Owning a car comes with more surprises than most drivers realize — and not just the kind you find at the repair shop. One of the most overlooked parts of any vehicle is the trunk.
While it may seem like nothing more than a space to toss groceries, luggage, or weekend gear, your trunk is packed with clever engineering that goes far beyond storage.
This is why today, we are pulling back the curtain on three hidden car trunk features that most people never notice.
From clever drainage systems to adjustable springs and life-saving safety devices, your trunk holds a few secrets that could make a big difference in your driving experience.
Whether you are a longtime car owner or someone new to driving, this list will help you understand your vehicle better, save money, and even prevent potential emergencies. Let’s dive in!
1. The Drain Hole
The problem: You pop open your trunk after a rainy day, or maybe after storing a leaky bucket or cooler, only to find water sloshing around the floor. Panic sets in. Will the carpet mold? Will the metal rust? Is your car permanently damaged?
The solution: Thankfully, most car trunks are designed with a small but powerful feature — a drain hole near the bottom. This feature allows water to flow safely out of the trunk, protecting your vehicle’s interior and preventing long-term damage.
How it works: Look closely near the lowest part of your trunk floor, and you will often find a small rubber plug or a slit designed to let water escape. This allows any collected water to drain away, keeping your trunk dry and your cargo safe.
Why it matters:
- Avoid mold and odors: Trapped water can cause musty smells and unhealthy mold growth.
- Prevent rust and corrosion: Standing water accelerates rust, especially around weld points and the spare tire well.
- Save money on repairs: Interior water damage can lead to costly cleanups or even replacement of trunk liners.
Pro tip: If you notice water in your trunk, remove any cargo, locate the drain hole, and let the water out. Then check for the source — it could be a leaky taillight seal, worn trunk gasket, or that forgotten cooler in the back.
2. The Adjustable Trunk Lid Spring
The problem: Have you ever unlocked your trunk remotely, only to find that it unlatches but does not actually open? You still have to set down your bags and lift the trunk manually — which can be a hassle when your hands are full.
The solution: Hidden behind your trunk lining is a spring tension adjustment system. This feature allows you to modify how much force the trunk spring applies, so you can make your trunk pop open automatically when you press the release button.
How it works:
- Under the trunk lid lining, you will often find a spring hooked into one of several small holes or notches.
- From the factory, most cars are set to the lightest tension (usually the first hole) to avoid too much bounce.
- By moving the spring to the second or third hole, you increase the tension — giving your trunk lid the extra push it needs to pop open on its own.
Why it matters:
- Convenience: Load groceries, sports gear, or tools without juggling bags or fumbling for the trunk handle.
- Customization: Adjust the trunk to suit your needs — lighter for gentle openings, stronger for hands-free convenience.
- Cost-free upgrade: This is one of the few “DIY hacks” on your car that costs nothing and makes a noticeable difference.
Pro tip: Before making adjustments, consult your vehicle manual or ask a trusted mechanic to help. Improper handling can damage the spring or trunk lid.
3. The Emergency Trunk Release
The problem: It is rare, but getting locked inside a trunk is a real danger, particularly for children or in criminal situations.
Older cars lacked a solution, but modern vehicles are equipped with an important safety feature: the emergency trunk release.
The solution: Federal law requires all new cars sold in the United States since 2002 to include an internal trunk release handle. This glow-in-the-dark lever allows anyone trapped inside the trunk to unlock it and escape.
Where to find it:
- Open your trunk and look at the inside of the lid near the latch. You will usually see a handle or loop marked with an icon showing an escaping figure.
- It often glows in the dark, making it easy to locate in low-light conditions.
Why it matters:
- Life-saving potential: In emergencies, this release can save a life.
- Child safety: Kids playing around cars can accidentally lock themselves in — knowing this feature exists is critical.
- Peace of mind: As a driver, you can rest easier knowing your car meets modern safety standards.
Pro tip: Take a moment to educate all family members, especially children, about this feature. Make sure they understand it is for emergencies only and not a toy.
Why Knowing These Features Matters
Cars today are full of thoughtful design details meant to make your life easier, safer, and more comfortable — but they only help if you know they are there. By understanding your trunk’s hidden features, you can:
- Avoid unnecessary repairs by handling water leaks properly
- Upgrade convenience with a simple spring adjustment
- Enhance safety by knowing where to find the emergency release
These small bits of knowledge can transform frustrating moments into easy fixes and might even prevent a dangerous situation. It is just one more way that becoming a more informed car owner pays off.