For something we do every day, driving is often way more awkward than it needs to be. Maybe your seatbelt digs into your neck. Maybe your legs feel too stretched out to brake comfortably. Or maybe you haven’t thought about your headrest since you bought the car.
A short but sharp video from @brandon.haneline on TikTok shines a light on three easy adjustments most people overlook, but that can seriously improve your comfort, control, and safety. These aren’t high-tech upgrades or expensive mods. They’re simple, free tweaks that just make driving better.
And once you know them, you’ll start to wonder why every car doesn’t come with a reminder built into the dashboard.
The Seatbelt Should Sit on Your Shoulder, Not Your Neck
A seatbelt is designed to protect your chest and torso, not your neck, and definitely not your face. If the belt rides too high and rubs against your neck, it’s not just uncomfortable; it can be dangerous in a crash.
Luckily, most vehicles have a height adjuster on the pillar next to your seat. Slide it up or down until the belt runs cleanly across your shoulder, laying flat without touching your neck. It’s one of those quick, set-it-once kinds of fixes that makes a big difference, especially on longer drives.
@brandon.haneline 3 tips every car owner must know. #driversed #teens #cartips #dayinmylife #cartips ♬ Stuck In The Middle – Tai Verdes
You Should Be Able to Reach the Floor Behind the Brake Pedal
If your legs feel stretched out when you drive, or you’re pressing the brake pedal with your toes, you’re too far from the wheel. This isn’t just a comfort issue — it’s a control issue. You want to have a slight bend in your knee when you brake, with your heel resting on the floor. That allows for smoother control, faster reactions, and less fatigue.
Too far back, and you’re not in command of your car — you’re along for the ride. A small seat adjustment forward can completely change how the car feels under your feet.
The Headrest Isn’t Just There for Comfort
It’s easy to forget that headrests are actually safety devices. In a rear-end collision, your head snaps backward, and the headrest is there to catch it before your neck takes the hit. But if it’s too low or too far behind your head, it won’t do its job.
The center of your headrest should be level with your eyes, and no more than a couple inches from the back of your head. It’s a simple check with a big payoff: better protection, and a much lower risk of whiplash in an accident.
Rethinking the Everyday Driver’s Seat
These aren’t just tweaks — they’re small examples of how good design, when used the right way, can make cars safer and smarter. And it highlights something bigger: the future of driving isn’t just about self-driving systems or electric powertrains. It’s also about making cars work better for us: physically, practically, and safely.
Imagine if every car reminded you to do a seat check when you started it. Or adjusted automatically to the safest setup based on your size and habits. We’re getting there. Until then, a few smart adjustments can help you get the most out of your car right now.