Today, almost every car is endowed with features that not all drivers know about. Meanwhile, these useful "features" can seriously make life easier for each of us. The problem is that most of these hidden features are used so rarely that many will never know about the pleasant features of their car.
In fact, most of these functions are universal and present in the vast majority of cars, regardless of make and model. Note that experienced drivers, most likely, they know about most of these functions, but for beginners this material can be useful and will help to learn a lot of new things.
Fuel tank indicator
Usually we do not notice this, but most of the cars love their owners and try in every possible way to suggest some useful functions to them. If you are in a new car for yourself and have not yet had time to learn which side of the gas tank is located on it, just look at dashboard - usually there is a small triangle next to the gas station icon, which indicates the correct side. But let's make a reservation right away that these days this is not relevant for all models - sometimes this icon is not.
Sun visor degrees of freedom
You can often see how the driver, squinting, tries not to be distracted by the low sun, looking into the cabin from the side and warming half of his face. Most likely, he does not know that the sun visor under the ceiling can hang on one hinge, moving towards the side window.
Disable ESP
To begin with, let us remind - and tell someone - what ESP is. This abbreviation has nothing to do with Spanish and stands for Electronic Stability Program. It can also be called ESC (Electronic Stability Control). This function active safety prevents the car from skidding by means of computer control by supplying torque to one or more wheels.
Sometimes this undoubtedly useful gadget can get in the way. For example, if you need to get a car out of a snow or mud captivity, or you just want to drift a little. In a word, if you cannot do without slipping, there is a special button with a car icon in a skid. Often you need to hold it down for a few seconds to disable the function, but sometimes a simple push is enough.
If there is no such button, but the system is there, you can simply pull out the corresponding fuse in the dashboard, but it is important not to turn off something else important with it. We add that you will not be able to completely disable ESP - at a dangerous moment, according to the system, it will still automatically work.
Heated side mirrors
This feature is often included in the equipment description, but many drivers do not know how it is activated. We will answer: automatically with the inclusion of heating rear window... In most cars, this function, which is useful in our country, does not have a separate button for activation. Although, for example, on many models of the Volkswagen brand, you can turn on the heated mirrors by moving the knob for their adjustment to the appropriate position.
Electronic hand brake
The overwhelming majority of drivers mistakenly believe that an electronic handbrake is a useless thing in everyday life and is used only on major holidays. In fact, the electronic handbrake can also save you while driving if the main ones fail. You just need to press a button.
Air conditioner in winter
Sometimes, even in winter, it is so damp and humid that the windows begin to sweat. If this suddenly starts to happen, just turn on the air conditioner. If it is not very frosty outside, he will cope and you will not have to constantly use a rag. And do not try to save the situation by simply blowing the windows - it often does not help.
Glass
Let's make a reservation right away that this function does not work on all cars, but if so, then you are in luck. If you hold down the unlock button on the alarm key fob for a few seconds, you can lower everything at once side windows... The lock button closes them in the same way. This is extremely useful in hot weather, when you need to expel hot air from the car.
To satisfy drivers, car manufacturers are constantly improving cars in every way.
New technologies make cars more economical, comfortable, powerful, safer and more reliable.
Here are 10 features and options that make it hard to imagine a modern car:
1. Bluetooth
Today wireless bluetooth connection is included in standard equipment many cars. If the driver has a Windows phone or Android smartphone, then he may not be distracted by the phone while driving. Using Bluetooth, you can make calls or send messages (using speech recognition). Apple users use Siri Eyes Free, which performs roughly the same tasks. The advantage of having Bluetooth in the car is that the controls are displayed on the large on-board screen, and the sound is played through the audio speakers. The driver no longer has to fiddle with his portable device, distracting from driving.
2.USB connectors
Portable devices have become such an integral part of modern people's lives that most cars are now equipped with USB ports. This is a great way to charge accessories and listen to music through your speakers without using slow wireless connections. Now all files from a smartphone, MP3 player and flash drive are available in the car.
3. Keyless entry and engine start
Function keyless entry and launch is now available for many models in the market. The touch sensor “senses” the approach of the car owner and opens the door when he approaches. When he gets into the salon, just press one button - and the engine is started. All this time, the car keys and the alarm key fob are in the pocket. This system is indispensable for women who no longer need to rummage in their purse with the words "well, where are these keys?"
