Discover 10 car features you didn’t know you needed – from hidden safety tech to surprising comfort upgrades that make every drive easier and more enjoyable.
Introduction
In the modern world of auto, most consumers want the basics: fuel efficiency, safety ratings, horsepower and technology compatibility. But today’s cars are chock full of little hidden goodies aspects of motoring you barely knew existed, let alone suspected you’d enjoy when you had them. Here are 10 such underappreciated, forgotten or simply surprising things that might make your next car ride feel like a first class experience on wheels.
Auto Hold (Brake Hold Function)
Anyone else get tired of keeping your foot on the brake at every red light or in stop and go traffic? Auto Hold is a system that keeps your brakes on for you after a complete stop. As soon as you set your move, lift a finger off the pedal and put your feet up (which, however, is good for long, heavy traffic routes, hilly roads). When you step on the accelerator, the car automatically brings the brake off.
360-Degree Camera System
Forget the old backup cam today’s 360 degree systems assemble views from several around your car cameras into a bird’s eye view. Great for squeezing into tight parking, navigating down narrow alleys, and judging your distance from a curb, this knowledge adding feature will add a little piece of mind that you never knew you were missing.
Windshield Wiper Blades And Washer Nozzles Heated
This is a godsend if you live in a snow or frost prone area. Heated wiper blades and heated washer nozzles keep your wipers from getting iced up and helps thaw frost better, so you can get on with your morning faster without the hassle of scraping ice and snow off your windshield!
Charging Pad with Cooling Fan
Wireless phone chargers are everywhere these days, but most will cook your device. More advanced models now include cooling fans beneath the pad to keep your phone from overheating which is also good for your battery while it’s charging on the fly.
Driver Attention Monitoring
This is more than just about safety it’s about a car that looks out for you. This system monitors for signs of fatigue or inattention based off steering input and by observing the driver’s face (on some models).
Wireless Charger with Cooling Mats
Wireless phone chargers are going mainstream but many overheat your phone. State of the art systems now contain cooling fans below the pad to keep your phone from overheating – no matter how long it takes to get you there.
Driver Attention Monitoring
This is not just about safety it is also about having a car that is looking out for you. This system monitors your steering input and face (in some models) for signs of drowsiness or distraction.
Auto-Dimming Side Mirrors
You might already have an auto-dimming rearview mirror but did you know the side mirrors can do it as well? These eliminate glare from high beams behind you, and relieving glare from bright lights you may encounter, reducing eye strain and ensuring driving safety added night driving comfort.
Built-in Dash Cam
Aftermarket there are dash cams galore but some cars now have a forward-facing rear cameras that record continually or only when activated by motion or a collision.They save footage in a secure location and can upload it to the cloud for insurance or legal purposes.
Rain-Sensing Wipers with Variable Sensitivity
These are real, not gimmicks they really do improve visibility and safety. The very best ones not only switch the wipers on, but also adjust their speed and intensity based on the volume of rain, so you won’t ever have to find the switch when you’re driving.
Smart Trunk Operation (Kick or Advanced Proximity）
Hands full of groceries? Just wave your foot under the rear bumper, or stand nearby the car with the key fob in you pocket, and the trunk pops open. This little bit of magic is a big deal in your daily life, particularly when you’re trying to handle kids, bags or both.
Bonus: Vehicle Exit Warning
Less buzzy but just as nifty, it informs the rider if it’s not safe to get out perhaps a car or a cyclist is coming from the rear, for example. It’s particularly useful for parents helping kids learn safe road manners, or anyone who parallel parks on busy streets.
