Drivers are only just realising which cars have ‘hidden’ button to save you time… but it comes with serious risks
DRIVERS are only just realising which cars have a hidden button that can save you time – but comes with a serious risk.
Some models of Mitsubishi, BMW and Volkswagens have the secret switch, as well as some Porsche and Alfa Romeo.
The button in question is launch control – which helps motorists zoom off faster than just putting their foot to the floor.
But, car enthusiasts have warned it can be dangerous.
The button is said to make a car accelerate smoothly and as fast as possible, without sending its wheels spinning.
The likes of BMW M series, certain VWs, Porsche 911, Panamera Turbo, Alfa Romeo with TCT gearbox and certain General Motors products.
Mitsubishi also incorporated launch control into their Twin Clutch SST.
However, drivers who have tested launch mode out have warned it can be hard to handle – and potentially damage your car.
In a forum on DetailingWorld, the enthusiasts discussed how the mode could ruin a gearbox or clutch.
They said it couldn’t be good for a car to be pushed to that level regularly, and questioned if drivers would run into warranty issues if they did.
But others were all for the mode.
One person wrote: “It definitely is much quicker than just planting your foot down.
“I’ve done it twice on mine and it makes my head go funny.”
Another who trialled the mode when they worked for VW said: “It was definitely quicker and certainly a big difference.”
However, they added: “If I owned one, would I do it?
“Yes – but I guarantee I wouldn’t do it many times.”
It’s not unusual for drivers to come across hidden buttons in their cars.
In recent days motorists came across a mode that helps save hundreds on fuel – but has major downsides.
Others recently found a button that turns motors into race cars, but has serious cons.
It comes after another TikToker explained a hidden feature on some cars that make them perfect for summer.