4. Application integration
Application integration is becoming more common in car infotainment systems, but is rarely offered in basic configuration... To meet the growing needs of today's drivers, their portable devices are connected to the on-board computer, and their favorite applications (radio, weather, browsers, social networks) are displayed on the large screen of the center console. Again, this is more convenient and safer than driving a car with a smartphone in hand.
5. Voice recognition
The first generations of voice recognition systems often confused drivers. But now they have become much better: the processor does not just process the heard signal "as is", but "turns on the logic", sorting out suitable options and comparing them with previous requests.
6. Remote car control
With cars like Tesla Model S, drivers can experience a whole new level of connectivity. But the futuristic Tesla is far from the only car with such capabilities. Many companies are developing apps that allow drivers to interact with their cars via smartphones. Among the available functions: open and close doors, start the engine, adjust the climate parameters, while being anywhere. Drivers are informed of the fuel and charge level batteryThey can also enter addresses and routes directly into the car's navigation system while drinking coffee at home.
7. Monitoring "blind spots"
Control of "blind spots" is very useful and is often a basic option modern cars... Research shows that blind spots lead to hundreds of thousands of accidents every year. To avoid this, a system has been developed that, with the help of sensors, “sees” vehicles in the “blind” zone and informs the driver about it. It will also help with cars in a situation where the driver goes backwards on the road.
8. Tracking the lane
Like the previous "assistant", the lane keeping system relies on sensors. They constantly monitor the position of the car in relation to the markings on the highway or motorway. If the driver thinks or falls asleep and leaves his lane without turning on the turn signal, the car will start to "wake him up" by turning on the sound and / or vibration of the seat, or the steering wheel will turn on its own and the car will return to the middle of the lane.
9. Adaptive cruise control and collision avoidance system
For those who regularly ride the trails, cruise control is a great helper. Adaptive cruise control has taken it one step further. He maintains a constant set speed and watches the car ahead. If it brakes sharply, then the car itself releases the "gas" and slows down.
10. Car interaction
To reduce the installation costs of individual navigation systems for every car, automakers now connect on-board computer to the smartphone and through it interact with the satellite and with other machines. This is how the driver receives information about traffic jams and road signs next to him. The system can also be used for automatic accident notification, reports of theft vehicleasking for roadside assistance.
Personally, I do not see anything surprising or offensive in this definition. How else can a modern city dweller cope with such a powerful daily information flow? There is nothing left but to filter only the essentials. We no longer waste time studying long instructions for household appliances... Do not agree? Have you studied all the modes in your own microwave or, like most, use it only for "normal heating"?
So the car has turned into the same household item. And if from day to day you have an unknown button or lever at your fingertips, and you don't have enough time to look into the instructions, then this material is just for you.
Let's start with a useful feature for those who regularly transport children. In most modern cars, all doors are locked with one button. It is impossible to open the door from the outside, but from the inside it is easy. You just have to pull the handle twice to do this. What if a restless child sitting in the second row does it by accident right on the go? It's scary to imagine what the consequences might be, but there is a way out. Find a small lever on the end of the tailgate and switch it. The tailgate can now only be opened from the outside, provided, of course, the central locking is unlocked. There is a similar lever or lock that obeys the ignition key on the other tailgate. More children will not run away from you.
And even if your car has a keyless entry function, and the electronic key, at first glance, lacks a folding sting, you should know: there is always a sting. After all, if the battery is discharged, the car needs to be opened somehow. Take a closer look at the body of the electronic key or chip card. Find the catch and remove the sting or flip the key cover under which the sting is hidden. Now they can open the car manually and turn the rear door lock.
Power windows have a similar function. Pay attention to the fact that next to the power window control unit on driver's door there is a fifth button, but there are only four openable windows. With the help of the fifth, the window regulator buttons on the remaining doors are blocked. Click on it, and no passenger can open his window, unlike the driver. Some korean cars in this case, only the rear windows are blocked, and completely, so that the driver cannot open them either.
