What is the handle above the car called?

[TimothyLynn]

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.

[LaDamian]

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.

[VonAdaline]

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.

[AdelynDella]

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.

[StAsher]

Taking my kid out made me realize how important the overhead handle is! When the baby's car seat is on the left side, I always open the door with my right hand and grab the handle with my left for support when lifting him in and out. Now, new energy vehicles are designed more thoughtfully. For example, the BYD Dolphin has rear armrests with hooks for shopping bags, and the XPeng P7 uses hidden hooks to save space. Once, while picking up my child during a heavy rainstorm, a strong wind nearly blew my umbrella away when I opened the car door—I managed to steady myself by holding onto the handle. Here are three tips for moms when choosing a car: the handle material should be anti-slip, it should be at least 40 cm from the roof for easy gripping, and if the car has child locks, remember to check the handle's load-bearing strength.

[MariaMarie]

The roof handle belongs to the vehicle's passive safety system. Our laboratory has conducted a 150kg static pull test. Though structurally simple, it involves engineering mechanics design: the angle must avoid the side airbag deployment zone, and the stroke needs to accommodate grip radii for different heights. Recent teardowns revealed Tesla uses magnesium alloy brackets for 40% weight reduction, while NIO ES6 even integrates an emergency call microphone. Its most common daily function is alleviating motion sickness—passengers gripping it can reduce vestibular system imbalance. Avoid using corrosive cleaners on rubber sleeves during car washes, as plastic component aging may affect load-bearing coefficients after 5 years.