Many drivers notice small raised plastic tabs between the cup holders in their car without realizing that they may have a practical purpose. At first glance, the narrow gap can look like a decorative feature or simply part of the center-console design. However, in many vehicles, these two raised supports are actually designed to help hold a smartphone.

The bottom edge of a phone can be placed into the narrow opening between the supports, allowing the device to stand upright rather than lying loose inside the car. This can provide a convenient place to keep your phone while parked and prevent it from taking up space on the passenger seat, dashboard, or inside a cup holder.

The feature can be especially useful when both cup holders are needed for drinks. Instead of giving up one cup holder to store your phone, you can use the small slot between the supports while keeping both holders available. However, the size of the opening varies between vehicles, so thicker phones or protective cases may not fit properly.

Many people never discover this feature because the supports blend into the surrounding console and do not look like traditional phone holders. The next time you notice those small tabs between your cup holders, take a closer look. What appears to be an unnecessary piece of plastic may actually be a simple built-in solution for keeping your phone upright and conveniently within reach.