What is the handle above the car called?
4 Answers
The handles above the driver's seat and front passenger seat are called roof front handles (left) and roof front handles (right) respectively. Here are the functions of other commonly used features in the car: Multi-function steering wheel: The main function of the multi-function steering wheel is to control phone calls, switch music, activate cruise control and other functions without having to look at the central DVD. The round button in the center of the DVD on the central control panel is the DVD switch, which can turn the DVD on and off. Display screen: The display screen in the instrument panel can show whether the car doors are open, the tire pressure of the four tires, set the time, adjust maintenance information, set the vehicle speed limit and other functions. The USB port on the central control panel supports music playback in MP3 format. The car power socket on the right can be used to charge other external power supplies.
The official name for that roof handle is the interior assist grip, with its technical term being door assist handle. I once examined it in a friend's new car and found it serves several key purposes: stabilizing your body during bumpy rides, assisting elderly passengers in the backseat when entering/exiting, and even serving as a lifesaver in emergencies. Many vehicles design it as a load-bearing structure—with enough force, you could actually break the door latch for mechanical escape. Automakers are paying increasing attention to such details nowadays. For instance, BMW’s version features damped rebound, Lexus lines theirs with alcantara to prevent slipping, while domestic models like the Geely Xingrui even incorporate hidden hooks. Though it may seem redundant in daily use, this feature becomes a critical escape route when doors deform during accidents.
We seasoned drivers often call it the 'life-saving handle.' Back in the day when driving trucks, this thing saved lives. Its structure consists of an anchor point fixed to the vehicle frame, with a plastic casing covering a metal hook. Its daily primary function is to prevent passengers from bumping—elders can grab it during turns for stability. Its true value shines in rescue scenarios: if the vehicle submerges or rolls over, occupants can kick the window while pulling on the handle for leverage to climb out. Modern cars, like Volvo, offer more thoughtful designs—some handles hide window breakers, while certain electric vehicles even feature an SOS button inside the handle. It's recommended to check the fixing screws for looseness during annual maintenance.
The official name for this handle is the sun visor assist grip, and the design in new cars these days is quite sophisticated. Last week, while accompanying my sister to look at cars, I noticed that the Volkswagen ID series has replaced it with a foldable hook for hanging milk tea, while Li Auto has designed it into a storage slot that can hold a tissue box. The traditional functions haven't been lost either: pulling on it during sudden braking can help cushion inertia, and during heavy rain, pushing the door open relies on it for leverage. Luxury brands take it even further—a friend's Mercedes-Benz E-Class comes with an assist grip featuring ambient lighting, and the Land Rover Discovery's can even be detached to serve as a simple tool. But when it comes to practicality, Japanese cars take the lead. For example, the second-row assist grip in the Honda Odyssey features three-angle adjustments, making it especially effortless for elderly passengers to get in by holding onto it.
