A car information handle is a grip mounted on the interior of your vehicle that gives you something to hold onto when you enter, exit, or brace yourself during driving

You've probably grabbed one without thinking about it — that handle above the door, on the dashboard, or on the seat frame. It's there to steady you as you climb in or out of the car, especially if you're older, have limited mobility, or are carrying something awkward. The handle also gives you something to grip if the car stops suddenly or turns sharply, which is why some people call them "oh sh*t handles" or "Jesus handles," though the formal name is an information handle or grab handle.

Most modern cars come with at least one information handle as standard equipment. Where it's placed, how many there are, and what material it's made from varies by vehicle type and manufacturer. Understanding what these handles do and where to find them in your car can help you use them safely and know when one might need repair.

Key Takeaways

  • information handles are grab bars built into your car's interior to help you enter and exit safely and to brace yourself while driving.
  • Most cars have at least one handle above the door on the driver's side, and many have additional handles on the passenger side, rear doors, and dashboard.
  • Handles are usually made of plastic or metal and are bolted directly to the vehicle's frame or door structure.
  • A loose or broken handle should be tightened or replaced, as a failing handle can't support your weight in a fall or sudden stop.

Where information handles are located in a typical car

The most common location is above the door on the inside of the vehicle. On the driver's side, this handle sits between the door frame and the roof, positioned so you can grab it as you're stepping out. On the passenger side, there's usually an identical handle in the same spot. Many vehicles also have a handle on the dashboard, usually on the passenger side near the glove compartment, which passengers use to steady themselves during turns or hard braking.

Larger vehicles like SUVs and minivans often have additional handles. You might find one on the B-pillar (the vertical support between the front and rear doors) or on the C-pillar (the support behind the rear doors). Some vehicles have handles mounted on the seat frames or on the interior roof rails. Pickup trucks sometimes have handles on the inside of the cab near the rear window. The exact number and placement depend on the vehicle's size, design, and the manufacturer's safety standards.

What information handles are made of and how they're attached

Most information handles are made of either plastic or metal — usually aluminum or steel. Plastic handles are lighter and less expensive to manufacture, while metal handles are more durable and can support more weight. The material choice often depends on the vehicle's price point and intended use. A luxury sedan might have leather-wrapped metal handles, while an economy car might have straightforward plastic ones.

Handles are bolted directly to the vehicle's structural frame or door panel, not glued or welded on. This means they can be removed and replaced if they break or wear out. The bolts are usually hidden under a plastic cap or trim piece to keep the interior looking clean. If a handle is loose, it's almost always because the bolts have come undone over time, not because the attachment point has failed.

Why information handles matter for safety and accessibility

For older adults, people with arthritis or balance problems, and anyone with reduced strength or mobility, an information handle can be the difference between getting in and out of a car safely and falling. A fall while entering or exiting a vehicle can cause serious injury — broken bones, head trauma, or soft tissue damage. The handle gives you a stable point to hold onto while you're in an awkward position, one foot in the car and one foot on the ground.

During driving, information handles serve a different purpose: they give passengers something to grip if the car brakes suddenly or takes a sharp turn. This reduces the risk of passengers sliding across seats or hitting the interior of the vehicle. For this reason, information handles are considered a safety feature by vehicle manufacturers and are included in most modern cars as standard equipment.

Signs that an information handle needs repair or replacement

A handle that's loose or wobbly is the most obvious sign of a problem. If you grab it and it moves or flexes, the bolts holding it to the frame have likely loosened. You can usually tighten these yourself with a wrench or socket set if you can access the bolts, though on some vehicles the bolts are hidden behind trim that requires removal.

Cracks in a plastic handle, a bent metal handle, or a handle that's pulling away from the mounting point are signs that the handle itself has failed and needs replacement. If the handle is cracked but still firmly attached, it may still be safe to use, but a bent or severely damaged handle should not be relied on for support. If you're unsure whether a handle is safe, don't use it — use a different grab point or ask someone to information you instead.

How to check and maintain your information handles

Check your handles periodically by grabbing each one firmly and trying to move it. It should not flex, wobble, or make noise. If it does, the bolts need tightening. Look for visible cracks, bending, or separation from the mounting point. If the handle is wrapped in leather or fabric, check that the covering isn't peeling away, as this can make the handle harder to grip.

If you find a loose handle, you can tighten it yourself if you have access to the bolts. Many handles have bolts that are accessible from inside the vehicle, hidden under a plastic cap. Remove the cap, use the appropriate wrench or socket to tighten the bolts, and replace the cap. If the bolts are not accessible or if tightening doesn't solve the problem, take your vehicle to a mechanic or dealership for repair. Replacement handles are inexpensive — usually between $50 and $200 depending on the vehicle — and installation typically takes less than an hour.

Aftermarket information handles and when you might add one

If your vehicle didn't come with an information handle in a location where you need one, or if you want an additional handle for safety reasons, aftermarket handles are available. These are handles made by companies other than the vehicle manufacturer and are designed to bolt onto existing vehicles. Common aftermarket options include door-mounted handles for vehicles that lack them, roof-mounted handles for easier entry and exit, and handles designed specifically for people with mobility challenges.

Aftermarket handles range from $30 to $150 depending on the type and quality. Installation usually requires drilling holes in the vehicle's frame or door, so this is a job best left to a mechanic unless you're comfortable with that level of work. Before purchasing an aftermarket handle, make sure it's compatible with your vehicle's year, make, and model, and check reviews to confirm it's sturdy enough for your needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use an information handle if I'm overweight or have limited upper body strength?

information handles are designed to help you balance and steady yourself, not to support your full weight. If you have limited upper body strength or mobility, use the handle to guide yourself in and out of the car, but also use your legs to push yourself up or lower yourself down. If you need more support, ask someone to help you, or consider a vehicle with a higher seat or a mobility aid designed for vehicle entry.

What's the difference between an information handle and a grab handle?

The terms are used interchangeably. Both refer to the same thing — a grip mounted inside the vehicle for safety and stability. Some people use "grab handle" more often for handles on doors, and "information handle" for handles on the dashboard or seat frame, but there's no official distinction.

Do all cars have information handles?

Most modern cars have at least one information handle as standard equipment, usually above the door on the driver's side. However, some older vehicles or very basic economy models may not have them. If your vehicle doesn't have one and you need one, an aftermarket handle can be installed by a mechanic.

Is it safe to pull yourself up using an information handle?

information handles are designed to help you balance, not to support your full weight as you pull yourself up. Use the handle to steady yourself while you use your legs to lift your body. If you try to pull yourself up using only your arms and the handle, you risk damaging the handle or losing your grip and falling.

How much weight can an information handle support?

This varies by vehicle and handle type. Most factory-installed handles are tested to support at least 250 to 300 pounds, but they're not designed to be used as a primary support — they're meant to help you balance. If you need a handle that can support more weight, talk to a mechanic about heavy-duty aftermarket options designed for people with mobility challenges.