When it comes to modern vehicles, advancements in technology and design have introduced many features. Cars today come packed with features that enhance comfort, convenience, and safety. While some are well-known, others fly under the radar, even though they might be right there. Here are 12 unusual car features you might have but have not noticed.
Hidden Umbrella Compartments
Hidden umbrella compartments are a hallmark of luxury and practical design in vehicles. Brands like Rolls-Royce and Škoda have incorporated these features to enhance the driving experience.
In a Rolls-Royce, the umbrellas are often integrated into the door panels, which are easily accessible when exiting the vehicle. These compartments are designed with drainage systems. Škoda models, like the Superb, also feature this practical addition.
Cooled Glove Boxes
Cooled glove boxes are a subtle yet highly beneficial feature in many cars. These compartments use the car’s air conditioning system to cool their contents. This is especially useful during long summer drives, as it allows you to store refreshments at a cool temperature.
The cooled glove box often has a vent that can be opened or closed to control the cool airflow. Brands like Volkswagen, Audi, and Hyundai have included this feature in various models. It shows how modern cars are designed to enhance convenience in subtle but meaningful ways.
Rear-Seat Reminder Systems
Rear-seat reminder systems are designed to prevent tragic accidents involving children or pets left in the back seat. This system detects if a rear door was opened before the car started its journey. Once the engine is turned off, the system reminds the driver to check the back seat.
The alert can be visual, like a message on the dashboard, or auditory, like a chime. General Motors was one of the first to introduce this feature. This feature highlights the increasing emphasis on safety and the use of technology to protect
Jewelry Holders
Jewelry holders are a niche feature in modern cars, particularly those targeting female drivers. These small compartments are designed to safely store rings, earrings, and other small jewelry items.
Brands have incorporated this thoughtful feature in some models, recognizing the need for practical storage solutions. These holders are often located in the center console or glove box, providing easy access while keeping valuable items safe.
Built-in Vacuum Cleaners
Built-in vacuum cleaners are a standout feature in family-oriented vehicles like the Honda Odyssey. This integrated system allows drivers and passengers to clean up messes without the hassle of lugging a separate vacuum cleaner.
The HondaVAC, for example, comes with a hose long enough to reach every corner of the vehicle and various attachments to tackle different types of dirt and debris. The built-in vacuum cleaner helps maintain a clean and tidy interior with minimal effort.
Hidden USB Ports and Power Outlets
Hidden USB ports and power outlets are becoming increasingly common in modern vehicles, catering to the growing demand for connectivity and device charging. These ports are often concealed within the center console, beneath armrests, or even in the back of the front seats.
This discreet placement keeps the car’s interior neat and uncluttered while providing the necessary functionality. These hidden ports are perfect for charging smartphones, tablets, and other electronic devices, ensuring drivers and passengers stay connected and powered up.
Adjustable Pedals
Adjustable pedals are a feature that enhances driving comfort and ergonomics, particularly in larger SUVs and trucks. This system allows the brake, accelerator, and sometimes the clutch pedals to be moved closer or further away from the driver with the push of a button.
Brands like Ford and Chevrolet offer adjustable pedals in many larger vehicles, including the Ford F-150. Despite its significant impact on driving comfort, this feature is often overlooked because it operates silently and is typically adjusted once and then forgotten.
Massage Seats
Massage seats are a luxurious feature in high-end vehicles from brands like Mercedes-Benz and Rolls-Royce. These seats have built-in mechanisms, such as motors and air bladders, that provide a massage to the driver and passengers.
The massage function can often be customized to different modes, intensities, and body areas, such as the back, thighs, and shoulders. This feature is particularly beneficial for long drives, as it helps reduce fatigue and increases comfort.
Auto-Lock Speed-Sensing Doors
Auto-lock speed sensing doors are a safety feature that locks the vehicle’s doors automatically once it reaches a certain speed. This feature is designed to prevent doors from accidentally opening while the car is in motion.
The system activates without any input from the driver, providing a seamless and unobtrusive layer of security. Despite its importance in enhancing passenger safety, it often goes unnoticed because it operates in the background and doesn’t require any action from the driver.
Capless Fuel Fillers
Capless fuel fillers are a convenient feature found in some modern vehicles. Instead of a traditional screw-on fuel cap, these systems use a spring-loaded flap to seal the fuel tank. This design eliminates the risk of forgetting to replace the fuel cap, which can lead to fuel evaporation.
Capless systems also make refueling quicker and easier, as drivers don’t have to fumble with removing and replacing the cap. Ford and Chrysler are among the manufacturers that have adopted this feature in many of their models.
Auto-Dimming Mirrors
Auto-dimming mirrors, also known as electro-chromatic mirrors, automatically adjust their tint based on the light they receive. This feature is useful at night when bright headlights from vehicles behind can cause glare and impair the driver’s vision.
The mirrors contain a special gel or electronic mechanism that darkens the glass when exposed to bright light and clears up when the light diminishes. Auto-dimming mirrors are a standard feature in many modern vehicles from brands like BMW, Mercedes-Benz, and Lexus.
Lane Keep Assist with Steering Intervention
Lane keep assist systems have evolved from simply providing warnings to actively intervening to keep the vehicle within its lane. Advanced systems, found in cars from brands like Mercedes Benz and Audi, use cameras and sensors to monitor lane markings on the road.
If the system detects that the car is unintentionally drifting out of its lane, it gently steers back into its lane. This steering intervention enhances safety by reducing the risk of accidental lane departures, especially during driver distraction or fatigue.