If you’re anything like me, you’ll be well-versed in skipping right over the instruction manual whenever you get something new.

I don’t use the term ‘instruction manual’ literally in that sentence, by the way, but rather as a tool to convey my disdain for actually figuring out exactly what every button or gadget does on any given instrument I may have purchased.

Espresso machines, dish washers, mobile phones… the list goes on. Even cars. Especially cars, apparently. There I was minding my own business this morning, when I stumbled upon a TikTok video by @huyameishuoche showing you all manner of nifty tricks to be found in your vehicle, quite simply at the push of a button.

Impressed as I was, there was one hack that I genuinely took seriously, one that has the undoubted potential to save lives. I didn’t know about it, so I’m guessing there are others out there who are in the same boat.

It’s with that in mind that I decided to share the information. Who knows, maybe you’ll end up in a situation in the future where it might save your life, though I sincerely hope the occasion never arises.

Now, the scenario in question revolves around you being trapped in your car – take, for example, if it’s submerged in water and you can’t get the doors open. A truly terrifying picture to paint in your mind, I know, which is why it’s crucial to know what to do.

That’s where TikToker @huyameishuoche’s trick comes in.

She first instructs you to push the backseat down so that you can access the trunk area of the car (we’ll add here that we’re not against you just clambering over the seats like your life depends on it if you lack the finesse to stay calm).

In the trunk of the car, actually on the trunk door, you should find a “small black mechanism”. This, she terms, is the “life-saving switch”, and with just one click the trunk will swing up and open, thus allowing you to escape the car.

Needless to say, there are all manner of buttons and signals in my car that I’ve never dared to press, never thought to investigate. This one, though, seems like it’s worth the time to at least become familiar with.

Check to see if your car has one, especially if you live or regularly drive by a body of water.

Let us know your findings in the comments box.