23 Hidden Car Features You Didn’t Know You Needed!

Here’s a list of 23 car features you might not know about, but once you do, you’ll wonder how you lived without them! I’ll explain each feature, how it works, and where to find it inside or outside the vehicle.

1. Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC)
What: Automatically adjusts speed to maintain a safe distance from the vehicle ahead.
How: Uses radar and cameras. Set your desired speed and following distance.
Where: Steering wheel controls and dashboard display

2. Lane Keep Assist (LKA)
What: Helps prevent unintentional lane departure.
How: Uses cameras to detect lane markings and steer the vehicle back into the lane.
Where: Usually activated via a button on the steering wheel or dashboard.

3. Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB)
• What: Applies brakes automatically if a collision is imminent.
• How: Uses forward-facing cameras and radar.
• Where: No manual activation, but settings can be adjusted via the infotainment system.

4. Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM)
• What: Alerts you when a vehicle is in your blind spot.
• How: Sensors in the rear bumper.
• Where: Indicator lights on side mirrors.

5. Automatic High Beams
• What: Automatically switches between high and low beams based on traffic.
• How: Camera sensors detect oncoming headlights.
• Where: Light settings on the steering column.

6. Head-Up Display (HUD)
• What: Projects speed and navigation info onto the windshield.
• How: Uses a small projector on the dashboard.
• Where: Directly in front of the driver, on the windshield.

7. Wireless Phone Charging
• What: Charges your phone without a cable.
• How: Uses Qi wireless charging technology.
• Where: Charging pad in the center console.

8. Remote Start
• What: Start the engine from outside the car.
• How: Use the key fob or mobile app.
• Where: Usually a button on the key fob or through a smartphone app.

9. 360-Degree Camera
• What: Gives a bird’s-eye view of the car.
• How: Combines images from multiple cameras around the car.
• Where: Infotainment screen.

10. Automatic Parking Assist
• What: Parks the car for you.
• How: Uses sensors to find a spot and control steering.
• Where: Button on the center console.

11. Traffic Sign Recognition
• What: Reads and displays speed limits and road signs.
• How: Uses forward-facing cameras.
• Where: Dashboard or HUD.

12. Rain-Sensing Wipers
• What: Automatically activates wipers when it rains.
• How: Uses moisture sensors on the windshield.
• Where: Wiper settings on the steering column.

13. Heated and Ventilated Seats
• What: Keeps you warm or cool while seated.
• How: Built-in heating and cooling elements.
• Where: Seat controls on the door or center console.

14. Massaging Seats
• What: Provides comfort during long drives.
• How: Uses motorized mechanisms within the seat.
• Where: Seat adjustment controls or infotainment system.

15. Gesture Control
• What: Control infotainment with hand movements.
• How: Uses sensors to detect gestures.
• Where: Near the infotainment screen.

16. Automatic Tailgate
• What: Opens and closes the trunk automatically.
• How: The key fob or foot sensor is activated under the bumper.
• Where: Rear of the vehicle.

17. Ambient Interior Lighting
• What: Customizable lighting for the cabin.
• How: LED strips in the dashboard and doors.
• Where: Controlled via the infotainment system.

18. Digital Rearview Mirror
• What: Uses a camera to show a live feed instead of a traditional mirror.
• How: Activates when flipped to digital mode.
• Where: On the windshield, like a conventional mirror.

19. Keyless Entry and Push-Button Start
• What: Unlocks and starts the car without using the key.
• How: Uses proximity sensors.
• Where: Door handles and start button on the dashboard.

20. Adaptive Headlights
• What: Headlights pivot in the direction of travel.
• How: Linked to steering input.
• Where: Front headlights, adjusted via settings.

21. Apple CarPlay/Android Auto
• What: Integrates your smartphone with the infotainment system.
• How: Connect via USB or Bluetooth.
• Where: Infotainment screen.

22. Auto Hold
• What: Keeps the car stationary without needing to keep the brake pressed.
• How: Engages brakes when the car stops.
• Where: Button near the electronic parking brake.

23. Multi-Zone Climate Control
• What: Allows different temperature settings for driver and passengers.
• How: Uses separate temperature controls.
• Where: Climate control panel.