Ask And You Shall Receive
Cars have come a long way in recent years. Today, they listen, respond, and sometimes surprise you with clever tricks we never knew they were capable of. And, increasingly, voice commands have done away with the hassle of pressing buttons or scrolling through screens, letting you stay focused on what's most. important: the road! All you need to do is just ask. So, here are 20 of the coolest voice commands that make driving smarter.
"Hey Mercedes" Commands You NEED to Know! | Mercedes Benz MBUX by Automotive GURU
1. Change The Cabin Temperature
The safety benefits of hands-free temperature control shine through in today's cars. Kia's system accepts voice commands for climate adjustments, and Google Assistant responds to specific degree requests. You can even direct airflow to your upper body through voice commands.
2. Open Or Close The Sunroof
Hyundai’s latest vehicles feature voice recognition that handles the sunroof with basic prompts. Saying “Open sunroof” or “Close sunroof” gets the job done. Keep in mind, some models limit this function to parked cars, and partial-opening requests aren’t universally compatible.
2019 Cadillac XT5 panoramic moonroof by Cadillac of New Orleans
3. Switch To Sport Driving Mode
The BMW voice command system takes hands-free control to new heights. You can say “Hey BMW, activate Sport mode” for instant performance adjustments. Beyond that, Tesla and other vehicles offer similar voice-activated sport settings, as this functionality enhances safety by keeping eyes on the road.
BMW Driving Modes Explained – ECO Pro, Comfort, Sport, Sport + by BimmerTech
4. Adjust Ambient Lighting Colors
Simple voice commands bring new dimensions to interior lighting. The Mercedes-Benz MBUX responds when you request specific colors, though many vehicles limit selections to preset themes. Additionally, this hands-free control lets drivers customize their cabin's atmosphere safely.
15+ HIDDEN BMW Voice Commands! MUST SEE if YOU have a BMW by BeamerView
5. Activate Massage Seats
Voice control has reached the massage seats in high-end cars. Owners of Mercedes-Benz and BMW can activate soothing massages on the go. But remember that tweaking the settings—like strength or program choice—still demands hands-on adjustments.
Volvo seat controls - controlling seats, lumbar and massage functions by Jebbie Panacheril
6. Navigate To The Nearest Gas Station
Running low on gas becomes less stressful with voice navigation. The car's system automatically plots your route when you say "Navigate to the nearest gas station." This feature works through Google Assistant and many built-in systems, plus it helps locate charging stations for electric vehicles.
Discover Toyota Multimedia - Voice Assistant by Toyota Australia
7. Play Your Favorite Playlist Instantly
Simple voice commands bring your music to life through Google Assistant or Apple CarPlay. Not only can you start your favorite playlist instantly, but you can also browse genres and albums by voice. Even popular services like Spotify and Apple Music work seamlessly with these systems.
8. Turn On Rear Defrost
Modern cars now offer voice-activated rear defrosting capabilities, sparing drivers from reaching for buttons. The system proves particularly useful in winter climates by clearing snow and ice. In Tesla models, the feature also heats exterior mirrors for comprehensive visibility improvement.
9. Appropriately Sync To The Climate
Tesla owners can manage cabin comfort through the "sync climate" voice command. This feature synchronizes temperatures for both front zones, yet allows independent control when needed. It functions throughout the Tesla range, offering convenient dual-zone climate management.
How To Use The Voice Commands In Your Subaru by Adventure Subaru
10. Send A Text While Driving
Subaru's voice system includes preset responses for quick text replies. Through Google Assistant integration, drivers can also dictate new messages hands-free. At the same time, incoming texts are read aloud, plus starting a text only requires saying "Text [contact name]."
How To Use Voice Command on Subaru by Alex Prestigiacomo
11. Call Emergency Services Instantly
Built-in car connectivity enables hands-free emergency calls without reaching for your phone. Tesla and Hyundai drivers can activate this feature through voice commands, while some systems automatically share location details with responders.
Hands Free Help with Google Assistant | Volvo Cars by Volvo Car USA
12. Check Real-Time Traffic Updates
Modern vehicles offer seamless traffic monitoring through voice commands. The system provides real-time updates when you ask, "How's the traffic to work?" Meanwhile, it calculates arrival times based on current conditions. You can even check traffic situations for any destination, not just regular routes.
Activate Real-Time Traffic Information | BMW How-To by BMW USA
13. Check Tire Pressure Levels
Voice commands bring tire maintenance into the future. Drivers can request current pressure readings without taking their eyes off the road, yet Mercedes-Benz MBUX goes further by showing individual PSI values on-screen. The system even sends alerts when tires need attention.
iDrive 8.5 Tire Pressure Monitor Voice Command by The Jim Bowden Experience
14. Control The Navigation On Maps
Your hands belong on the steering wheel during navigation. Hyundai makes this easier through voice-activated map control. One press of the steering wheel switch activates the system, then "Zoom In" or "Zoom Out" commands adjust your view safely.
15. Show The Calendar
Tesla's calendar integration puts your schedule right on the dashboard screen through voice commands. Beyond that, you'll need your connected phone to view the daily agenda, plus your smartphone handles all new event scheduling.
TOP 10 SIRI Apple CarPlay Commands! by Nick O'Leary
16. Turn On Rain-Sensing Wipers
Rain-sensing wipers respond automatically to moisture in most modern vehicles. Tesla takes this technology further by accepting voice commands like "Set wipers to auto," while also allowing drivers to fine-tune speeds directly. Subsequently, commands such as "Wipers medium fast" provide precise control.
Rain-sensing windshield wipers by Toyota Canada
17. Switch Between User Profiles
The convenience of voice-activated profile switching transforms daily drives. A simple command triggers automatic adjustments to mirrors, seat position, and climate settings. Subsequently, each driver enjoys their preferred setup, though some entertainment preferences require manual changes.
User Profiles | Genesis GV70 | How-To | Genesis USA by Genesis USA
18. Activate Dog Mode
Your Tesla becomes a safe haven for pets through a simple voice command. Once activated, Dog Mode maintains comfortable cabin temperatures during your absence, plus displays a message on screen to inform others that your pet is protected in the climate-controlled environment.
Tesla Dog Mode in Model Y (featuring Bodhi) by EV Unite
19. Fold Side Mirrors
Side mirrors on select vehicles now respond to voice instructions, offering drivers extra protection in tight spaces. Usually, owners can choose between voice commands, manual adjustments, or touchscreen controls. Plus, some brands’ drivers enjoy similar hands-free convenience.
How To: Disable Auto-Tilt Mirrors in Under a Minute! by Kia Hyundai Channel
20. Turn On The Seat Ventilation
Hot days feel more bearable with ventilated seats, a feature that elevates driving comfort. In Teslas, cooling fans respond instantly to a voice command. Adjusting intensity, however, still calls for manual input, ensuring both convenience and control.
