Key fobs have become an indispensable part of modern car ownership. We rely on them daily to lock, unlock, and even start our vehicles, often without giving a second thought to the technology packed within these small devices. But beyond the commonly known functions, your key fob holds a surprising number of hidden features designed to enhance convenience and provide crucial backup in unexpected situations. And importantly, nestled within nearly every key fob is a traditional, mechanical key. But What Is The Key In The Key Fob For? This article will delve into the purpose of this often-overlooked component and explore other hidden functionalities your key fob might be concealing, ensuring you’re equipped to utilize your car’s remote to its full potential.
The Mechanical Key: Your Backup Plan
While keyless entry and ignition systems offer unparalleled convenience, they are not without their vulnerabilities. Electronic systems can fail due to a dead car battery, a depleted key fob battery, or even electronic malfunctions. This is where the mechanical key, discreetly housed inside your key fob, becomes your lifeline.
The primary purpose of the mechanical key is to provide emergency access to your vehicle when the electronic functions are unavailable. It allows you to manually unlock the driver’s side door, regardless of whether the car or key fob battery is dead. This ensures you are never locked out of your car due to electronic failures.
Accessing this key is usually straightforward, though not always immediately obvious. Typically, there’s a small button or release catch on the key fob. Pressing or sliding this release allows you to pull out the mechanical key. Once removed, you’ll find a traditional key blade that can be inserted into the door lock cylinder.
While some vehicles have clearly visible key slots on the door handle, others cleverly conceal them. In some cases, the key slot is hidden behind the door handle itself, revealed when you pull the handle outwards. Other models require you to remove a small plastic cap located next to the door handle to expose the underlying key cylinder. Consulting your owner’s manual is the best way to familiarize yourself with the exact location and access method for your vehicle’s mechanical key slot.
Unlocking Hidden Features Beyond the Basics
Beyond the essential mechanical key, modern key fobs are often equipped with a range of hidden features that many drivers are unaware of. These functions vary by manufacturer and model, but some common and incredibly useful features are frequently incorporated.
Instant Window Lowering: Cool Down Your Car Remotely
Imagine approaching your car on a scorching summer day, and with a simple press of a button on your key fob, all the windows roll down simultaneously, instantly ventilating the hot air trapped inside. This feature, while not always explicitly labeled, is available on many vehicles and is a game-changer for comfort in hot climates.
Typically activated by pressing the unlock button once, and then pressing and holding it a second time, this function allows you to lower all windows and sometimes even open the sunroof from a distance. The specific button sequence might vary slightly between car brands, so experimenting with your key fob or checking your vehicle’s manual is recommended to confirm if this feature is available and how to activate it.
Remote Engine Start: Pre-Condition Your Cabin
Another highly desirable hidden feature is remote engine start. Especially beneficial in extreme temperatures, remote start allows you to start your car’s engine from afar, enabling the climate control system to begin heating or cooling the cabin before you even get inside.
The remote start button is often symbolized by a circular arrow icon on the key fob. Activation usually involves first pressing the lock button followed by pressing the remote start button. Some systems may require pressing the remote start button twice in quick succession. BMW, for example, has a particularly concealed remote start where pressing the lock button three times rapidly activates the engine start.
Automatic Mirror Folding: Protect Your Side Mirrors
For those living in urban environments or frequently parking in narrow spaces, the automatic mirror folding feature is incredibly practical. This function automatically folds in the side mirrors, reducing the risk of damage from passing traffic or tight parking spots.
In some vehicles, mirror folding is automatically linked to the door locking process. In others, it’s an optional feature activated by a specific button sequence. For Chevrolet and GMC pickup trucks with this feature, holding the lock button on the key fob for a second will typically fold the mirrors inwards.
Vehicle Summon: Tesla’s Futuristic Feature
Tesla vehicles, known for their innovative technology, take key fob functionality a step further with features like “Summon.” Available on models like the Model S and Model X, Summon allows you to remotely move the car forward or backward in tight parking situations while you stand outside the vehicle.
Tesla’s key fobs, designed to resemble miniature cars, have no labels, making these hidden features even more intriguing. Activating Summon involves pressing the top of the key fob until the hazard lights flash, then using buttons on the front or back of the fob to move the car accordingly. Tesla Model X key fobs also possess the ability to close all open doors and the liftgate with a press of the top button.
Conclusion: Master Your Key Fob
Your key fob is more than just a remote to lock and unlock your doors. It’s a sophisticated device packed with features designed to enhance your driving experience and provide essential backup in emergencies. Understanding what the key in the key fob is for – emergency mechanical access – is crucial for every car owner. Beyond that, exploring the hidden features like remote window lowering, remote start, mirror folding, and even advanced functions like Tesla’s Summon can unlock a new level of convenience and control over your vehicle. Take the time to investigate your key fob and your vehicle’s manual to discover the full range of capabilities at your fingertips.
