The 'hidden' safety feature in your car most people won't know about may save your life

A motoring expert has revealed a little-known safety secret found in every petrol, diesel and electric vehicle in the UK, with drivers likely unaware of the easy hack. Experts at TikTok channel Capturing Cars revealed that car headrests have a very special extra function which could prove vital in an emergency.

Road users are likely unaware that car headrests are designed to be pulled off altogether, with metal spikes at the end likely to prove helpful when trying to escape a vehicle. Specialists claim that motorists can use these metal rods to smash windows or windscreens if they are trapped or sinking. The tip was shared on social media earlier this week with hundreds of motorists reacting to the clip.

Speaking on TikTok, an expert on Capturing Cars said: “Did you know that the headrests in your car are designed to save your life in multiple ways but one in particular that you probably don't know about.”

They added: “In the event of being stuck in the car after a collision, if you're unlucky enough that your car is submerged in water or on fire, you can use these metal rods to smash the window on the car. The other thing these can be used for is as a lever to open doors and wedge to keep doors and windows open when necessary. As I say, the main reason, especially when they have a spike on, is to smash a window on your car.

“There might just be an occasion where you’ll need to smash your way out of a car and the sharp end on these metal rods will do a much better job than kicking the widow with your foot. The amount of pressure you can apply over a small area is how you’re going to smash a window.”

Car headrests are more than just an escape tool with the design also likely to save road users life in the event of a hefty shunt. Experts stressed that road users were at risk of picking up serious neck injuries if headrests were not properly used.

The expert added: “As most people will already be aware, the headrests or head restraints in cars are there for two reasons, one to rest your head on, the main reason when we are talking about safety is to help prevent or lessen whiplash.

“If you are hit from the back, your head will come forwards and when it comes back that is essentially causing whiplash. The headrest is there to stop your head going back too far to lessen the effect of whiplash. In some cars, the headrest is designed to come forward to meet your head to lessen the gap.”