the push of a button near the gear shift.
2. Hidden Fuel Tank Arrow
Ever wonder which side your gas tank is on in a rental or new car? Look at the tiny arrow next to the fuel pump icon on your dashboard. That arrow points to the side of the car where your fuel cap is located. It’s a small but incredibly helpful design that saves you time at the pump. This feature exists in almost every modern car but often goes unnoticed.
3. Rear Seat Reminder
To help prevent leaving children or pets in the back seat, many vehicles now come with a rear seat reminder. It activates when a rear door has been opened before the trip and reminds you to check the back seat once the car is turned off. Some cars even honk or flash lights if you walk away without checking. It’s a critical safety feature that many parents aren’t aware is already built into their vehicle.
4. Capless Fuel Filler
Many new cars come with a capless fuel filler system, which eliminates the need to twist off a gas cap. This reduces the chance of losing or damaging the cap and makes fueling quicker. It also helps seal out dirt and moisture more effectively. Most drivers only notice this when they go to fill up for the first time. Just insert the nozzle and start pumping—no extra steps.
5. Turn Signal Tap for Lane Changes
Instead of holding your turn signal lever for a quick lane change, modern cars let you tap it lightly to signal three to five blinks automatically. This “lane change signal” function helps prevent driver fatigue and ensures better signaling habits. You don’t need to fully engage the turn signal to use it. The number of blinks can usually be customized in your vehicle’s settings menu.
6. Built-in Wi-Fi Hotspot
Many modern vehicles come equipped with their own built-in Wi-Fi hotspot, allowing passengers to connect devices to the internet. This is perfect for road trips, remote work, or kids who need entertainment on long drives. Most systems require a subscription or are included with certain data plans. You can manage the hotspot settings through the infotainment system or a connected app. It’s often faster and more reliable than using a phone’s hotspot.
7. Adjustable Ambient Lighting
Today’s vehicles offer ambient lighting that you can adjust to suit your mood or time of day. This includes subtle lighting around the dashboard, doors, and footwells. Some systems let you change colors, brightness, and timing. While it may seem purely aesthetic, ambient lighting can improve nighttime visibility and reduce eye strain.
8. Rain-Sensing Wipers
Rain-sensing wipers automatically adjust their speed based on the amount of rainfall hitting the windshield. This means you don’t have to keep manually adjusting the wiper settings during a downpour. A small sensor near the rearview mirror handles the detection. It adds a layer of safety and convenience, especially in sudden storms.
9. Auto-Dimming Mirrors
Auto-dimming rearview mirrors adjust automatically to reduce glare from headlights behind you. This keeps night driving safer and less stressful on your eyes. The mirror uses sensors to detect light levels and darkens as needed. This feature is often built into high-trim models or available as an option. Look for a button or green light on the mirror itself.
10. Key Fob Window Control
Some key fobs allow you to roll down all the windows by holding the unlock button. This is great for airing out a hot car before you even get in. The feature is built into many newer cars, but usually isn’t mentioned in the quick-start guides. You can also roll them up again with the lock button, depending on the model. Not all key fobs support this, but it’s worth trying out.
Discover More Than Just a Ride
Today’s vehicles are packed full of hidden features that may go unnoticed. Some of these bells and whistles increase comfort, while others improve the overall safety of your car. Exploring some of these things can change how you drive, making you more efficient and safe.
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Drew Blankenship is a former Porsche technician who writes and develops content full-time. He lives in North Carolina, where he enjoys spending time with his wife and two children. While Drew no longer gets his hands dirty modifying Porsches, he still loves motorsport and avidly watches Formula 1.