You Might Have Overlooked These Interesting Car Features
We can tell you spend a lot of time in your car, whether it be going to work or simply going out for the day, But, how well do you really know the car you love so much? No matter the type of car in terms of the model you drive, we are certain there are some features that you may have missed all these years. So, how can this be? Well, it turns out these features are literally hidden, and you have to directly search for them in order to know they are there. In other cases, a lot of these interesting features are right in front of you, and you are not even aware of them. Many of them are in place to help you stay safe, while there are others that are in place to aid in keeping your car clean. We will help you identify them and bring your knowledge up to speed.
Color Combination Under The Hood
There is no rule in the book that says you must be a mechanic in order to at least know your way around the engine. These days, many cars have color-coded engines, which makes it easy for anyone to understand what needs to be done around it. Whether it be the coolant, dipstick, brake fluid, oil cap, or washer fluid, you will be able to identify and fix any issues that might be developed. With the color-codes, you will know exactly where it is safe for you to touch and where you need to leave for the experts to handle. However, a lot of the cars do have mainly yellow, red, green, or blue coloring, but it still gives an edge to some apprentice who desires to be independent should something happen.
Easter Eggs In The Jeep
This one may be for fun, and it is true that many car manufacturers do hide “easter eggs” in different parts of the car. If you ask us, most of them don’t really serve such an important purpose but more so are placed there for aesthetics. Many of the models that add these interesting features are Hyundai, Tesla, Chrysler, Vauxhall, and Mercedes-Benz. They contain some cool hidden messages which are generally not advertised by the manufacturers.
Easter Eggs In The Jeep
There are records of about 30 Easter Eggs being discovered in the Jeep Renegade, which detailed an interesting tribute to the company’s first model, the 1945 Willys Jeep. The next time you go in your Jeep, take a little time to search and see if you find any information about the classic model that many have come to respect.
Volkswagon’s Beetle Flower Vase
The Volkswagon always had this “flower power” thing going on with it, and for years, it seems this was the inspiration behind why a mini partially hidden flower vase was in the car. Attached to the dashboard is a “blumenvase.” A lot of people can’t see the reason for it there, but for those who don’t go crazy for flowers, we can tell you that you could very well use it to store your toothpicks, pens, lipstick, or anything else small enough to fit in the space.
Volkswagons Beetle Flower Vase
Well, the little vase is no longer available in the Beetle model, but that doesn’t mean it wasn’t a unique thing of the past. The little flower vase was very much appreciated, but more space has now been added in the Kafer Fach glove box. This, too, is another feature of the past.
Magic Seat In The Honda
We know the most economical car is pretty small, even though there are many that come with a lot of hidden space that could come in handy when you have to pack. The Honda Civic and Jazz are among the small models that have a few “magic seats” installed in them. They were designed to give enough load space when needed.
Magic Seat In The Honda
Just imagine you could transport a lot of things like a potted plant or a beach chair when you lift the back seat. Another interesting model is the 2018 Honda Fit, as shown here, which gives travelers a lot of leg space as the “magic” design was installed to the front seat that allows it to fold down.
BMW’s Brake Drying
When it comes to a car’s performance and safety, a lot of manufacturers go above and beyond to install the right features. We all know how dangerous it can be when we have to drive in wet weather, whether it is rain or snow and somethings the brakes get wet and it is no good.
BMWs Brake Drying
But, BMW has you covered with their installed Brake Drying system, which kicks into action as soon as the windshield wipers hit action. It does pull the brake pads closer to the rotors and, in the process, dry them and strengthen their power to stop effectively in wet conditions. A lot of people are not even aware that their BMW has this amazing feature.
Easy Fill Tire Alert – Nissan
When your car has the right tire pressure, it helps with your overall driving performance and helps you save on gas in the long run. However, the funny thing is that many drivers don’t even know there is a monitoring system for their tire pressure installed in the car, and it has been a major requirement for all cars manufactured from 2008 to date. Each car manufacturer has its own monitoring system, but we have to highlight Nissan’s Easy-Fill Tire Alert as it is rather cool and intriguing. So, how does it work?
Easy Fill Tire Alert Nissan
Well, whenever you pump air into the tire, as soon as it reaches the maximum amount required, the car horn gives an alert. In addition, if too much air is pumped in, the hazard lights will blink and give you a signal that you need to release some of it.
Neck Warmers
A lot of cars these days come with heated seats, but there are some manufacturers who are bent on making sure their car drivers and passengers are very much comfortable. Take, for instance, some of the BMW models like the 4 Series Convertible.
Neck Warmers
They come with neck warmers and do have variations in heat levels. The Mercedes-Benz also offers passengers neck warmers in the form of Airscarf systems. The manufacturer notes the unique addition is to help the warm feelings beyond the summer period. This, for sure, is a cool feature.
