The Chevy Traverse is packed with hidden features that can make your daily drives more comfortable, safer, and even a bit more fun.
Find hidden storage spots, use smart tech for tough roads, and learn new ways to make the most of your Traverse. This guide shares tips and tricks to help you unlock its full potential.
Get ready to enjoy every drive with these practical and surprising features.
1. Navigation Features for Off-Road Trips
Your car’s navigation system, when used with Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, offers some useful options for off-road driving.
Before heading out of cell service range, download offline maps through Google Maps or Apple Maps on your phone to keep your route available at all times.
In Android Auto, turning on satellite view on Google Maps through the touchscreen gives a more detailed look at the landscape.
This feature helps to spot landmarks and paths, adding more control over your route. Custom waypoints in these apps can also be set to mark scenic views or key stops, making the trip more planned and organized.
These tools, combined with real-time traffic updates available with a data plan, provide a helpful approach to tackling both rough roads and scenic routes.
2. Monitoring Your Car's Systems
The diagnostic tools in your Traverse allow for proactive monitoring of vital systems.
Access the basic menu by connecting an OBD-II scanner, which can pair with apps to display real-time data like battery voltage, engine performance, and fuel efficiency.
This is handy after replacing a sensor or battery, as it helps reset codes and identify issues early.
Setting custom alerts for parameters like fuel mix or battery health helps spot issues before they worsen, providing a more hands-on way to manage your vehicle's maintenance and performance.
If you've noticed your Chevy Traverse's AC working intermittently, it's important to understand the possible causes and steps you can take to fix it.
3. Teen Driver Mode for Safe Driving
Teen Driver Mode is a valuable tool for both young drivers and their parents, helping promote safer driving habits and providing peace of mind.
To set it up, create a PIN in the infotainment system and assign a key fob to activate the mode. This feature allows setting speed alerts, limiting audio volume, and muting audio until seat belts are fastened.
The Driver Report Card feature tracks metrics like maximum speed and distance driven. Reviewing this data together can encourage constructive conversations about driving habits, making it a useful learning tool.
Additionally, all safety features, such as Forward Collision Alert and Lane Keep Assist, are automatically enabled, creating a safer driving environment.
This mode helps new drivers develop responsible driving practices and provides parents with a way to monitor their progress.
4. Rear Camera Mirror Benefits
The Rear Camera Mirror provides better visibility and safety with a wider, clearer view, which is especially useful when parking in tight spots or backing out of busy driveways.
Adjust the angle and brightness with the toggles at the bottom to suit various lighting conditions like nighttime or glare. Switching between the standard mirror and camera display is simple with the lever below the mirror.
Keeping the camera lens clean with a soft cloth is essential, and making it a part of a weekly routine helps maintain clear visibility, especially in challenging weather.
When towing, the camera’s expanded view helps to see around trailers or bike racks better, enhancing safety and convenience. Paired with Rear Cross Traffic Alert, it provides comprehensive rear coverage for safer daily driving.
5. Maximizing Your 4G LTE Wi-Fi Hotspot
The 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot keeps everyone connected on long drives and supports up to seven devices.
Managing connected devices via the myChevrolet app or infotainment system helps maintain speeds and stability. Setting a custom network name and password adds security to your hotspot.
While the hotspot itself doesn't handle vehicle system updates, connecting your car to a home Wi-Fi network allows for software updates.
If you have multiple GM vehicles, a single data plan can cover all of them, making connectivity simpler and more cost-effective.
6. Adaptive Cruise Control Features
Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) in your car helps manage speed and maintain a safe distance from the vehicle ahead, making long drives more comfortable.
You can adjust the following distance using the steering wheel controls to match traffic conditions.
ACC works in tandem with Lane Keep Assist and Forward Collision Alert, smoothly adjusting speed to keep you centered and safe.
For more precise control on steep downhill roads, consider manually downshifting while ACC is active to help manage speed without solely relying on the brakes.
7. Hill Descent Control for Slopes
Hill Descent Control (HDC) in the Chevy Traverse helps manage speed on steep or slippery slopes by automatically applying the brakes to maintain a steady descent.
To activate HDC, press the HDC button while the vehicle is in "L" mode, keeping the speed under 31 mph.
This feature allows the vehicle to handle braking, making it easier to control the descent without constant input. It is particularly useful on gravel or snow-covered roads, providing a safer and more controlled downhill experience.
Knowing how much you can tow with a Chevy Traverse helps you plan safe trips, especially on steep terrains using Hill Descent Control.
8. Hidden Storage Options
The Chevy Traverse offers practical hidden storage solutions to keep your belongings secure and accessible. The under-floor compartment in the cargo area can be customized with aftermarket organizers to fit your needs.