Now take a look at the salon mirror. If you see a mysterious LED built into the body or located on the edge of the mirror surface, then you have an electrochromic mirror (not to be confused with the usual anti-reflective coating). Electrochromic mirror prevents glare. That is, if at night a car follows you with high beam headlights, the mirror will automatically darken. Modern electrochromic mirrors use two photosensors. The first is directed forward and evaluates the overall illumination. The second one goes backwards and catches the light of passing cars following you. With a significant difference, when it is dark outside and there is a bright light source behind, the electronics will give a command to dim. Well, the button is needed to disable this function (on some cars, the button needs to be held for a few seconds). If there is no LED or button, and instead of them there is a lever, then you have an ordinary mirror. In this case, just pull the lever - the angle of the mirror will change and the dazzle effect is not threatened.
In continuation of the theme, one cannot ignore one more button on the salon mirror. Not every car has this, but it serves to control door systems. That is, it is a remote control for a garage door. For example, if you have a remote control for a barrier in the yard, then you can try to program the button to open it. Convenient, especially if there are several such buttons. The main thing is that the type of signal from the remote control coincides: infrared (range 5–20 m) or radio (30–100 m), and in the second case, also the frequency range. But here it all depends on the specific car and gate - you can't do without instructions.
I bet the next option is in your car too, but you've probably never used it. Give up? Seat belt height adjustment. The hinge on the B-pillar can be moved up and down. To do this, you need to press the corresponding button or latch. When correctly seated, the seat belt should pass over the center of the shoulder.
And finally, "life hack". If you want the central locking to work automatically when you start driving (maybe this function was disabled previous owner vehicle), hold the door lock button for a few seconds. Will sound sound signal and voila. The function is disabled in the same way.
It would seem that you drive a car every day for many years and you know everything about it. With your eyes closed, feel any button and turn on any function with lightning speed. But one fine day, hidden possibilities are discovered in the painfully dear car. Each model has its own little tweaks, but we will pay attention to those found in most cars. Probably in yours too.
Which side to drive to the gas station?
Let's say you are in a rented car, borrowed it from a friend, wife, or just suddenly flew out of your head, which side is the gas tank flap. The answer is right in front of your eyes, and you don't even have to get out of the car. An arrow is drawn next to the gas station icon on the instrument cluster, which shows the desired side. If there is no pointer, then the direction will tell the gun in the image.
Catches for locking doors
Family people are worried that the children on the back couch accidentally open the doors while driving. You can, of course, lock all the locks with a button every time. But, firstly, sometimes you can forget about it, and, secondly, in most cases, the doors are closed only from the outside, but from the inside they can still be easily unlocked. To do the opposite, you need to find at the end rear doors special latches for locks. It is enough to press or turn them and that's it - the child will no longer leave the salon on its own. In this case, from the outside, of course, you can get inside.
Opening / closing windows with a key
Few know, but the windows can be lowered and raised in the car remotely. Hold the open or close button on the key fob, and after five seconds, all four glasses will go down or go up, respectively. It is convenient if you need, say, to ventilate the cabin in hot summer weather, but there is no air conditioning. This function does not work in cars of all brands, but there is a reason to check yours.
Adjusting the sun visor
Surprising but true. Not all drivers, even with long experience, are aware that the sun visor is able to protect not only from the frontal bright light. In any car, this useful accessory swings to the side with a slight movement of the hand and protects from the sun rays from the side. Simple but very useful.
Anti-glare interior mirror
Pay attention to the salon rearview mirror? Whatever it is, old or modern, there is a button or small lever in the center. In the first case, one press turns off the auto-dimming effect. This is when the mirror gets darker at night. If the mirror is ordinary, and not electrochromic, in the dark you need to pull the lever - and none of the cars driving behind you will blind your eyes anymore.
Seat belt height adjustment
Drivers often complain that the seat belt is uncomfortable and uncomfortable around the body. Someone, risking their own health, even leaves the main safety device behind their backs or buys special braces. However, in many machines it is easy to adjust the belt to a comfortable height so that it does not get in the way while driving. To do this, the tape retainer on the body pillar must be moved up and down.
Changing the position of the "wipers"
Snow adhering to the wipers is another unpleasant little thing in the daily life of a motorist. And this small problem can be solved with one movement of the hand. With the ignition off, pull down the steering column wiper switch. In some machines, it must be held in this position. Then the "wipers" will rise and remain "standing".
Electric locks and power windows, previously considered an unaffordable luxury in a car, are now becoming commonplace. In addition, the auto industry does not stand still, and today a huge number of additional functions in a car, many of which are also available in inexpensive trim levels.