Traffic Light Watcher For Subaru
We all have that level of impatience when it comes on to traffic lights that seem to be stuck on red whenever we are next in line. To keep looking up at the lights can be annoying, so Subaru has implemented a system to help us through these situations. Subaru has an EyeSight Driver Assist Technology, which detects traffic and, whenever it starts moving, gives off a beeping sound. This will help those drivers who cannot manage to keep their eyes staring up on the poles.
Traffic Light Watcher For Subaru
The car’s speed is also adjusted through this system that helps the car stay in line based on the distance it is from the car in front. For sure, many car manufacturers are adapting to the trend of adding this system to their cars.
Sleep Detectors
No matter how many hours you sleep at night or how many cups of coffee you had, it is still not enough to keep you from wanting to doze off when you are on a long trip. If you are just a passenger, then there is no major issue, but once the driver becomes sleepy around the steering wheels, then that’s where the major issue comes in. Many car manufacturers such as Mercedes, Nissan, Volvo, Toyota, and Honda have designed an anti-drowsiness detector that alerts you whenever you have that feeling.
Sleep Detectors
For the Mercedes, the installed Attention Assist system gives a vibrating sensation to the steering wheels whenever it feels the driver is swerving too much and helps to jolt the driver to get the car back in position.
Secret Vacuum
We all know how annoying it can be when we have to vacuum the car, and it has become one of the most-hated car chores. Whether the electrical cord is not long enough or the design of the vacuum does not allow it to go into every corner of the car. Then, the issue of between the seats comes up where a lot of dust may accumulate and cannot be reached as easily.
Secret Vacuum
However, when it comes to the Honda Odyssey, you don’t have to worry about doing that job. The HondaVac is a secretly-installed vacuum that does the work for you and requires you only to press a button, pull out the canister, and do the rest to get it emptied.
Fuel-Saving Frames
The materials used to design a car are critical when it comes to energy efficiency, and with as much focus placed on this aspect, fuel efficiency should get attention. When you make a car lighter, you have done a lot for it as it relates to energy efficiency. Many non-car manufacturing persons may not know that aluminum can be forged and then used to create different car features. This helps it to be much lighter and is chosen by a lot of carmakers these days.
Fuel Saving Frames
A perfect example of vehicles designed this way is Ford’s 2015 line of pickup trucks. They were designed 700 pounds lighter than the previous models and were noted to be up to 29% more fuel-efficient. Well, it also depends on the engine variation – it could be less or more.
Hands-Free Trunk
Getting out of the grocery store or the gym and having your hands full can be a difficult situation when you have to get the trunk opened. A lot of people try to avoid the embarrassment that comes with having everything fall from your hands when trying to open or you don’t want to bother your neighbor to do it for you.
Hands Free Trunk
But, some cars are designed with a sensor on the trunk that opens at the signal of your hands, while some do as it connects to the smart key when the driver is approaching. A perfect example is the Hyundai Hands-Free Smart Trunk that detects whenever the driver fob is getting close.
Umbrella In Hiding
When you are going out, it is always good to take an umbrella with you because the weather can change anytime and the best place to carry one is in the trunk. However, there comes a time when the rain suddenly sets in, and you would want to have the umbrella in your reach.
Umbrella In Hiding
Many car manufacturers, such as Rolls Royce and Skoda, have designed a storage area in the door that helps you to stock that important tool for when you need it. Many other cars come with a small open compartment on the door you could store it as well.
Road Condition Indicators
Many cars have engine malfunction warning lights and indicators for when a door is opened or not closed properly. However, there is a new addition – alert for dangerous driving conditions. We very much welcome this new addition because, many times, ice, fog, and rain can make roadways very difficult to traverse.
Road Condition Indicators
The signal is designed in the form of a road with a snowflake on it and is pushed into gear when the front bumper’s temperature sensor records the outdoor temperature. This then sends a signal back to the driver about the temperature on the outside and how dangerous the roadway might be.
Technology Based Driving Assistance
Whether you are buying or renting a car, it is always a great idea to take some time to understand the computer Driving Assistance features that are designed in it. Many of them may be automatically activated, while others require the driver to set it up manually.
Technology Based Driving Assistance
Take, for instance, when going downhill, you wouldn’t mind the car knowing it should go slow even when your feet on your brakes – where there is a feature for this. It helps in preventing the car from accelerating while it is going downhill. An additional feature includes detecting pedestrians and other objects which may be an obstacle. There is also parking assistance to help you out.
Stability Control – Electronic-Based
A lot of you may have seen a skidding car icon in your car and have no clue what it is or what true purpose it serves. As of 2011, all cars sold in the U.S. had the unique feature installed, but even now, many drivers still have no idea what it is for or when it has been activated.
Stability Control Electronic Based
Well, when the feature is activated, you will see the little skidding car highlighted on the dashboard. It helps to control the car’s brakes or affects the wheels, which helps it manage the car’s different turns. It is a great feature that will come in handy when you have to make a sharp turn or on wet and skiddy roadways.
