A HIDDEN car feature can save your life if brakes fail – switch is by your hand.
Drivers are being urged to learn about the emergency shift button, a switch often hidden right by your hand, next to the gear selector.
This clever feature lets you move the car into neutral even if the brakes aren’t working.
That can stop a runaway vehicle before disaster strikes.
A YouTuber recently posted a video showing how the button works – racking up thousands of views as drivers rushed to check their own cars.
“This is the vehicle’s emergency shift button, aim the car key at it, press down you don’t have to hit the brake, you can just shift normally,” one driver explained online.
In most cars, the switch is a small button or slot you press with the key or a pen.
It’s designed to override the system that normally locks the gear lever unless the brake is pressed.
Experts say this hidden release is often overlooked during driving lessons and many motorists don’t even know it exists.
If your car suddenly won’t stop, putting it into neutral cuts power to the wheels.
That gives you time to steer safely and avoid hitting traffic.
Motoring groups say it’s vital not to panic.
Firmly grip the wheel, flick the car into neutral, and let it slow naturally.
Using the handbrake gently can also help bring the car to a halt.
Avoid pulling it too hard or the back wheels could lock and skid.
Mechanics warn that worn brake pads, leaking fluid or damaged brake lines can all lead to failure.
Regular servicing is the best way to catch problems early and keep your braking system working as it should.
MORE TIPS
Car owners with automatic gear shifts flanked by dust covers may be able to troubleshoot faulty shift selectors.
A yellow button sits underneath the dust cover that allows drivers to push the car into gear.
The YouTuber also said that passengers can get out of their car through the trunk when a door breaks.
Some Volkswagen vehicles have an “emergency escape” panel inside the trunk door.
A white latch behind the panel can be turned, unlaching the rear door, the YouTuber claimed.
However, commenters warned that the tips don’t work for all vehicles.
“These features are specific to models and trims,” one commenter added.
“It’s important to note that not all models have these features. In fact, most base models don’t.”
Other hidden features in your car
THESE are some of the most useful hidden features found in modern cars:
Conversation Mirror – convex mirrors attached overhead to give drivers a view of the rear seats.
Gas tank locator – an icon that pops up on the car’s dashboard to locate the gas tank.
Driver Assistance System – assist drivers with the safe operation of a vehicle through a human-machine interface.
Heads-up display – a transparent guidance system projecting all the vital driving information at the driver’s viewpoint.
Blind-spot monitoring – a system that notifies the driver if another vehicle appears within their blind spot, avoiding risk of a collision.
Tyre pressure monitors – a system fitted to a vehicle which constantly monitors the tyre pressures provides a warning incase of imbalance.