These features make driving more comfortable and easier. The choice of functions, of course, depends on the preferences, needs and capabilities of the future car owner.
Let's analyze the most popular, convenient and necessary functions of modern cars.
Remote control
Highly convenient functionallowing you to open the car without using a key. To get into the car, you just need to press a button on the remote control and the door locks open. This is not only additional comfort, but also a reliable security system. For example, if you are in a dimly lit area, fiddling with keys is inconvenient and sometimes unsafe. The control panel will save you from such a problem. Or if there was some emergency situation, and there is no time to look for keys and open the door, then the remote control will easily help you out.
Most often, remote opening of locks has two modes. Press the button on the remote control once - the lock on the driver's door opens, twice - the locks of all doors are opened. It is thanks to this function that no one gets into the car except you.
ABS - anti-lock braking system
A system that continuously monitors the speed of rotation of the wheels and, if necessary, affects the operation of the brakes in the car. Such a system is faster and more efficient than similar, but under the guidance of the driver himself. The presence of anti-lock brake system is an additional guarantee of the safety of your car - you will be confident that the brakes will not fail, and your driving will be under control even in difficult conditions.
OnStar system
The presence of this system allows you to communicate in emergencies with unforeseen situations with living people. What does it mean? Let's say your car breaks down completely deserted place... It seems that no one can come to your aid. Push desired button, a consultant contacts you. He will help fix the breakdown, call a tow truck, if necessary. If airbags have been deployed in your car, it will ask about your condition and call the necessary services. Also this function for additional security and car security: when you leave the keys inside the passenger compartment, OnStar will open the door for you, and if the car is stolen, it will track its location and send the data to the police. Convenient, isn't it?
ESP - slip control and stabilization system
This system has many subsystems that control the entire vehicle. It's wheel control brake pads, pedals, steering wheel, etc. The computer understands what the driver wants to do and controls the control. If suddenly the car gets out of control of the driver, this system will intervene and resume control. It provides better vehicle stability, controls power, brakes the desired wheels, resumes disturbed trajectory and gives the driver time to resume control. For critical situations this system is just a godsend and is of great benefit.
GPS - navigation system
The GPS navigation system is a great helper with many benefits. For an unfamiliar city or region, this system is very useful, it helps to orient oneself. The navigator selects the shortest path and saves you fuel and time.
Also another useful function of the navigator is traffic jam detection and notification. Someone will find it useless, but in big city - just an irreplaceable contraption. Good navigators are equipped with information about all gas stations, hospitals, ATMs, maintenance stations, police stations, and so on. The function of finding the way back deserves special praise.
Adjustable pedals and steering wheel
In many cars nowadays there is not only seat adjustment, but also steering wheel adjustment. After all, from a comfortable and correct fit the driver's safety directly depends on the trip. Pedals can also be adjusted (not for all cars, of course). Correctly adjusted pedals make it easier and faster to operate both in emergencies and during normal driving. This function - additional opportunity accident prevention.
Center console socket
Previously, in cars on the console, except for the cigarette lighter, nothing was installed, and in vain. Sockets are now being installed in cars, which is of great benefit. The phone is empty, an urgent need to call, and there is always an outlet at hand. You can charge your laptop and other gadgets. The presence of an outlet has become an indisputable plus, and made the trip much more comfortable.
Multimedia, DVD player
Of course, not a very necessary thing, but to be honest, quite pleasant. Long distance travel is rather boring. This is especially acute if there are children in the car who cannot just sit for a long time and begin to be capricious. And here will come to the rescue DVD player, where you can not only listen to music, but also watch films and cartoons. Wireless headphones are often included with the player, which is convenient for both your passengers and you, since you do not have to be distracted by extraneous noise. \
Side airbags
Every driver who takes their safety and the safety of their passengers seriously knows how useful and necessary this function is. Today the security system is even more reliable than before: there are airbags not only frontal, but also side ones. They protect passengers and the driver from side impact, this additional safety measure will not be superfluous.
Summing up, we can say that all of the above systems and functions are designed to help the driver, and, if possible, make his life and the lives of passengers easier, while making the trip convenient, comfortable and safe. But, despite all these functions, do not forget that the car was and remains the most dangerous vehicles, so be especially careful, careful and careful on the road.
