These Clever Hidden Car Features May Make You Wonder What Else Your Vehicle Can Do

If it’s been a while since you bought your car, you probably don't remember all the clever features that your vehicle has. The fact of the matter is that most people aren't even aware of everything their cars are capable of doing. So check out this list and see if your vehicle has a secret trick or detail that you never noticed! It might just make you feel like you're driving a brand new model.

40. Hidden storage for your valuables

You’re probably thinking, “Don’t you mean the glove compartment?” Sure, you can lock up your valuables there. But it’s a bit of an obvious place – one a person would likely target during a break-in. So, see if your car has any hidden under-seat or in-floor storage compartments. According to Motoring Research, the Land Rover Discovery has a secret chamber behind its climate-control panel. And the floor under the backseat of the Seat Alhambra has two hidden storage zones, too.

39. The anti-glare tab on your rearview mirror

If you’ve driven at night, then you’ll know what a pain it is to have someone’s bright lights hit your rearview mirror and reflect right into your eyes. Your car may have a built-in feature to prevent that, though. The website Motoring Research says that you can push the tab at the bottom of your rearview mirror to toggle between day and night modes. In the latter, it tilts ever so slightly to direct the glare away from your eyes.

38. Some Hondas have extra storage space

Compact automobiles aren’t famous for their storage capabilities. And yet, Hot Cars notes that the Honda Jazz and Civic models have the company’s proprietary Magic Seat system. This allows the back seats to fold vertically – rather than horizontally – to create enough space for large, tall items that wouldn’t fit into the trunk.

37. Anti-lock brakes are standard, but they work in an incredible way

You may not know how they work, but there’s a reason why the U.S. made anti-lock brakes a mandatory feature in all cars built after September 2000. The system detects when you’re going fast enough to potentially cause your wheels to lock up if you hit the brakes. That way, if you do try to stop, a set of hydraulic valves will activate instead – slowing you down so that the wheels in peril won’t lock up. This feature is particularly useful when you have to stop quickly or when you drive in the rain so that you don’t skid or lose control of the wheel.