Modern vehicles come with a dizzying number of standard features and technologies. Many automakers choose not to list some features to enhance the car ownership experience with little discoveries down the road. These quirky features may relate to various things, e.g., safety, convenience, or performance. Here’s a list of features you may not have realized your car has.
Gas Tank Locator Arrow
Most owners know the position of their fuel filler cap on the vehicle, especially if they have been using the same vehicle for years. However, it may become confusing when you start using a new vehicle. Fortunately, many cars have an indicator indicating which side of the fuel pump to pull up to. It’s on the fuel level gauge, depicted as a triangular arrow pointing the owner in the appropriate direction.
Gesture Control
Gesture controls are available in particular nameplates like BMWs, allowing them to control features like navigation or volume by moving their hand. A clockwise twirl of the hand will increase the media volume, while a swipe to the right will reject an incoming call. These features are only available in 2015 and above model years. Other brands like the Mercedes S Class, Seat Ibiza, and Jaguar XF Sportbrake may also feature gesture control.
Event Seating
Tailgate event seating is an optional addition for brands like Range Rover. These seats can be easily fitted to comfortably accommodate adults on the tailgate. They are used during events according to convenience. They often come with a storage bag containing soft lining, acting as a protective mat to prevent clothes from coming into contact with the exterior vehicle surface.
Starlight Headliner
This feature is typically seen on luxury models like Rolls Royce. It transforms the vehicle’s interior into a starry night sky using fiber optic lights. Owners can customize the night sky so their favorite constellation remains front and center, making it a hit with astronomy buffs. Controls in the front passenger compartment also you to adjust the brightness of the stars to match the atmosphere.
Folding Display
Folding driving displays on specific models, like the McLaren 720S, allow drivers to select between screens when they need to concentrate. The racing-oriented screen appears once the driver puts the car into track mode. It is typically paired with a new center screen and infotainment system that is relatively easy to use compared to the previous system found in the 12C.
Stability Control
Losing control of your vehicle is never a good thing. This is especially true at high speeds as it could lead to injury or worse. Fortunately, most 2012 models and up are typically fitted with electronic stability control. This system constantly monitors all four wheels during operation. If the car starts to slide out of control, the wheels on one end spin faster than the others.
Heads-Up Display
This is a safety feature that’s rarely considered. As distracted driving causes traffic accidents and mortality, newer models come with heads-up displays. Heads-up displays are typically found on jets as pilots require absolute concentration on what lies ahead. They feature critical driving information regarding speed, navigation, etc. Some even show the speed limit on the road traveled.
Road Condition Indicator
Nearly all car models have a temperature sensor that provides information on the current exterior temperature. These sensors may also activate road temperature indications as the figures drop depending on the season. This sign is often indicated as a snowflake light on the dashboard. However, other models give audible warnings when conditions are icy and temperatures drop below 38 degrees Fahrenheit.
Advanced Driver Assistance
Driver assistance systems utilize several tools to make driving safer and more convenient. Some use radar and laser systems to scan the road ahead, providing warnings and orienting the vehicle to avoid collisions. One of these advanced driving assistance systems is forward collision warning. It scans for vehicles ahead that are quickly slowing down. If you’re not pressing the brakes in response, it will issue a warning on the dashboard.
Blind-Spot Monitoring
Blind spot monitoring systems were engineered to help individuals determine if there is an obstacle when overtaking or changing lanes. These systems rely on radar and sensors to spot obstacles around the vehicle. This is useful when you’re reversing and can’t see behind you. If there is an obstacle, the tool flashes a warning (which may also be audible) to get the driver’s attention. The goal is to indicate that further movement in that direction is not advisable.
Back-Seat Reminders
Unfortunately, people sometimes forget their belongings in the back seat, which can be dangerous. Automakers have developed systems that reduce these risks. If the car detects that the rear door was opened and closed before the vehicle starts, the system will flash an alert once the car stops and is placed in ‘park.’ This protects everything from children to pets and grocery bags.
Smartphone Integration
Using a smartphone while driving is dangerous and against the law for obvious reasons. Fortunately, many new models have smartphone integration for both Apple Carplay and Android Auto systems. This allows the driver to connect their device and use particular features in a driving-friendly way. While media and gaming are not available, hands-free calling is.
Drowsiness Detector
Every year, thousands of crashes are attributed to drowsy drivers. Automotive engineers have developed systems that monitor alertness, issuing warnings if they detect you’re too tired. These systems monitor steering input and motion, comparing them with lane-keeping feedback on how often the individual has been warned concerning swerving. If it determines you’re sleepy, an alert suggests you take a break.
Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems
Tire pressure monitoring is a required feature on most models. This feature alerts the driver when a tire has lost significant pressure. This improves fuel economy and maintains safe driving, considering deflating tires are susceptible to bursts. Some modern systems even indicate the actual pressure figure on the dashboard.
Final Thoughts
If your car’s manufacturer is known to leave easter eggs in its vehicles, keep an eye out for the unique or quirky features you may not have discovered yet. Car forums are also an excellent place to learn about these features, as other owners are bound to have already spotted them.
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Mark Muhoro is a car enthusiast and writer who loves everything about automobiles. With over 11 years of experience in the automotive industry, Mark has become an expert in how cars work and what makes them special. He writes clear and interesting articles about cars for magazines and websites, making valuable contributions to renowned platforms like Vroom Magazine, Internet Brands, and Contentmotive.