There is also a small storage space beneath the rear cargo floor, ideal for tools or valuables. The Smart Slide second-row seats provide additional storage underneath, perfect for items like tablets or snacks.
Additionally, a waterproof plastic tray located above the spare tire in the enclosed cargo area offers extra space for various items while keeping the spare tire protected from rust.
9. Customizing Driver Alerts
Customizable driver alerts help create a more responsive and comfortable driving experience.
Adjusting the Forward Collision Alert distance—"Far," "Medium," or "Near"—is especially useful in heavy traffic to give more reaction time. The Safety Alert Seat combines vibrations with audio alerts, making it effective in noisy conditions.
Park Assist Alerts can be fine-tuned or turned off in busy spots like drive-thrus to reduce distractions. Regularly reviewing these settings, especially with multiple drivers, helps the car adapt to different needs and driving environments.
10. Managing Auto Stop/Start for Better Fuel Efficiency
Auto Stop/Start improves fuel efficiency by turning off the engine when the vehicle is stationary, which is especially useful in city traffic.
You can temporarily disable this feature in heavy stop-and-go situations using the dedicated button or by selecting "Tow/Haul" mode, depending on your vehicle's settings.
Regularly checking the battery's health is important, as the system relies on a strong charge to function properly. When using remote start, the engine stays on, which maintains cabin temperature for comfort.
Interestingly, some vehicles have an Auto Stop/Start feature that can be disabled each time you start the engine by default, providing convenience for those who prefer not to use it.
11. Hands-Free Liftgate Tips
The hands-free liftgate makes it easier to access the cargo area when your hands are full or in poor weather.
You can set the liftgate's opening height by holding the close button until it beeps, which is useful in areas with low ceilings, like garages. Practicing the kick motion under the rear bumper improves activation consistency.
The liftgate can also be operated remotely with the key fob, which is helpful in muddy or snowy conditions. Sensors built into the liftgate stop it from closing if an obstruction is detected, adding a layer of safety.
Learn the steps to put a tailgate back on a Chevy to ensure it functions properly and securely, especially when relying on features like the hands-free liftgate.
12. Key Fob Tips for Everyday Use
Make daily tasks easier with practical key fob functions. Use remote start to pre-condition the cabin temperature, which is great for extreme weather—just set the climate settings before shutting off the engine.
Adjust the door unlock settings to open all doors with one press, which is ideal for quickly letting passengers in. You can also roll down all windows by holding the unlock button, providing quick ventilation on hot days.
Linking memory seats and mirrors to the key fob allows automatic adjustments when different drivers use the car. Additionally, the panic button can help locate your car in a crowded area or serve as a safety alert.
For added convenience, some models allow the key fob to fold in mirrors or turn on interior lights from a distance.
13. Customizing Interior Lighting
Interior lighting in your car can be adjusted to suit different driving conditions, enhancing both visibility and comfort.
The "Interior Lighting" menu in the infotainment system allows you to adjust the brightness, which can be useful for reducing glare during night drives or increasing visibility when parked or driving during the day.
Additionally, you can select specific lighting zones to dim or brighten, such as the footwells or door panels, for a more personalized interior atmosphere.
Keeping the brightness at optimal levels helps create a pleasant driving experience, whether you’re on a night drive or need more light to get in and out of the car.
14. Rear Seat Reminder & Safety Tips
The Rear Seat Reminder feature provides an alert when the car is turned off if the rear doors were opened before driving.
This reminder is useful not just for safety—like avoiding leaving children or pets behind—but also for remembering items like bags or groceries.
To keep track of important belongings, consider using smart tags like Tile or AirTag that can send alerts to your phone if you leave them behind, adding another layer of security and convenience to your daily routine.
15. Choosing the Right Drive Mode
Using the right drive mode can help adapt your vehicle’s performance to different conditions. AWD mode provides better traction on wet or uneven surfaces by sending power to all wheels.
Off-road mode adjusts the vehicle’s response for challenging terrains like dirt paths, offering improved handling. Snow mode helps maintain control on icy or snowy roads by adjusting throttle and stability settings.
For better grip in certain conditions, consider slightly lowering tire pressure and check it regularly to keep it optimized for safe driving.
It's important to know if you can use Snow Mode on the highway to maintain optimal performance and safety during winter driving conditions.
Make the Most of Your Traverse
These hidden features and tips can bring out the best in your Chevy Traverse. From boosting safety with customized driver alerts to the convenience of a hands-free liftgate, each feature adds practical value to your drives.
Whether you're setting the interior lighting for a better ambiance or finding Easter eggs that add a bit of fun, these insights help tailor the vehicle to your preferences. Try these options to make your drives more tailored and efficient.