Key fobs are more than just simple devices to lock and unlock your car. Many modern vehicles come equipped with a range of hidden features accessible right from your key fob, often unbeknownst to the average driver. These tricks can add convenience and ease to your daily driving experience, from quickly cooling down your car on a hot day to maneuvering in tight parking spaces. Let’s explore some of the most useful and often overlooked Key Fob Tricks that can enhance your car ownership.
Instantly Lower All Windows for a Quick Cool Down
One of the most popular and practical hidden key fob tricks is the ability to lower all your car’s windows simultaneously. This is a fantastic feature for quickly airing out a hot vehicle on a summer day before you even get inside. While not always clearly indicated on the key fob itself, activating this function is usually quite simple.
For most vehicles with this capability, the process involves pressing the unlock button once to unlock the driver’s door, and then pressing and holding the unlock button again within a few seconds. Keep holding the button down, and you should see all the windows begin to roll down, and in some cases, even the sunroof will open too. This can make a significant difference in cabin temperature and comfort, especially in warmer climates.
This trick is particularly useful when your car has been sitting in the sun, allowing you to expel hot, stale air before you and your passengers get in. It’s a simple yet effective way to improve comfort and can be much faster than waiting for the air conditioning to cool down the entire car interior from scratch.
Remote Start Your Engine from Afar
Remote engine start is another incredibly convenient feature found on many key fobs. This allows you to start your car’s engine from a distance, enabling you to pre-heat or pre-cool the cabin before you enter. The remote start button on your key fob is often marked with a circular arrow symbol, though the words “remote start” might not be explicitly written.
Typically, activating remote start involves first pressing the lock button on your key fob to ensure the car is locked, followed immediately by pressing the remote start button. Some key fobs require pressing the circular arrow button twice in quick succession, sometimes indicated by a “2x” or “x2” marking. It’s worth checking your owner’s manual to confirm the exact sequence for your specific vehicle model.
Interestingly, some manufacturers hide the remote start function even further. For instance, certain newer BMW models feature a hidden remote start that is activated by pressing the lock button three times rapidly within one second. This discreet implementation keeps the key fob design clean while still offering this valuable feature. Remote start is especially beneficial in extreme weather conditions, allowing you to get your car to a comfortable temperature before you even step inside.
Automatically Fold Side Mirrors for Tight Spots
For those who frequently park in tight urban environments or narrow garages, the automatic mirror folding feature can be a lifesaver. This trick allows you to fold in your car’s side mirrors with the touch of a button on your key fob, reducing the risk of them being clipped or damaged. While some vehicles automatically fold the mirrors upon locking, others require a specific key fob command to activate this function.
On many newer Chevrolet and GMC trucks and SUVs equipped with power folding mirrors, you can activate this feature by pressing and holding the lock button on the key fob for about a full second. You should then see the side mirrors fold inwards, providing extra clearance and protection when parking in confined spaces. Considering the size of modern truck and SUV mirrors, this feature is incredibly practical for city driving and tight parking scenarios.
This key fob trick is particularly useful when navigating crowded city streets, parking in narrow alleyways, or storing your vehicle in a garage with limited space. It can significantly reduce the worry of accidentally damaging your side mirrors and save you from costly repairs.
Summon Your Tesla with a Mini-Car Fob
Tesla vehicles, known for their innovative technology, also have unique key fob tricks. The Tesla Model S and Model X key fobs, shaped like miniature versions of the cars themselves, are packed with hidden functionalities, despite their label-free design. One of the most impressive is the Summon feature, which allows you to move your Tesla remotely in and out of tight parking spots while you stand outside the vehicle.
Before using Summon, you’ll need to enable it through your Tesla’s touchscreen interface. This is a one-time setup process. Once enabled, activating Summon involves pressing the top center button (the “roof” of the mini-car fob) until the hazard lights flash. To move the car forward, press the button on the front of the fob (the “hood” of the mini-car). To stop, press the same button again. Similarly, to move the car backward, press the roof button again until the hazard lights flash, and then press the button on the back of the fob (the “trunk” area of the mini-car).
Tesla Model X owners have another hidden trick: pressing the top of the key fob will close any open doors, including the front doors, falcon wing rear doors, and the liftgate, all at once. The Summon feature and door closing functionalities showcased in Tesla key fobs highlight the advanced integration of technology and convenience in modern vehicles.
The Hidden Mechanical Key for Emergencies
Finally, a less glamorous but critically important key fob trick is the presence of a hidden mechanical key. Many owners of cars with push-button start systems may not realize that a traditional mechanical key is actually concealed within their key fob. This is a crucial backup feature designed for situations where your car battery or key fob battery is dead, or if the key fob malfunctions.
Accessing the mechanical key usually involves locating a small release button or latch on the key fob. Pressing or sliding this release allows you to pull out the physical key. However, the release mechanism can sometimes be discreetly hidden, so you might need to examine your key fob closely.
Once you have the mechanical key, you can use it to manually unlock the driver’s side door. Some cars have a visible key slot on the door handle, while others cleverly conceal it behind the handle itself or under a removable plastic cap. Knowing about this hidden mechanical key and how to access it can be invaluable in emergency situations, ensuring you can always gain entry to your vehicle even without battery power.
These key fob tricks demonstrate that your car key is capable of much more than just locking and unlocking doors. By understanding and utilizing these hidden features, you can unlock a new level of convenience and functionality in your vehicle ownership experience. Take some time to explore your key fob and your car’s owner’s manual – you might be surprised at what other hidden tricks you can discover!
