If you could add any feature to your car — something practical, not just flashy — what would it be? That’s exactly the question a group of car enthusiasts on Reddit tackled in a recent discussion, and their answers revealed a fascinating list of overlooked innovations that could make driving smoother, safer, and just plain better.

Many of these features aren’t about futuristic self-driving tech or massive touchscreens. Instead, they’re simple, thoughtful additions that make life behind the wheel more convenient. Some were once available in older models but have disappeared, while others feel like no-brainers that manufacturers have somehow overlooked.

Here’s a list of fourteen car features that drivers wish were standard across the industry.

1. Integrated Dashcams

Aftermarket dashcams are great, but why don’t more cars come with them pre-installed? A built-in front and rear dashcam setup could provide crucial footage in case of accidents and insurance claims while avoiding messy cables and unreliable suction mounts.

2. Tiny Built-In Garbage Bins

Cars can get messy fast, especially on road trips. Small, built-in garbage bins—perhaps in the center console or door compartments—would help keep interiors clean and eliminate the need for makeshift trash bags.

3. Heated Side Mirrors

Frosted-over side mirrors can be a real hazard in winter, but many budget-friendly cars still don’t offer heating elements for them. Standardizing this feature would be a huge win for visibility and safety.

They’re an available option on some vehicles, such as the third-generation Ford Focus, if you purchase the winter package. I have that add-on, and it’s a game-changer in the winter.

4. Amber Turn Signals

Red turn signals are common in the U.S., but amber ones are far more visible, especially in bad weather or heavy traffic. Many drivers in the discussion shared that making this a standard feature would significantly improve road safety.

5. Auto-Dimming Side Mirrors

Many high-end cars come with auto-dimming rearview mirrors, but why not the side mirrors too? This would help reduce glare from bright headlights at night, making nighttime driving safer and more comfortable.

6. Heated Windows All Around

Most modern cars have heated rear windshields, but what about the side windows? Imagine never having to wipe away fog or scrape ice from your side windows again. This feature would be especially useful in cold climates, ensuring clear visibility in all directions.

7. Small Turning Radius

A tighter turning radius makes parking and city driving much easier, yet some manufacturers don’t prioritize it. Vehicles designed with this in mind — like the Lexus LBX — are a dream to maneuver in tight spaces.

8. Adjustable Sun Visors for Side Windows

Sun visors that extend or pivot to cover the side windows could be a lifesaver when driving into the sun at an angle. More adjustable designs would help block glare more effectively.

9. Sliding Center Armrest

Driver and passenger comfort could be greatly improved with an adjustable center armrest. Whether for different body sizes or preferred seating positions, a sliding armrest would be a small but meaningful upgrade.

10. Built-in Booster Seats

For families, integrated booster seats (like those found in some Volvo models) eliminate the hassle of carrying separate child seats while ensuring that kids are always riding safely.

11. Illuminated Seat Belt Buckles

Trying to fasten your seatbelt in a dark car can be frustrating. Small LED lights around the seat belt buckle would make it easier to locate and use, especially for passengers in the backseat.

12. Enhanced Wheel Well Protection

Road debris, salt, and mud can wreak havoc on a car’s undercarriage. More built-in splash guards or better-designed wheel wells could help keep corrosion and dirt buildup at bay, extending the life of a vehicle’s body.

13. Wiper Position Indicator

You know that feeling when you turn off your wipers, but they stop in an awkward spot? A simple dashboard indicator showing whether they’re fully retracted would save drivers from constantly checking or reactivating them unnecessarily.

14. Removable Door Storage Compartments

A simple yet effective idea: storage compartments that can be easily removed for cleaning. This would be perfect for families or anyone who regularly carries snacks, bottles, or other small items in their doors.

What This Means for the Future of Cars

None of these features require groundbreaking new technology; most already exist in some form. The real challenge is getting manufacturers to recognize their value and make them standard. While some of these ideas may seem small, they reflect a bigger shift: designing cars with everyday usability in mind, not just performance specs or flashy tech.

With the growing demand for thoughtful, practical design, perhaps we’ll start seeing more of these overlooked innovations making their way into the mainstream. Until then, car lovers will keep dreaming of the perfect feature-packed ride.

What features would you love to see in your next car? Let us know!