Conversation Mirror
The regular rearview mirror doesn’t often provide the full view you need of the passengers on the back seat of your car, and this may not always be good. So, when SUVs and minivans decided to design a small, convex overhead “conversation mirror” in their models, people were very much welcoming to the idea.
Conversation Mirror
You can easily pull it down from a compartment in the headliner and allows drivers to see every activity taking place at the back of the car without having to take their eyes off the road for only minimal seconds. A lot of family vehicles like the Toyota Highlander, Hyundai Palisade, and the Kia Sedona have this feature installed.
Ambient Interior Lighting
A lot of cars come with an ambient interior lighting system but can also be an optional accessory. The car model may be selective when it comes to lighting up as some of them allow the center console of the vehicle to light up as well as the cup holders, door handles, and other areas of the car. Some of the higher-end vehicles allow the user to choose the color lights they want, and while it doesn’t necessarily provide safety, it helps to put drivers on a higher safety alert.
Ambient Interior Lighting
Studies were conducted on the effectiveness of the lights, and one research (released by the Lighting Research and Technology journal) showed that the ambient lighting helps to highlight different areas of the car in terms of highlighting space perception, controls for drivers to identify them easily, and providing overall safety for drivers.
Fuel-Tank Location Reminder
A lot of drivers go around daily, and whenever they look at the fuel pump in the gas gauge, they may see a little arrow but most times clueless as to what purpose it serves. Well, we are sure by the time you get to the end of this paragraph, your whole gas station experience will be different and much easier.
Fuel Tank Location Reminder
What the arrow indicates is the side where the fuel tank is located. For those who rent cars and may not know the setup of the vehicle, you may now have it easier when you try to get it right the first time at the gas station.
Improved Soundproofing
Bose makes some great headphones, and there is no limit on the level of the loud-sound-control system that they make. They have designed a tool that helps to reduce the noise in cars – the QuietComfort Road Noise Control (RNC).
Improved Soundproofing
The system is created to help monitor the heavy movements and vibrations that are created with the noise playing in a car. The Bose RNC technology sends a general control signal to the vehicle’s sound system to alter the way it operates. So, what is the true essence of the tool just in case you don’t get it? Well, it helps to provide a calm ride with not too much heavy noise.
Dipping Rearview Mirror
A lot of people didn’t know they could tilt their rearview mirror to help reduce the glare from other cars behind them. Yeah, please don’t feel bad about it because you are not the only one! There might be a tab located below the mirror that allows you to alter between day and night and helps you drive more safely when on the road.
Dipping Rearview Mirror
Drivers have the ability to stay clear of the rear traffic lighting as it can be pretty dangerous. Just as you can adjust your seat, many car manufacturers come with rearview mirror dimming facilities.
Extra Storage Space
There are numerous car models that have hidden storage space that we all wished we knew about a long time ago. But, some of these cars know just how to hide these storage areas, and if you were not told about them, you would never know. Take the Dodge Journey, for instance, there is a hidden storage compartment under the passenger seat and two pockets featuring removable bins on the floor behind the front row.
Extra Storage Space
There is a storage compartment that lies at the rear of the car under the floor. In the Land Rover Discovery, the climate control panel helps to conceal a compartment you can use to hide your valuables.
Lane-Centering Sensors
When traveling on highways, you desire to have tolerance because a lot of drivers make your driving really annoying. So, this prompted many car manufacturers to design a self-driving feature that allows drivers to know when they might be drifting from their lane. A camera is essential to helping the lane-departure warning (LDW) and lane-keeping assistance systems (LKAS) alert drivers of their driving modes and helps steer the car back.
Lane Centering Sensors
The LDW signals the driver through audible alert while the LKAS helps in automatic-steering back to the correct lane. Most of these systems have to be manually turned on by a dashboard button, so it is critical for you to read your car’s manual in order to know about these little details that don’t come clear as crystal. However, they are not installed in every car, but you may never know if yours do.
Takeout Hooks
As it turns out, a lot of the hidden details on a car are some of the simplest things you would never expect to be hidden so well. Well, who doesn’t need a little hook in the car? If you look around the car, you may realize there are some handy places you can hang a few things like your shopping bags and many other things.
Takeout Hooks
In the SUV, you can find hooks in the cargo area or on the rear doors. Interestingly, they can also be found near the headrests, and we wish they wouldn’t have to hide them so well. Our takeout bags would love to have somewhere to go without us having to look into so many details.
Sophisticated Braking System
A lot of people may have heard about the anti-lock braking system (ABS), but still, many people have no clue how to make it serve its full purpose. When it is in operation, the wheel speed sensors alert drivers of a wheel, or more than one, maybe heading to lock up when the brakes are hit.
Sophisticated Braking System
If there is a potential for the wheels to lock, the hydraulic valves kick into action to limit the brake on those particular wheels. The ABS is generally activated in wet or slippery conditions or if the driver suddenly hits the brakes and needs help managing their steering. All cars built in the U.S since September 2013 have to be designed with this feature.