Think you know your car inside and out? Think again! Whether you drive a Toyota Camry, a Ford Explorer, or a Honda Civic, there’s a good chance your car has some hidden features you’ve never heard of. Automakers are packing cars with clever technologies and handy tricks that make driving more fun, convenient, and safe. Let’s take a look at 10 of the coolest ones:
Hidden USB Ports
Running out of charging spots? Modern cars often come with USB ports hidden in surprising places. For example, the Honda Accord and Toyota RAV4 often have extra USB ports stashed in the center console or even in the back seat armrests, perfect for charging multiple devices during road trips.
Auto Hold
Ever get tired of holding the brake while waiting at a stoplight? Some cars, like the Volkswagen Tiguan and Hyundai Palisade, feature an "Auto Hold" function. Once you come to a complete stop, Auto Hold keeps the brakes engaged until you press the gas again—perfect for rush-hour traffic or long waits at lights.
Remote Start via App
Did you know that many cars, like the Chevrolet Malibu and Ford Escape, let you start the engine remotely using your smartphone? With apps like Chevrolet MyLink or FordPass, you can not only start your car from your kitchen but also adjust the climate so it’s perfectly cozy before you step inside.
Customizable Ambient Lighting
Want to set the mood for your drive? Many cars now offer customizable ambient lighting. Models like the Mercedes-Benz A-Class and Ford Mustang Mach-E let you change the color of your interior lighting with a swipe on the touchscreen. Whether you want cool blue for a calm ride or a fiery red for a night out, the power is at your fingertips.
Valet Mode
If you’ve ever worried about handing your car over to a valet, Valet Mode can ease your mind. Found in cars like the Tesla Model S and Chevy Corvette, Valet Mode locks away personal info on your infotainment system, limits the car’s speed, and disables access to the trunk or glovebox. So, when you’re out at a fancy restaurant or event, you can relax knowing your car—and your privacy—are protected.
Adaptive Headlights
Tired of your headlights blinding oncoming traffic or not illuminating around corners? Adaptive headlights, found in cars like the Mazda CX-5 and BMW 3 Series, automatically adjust the direction and intensity of your lights based on steering input or surrounding conditions. So when you take that tight turn at night, your lights will follow the road instead of staying fixed straight ahead.
Wi-Fi Hotspot
Need to stay connected while on the road? Many modern cars, including models from Chevrolet and Audi, come equipped with built-in Wi-Fi hotspots. Perfect for road trips, these hotspots can connect multiple devices to the internet, so your passengers can stream, work, or browse while you focus on driving.
Traffic Sign Recognition
Have you ever driven by a speed limit sign and missed it? Cars like the Ford Edge and Honda CR-V now feature Traffic Sign Recognition, which can read speed limits and no-passing signs and display them on your dashboard or heads-up display. It’s like having a second set of eyes on the road!
Rain-Sensing Wipers
No more fumbling with the wiper controls when it starts to drizzle! In vehicles like the Subaru Outback and Volkswagen Passat, rain-sensing wipers automatically activate when moisture is detected on the windshield, adjusting the speed based on how heavy the rain is.
Massage Seats
Long drive ahead? Some high-end vehicles, like the Lincoln Aviator and Mercedes-Benz S-Class, take comfort to the next level with massaging seats. You can enjoy a gentle back massage while cruising down the highway, making those long trips more relaxing and less tiring.
Each of these features adds a little more convenience, comfort, or safety to your driving experience. So next time you're behind the wheel, take a moment to explore your car—you might just find a new favorite trick you never knew was there!
