AutosModern car keys: More than just unlocking your vehicle

Modern car keys: More than just unlocking your vehicle

Toyota key
Toyota key
Images source: © Autokult | Marcin Łobodziński
Mateusz LubczańskiAleksander Ruciński

21 August 2024 13:03

The traditional key with a blade inserted into the ignition is becoming a thing of the past. Modern technology offers much more than just access to the car without using a remote. These small devices have much greater capabilities.

Opening/closing all windows

A very useful feature on hot summer days is the option to cool the car's interior quickly when parked in the sun. Simply hold down the door unlock button, and all the windows will automatically open, ventilating the cabin. Similarly, holding the door lock button ensures that everything is securely closed.

Locating your car in a car park

Have you lost your car in a large car park? The button combinations may vary depending on the model, but usually, simply holding one of them will cause the car to signal its position with the horn.

Alarm mode

This is an interesting but not always available feature. In case of trouble, the key can activate the car alarm, which will certainly attract the attention of passers-by.

Disabling the keyless system

This is a particularly intriguing solution. For example, in Mercedes models, pressing the vehicle lock button twice disables the keyless system. As a result, the car won't react to something like an animal running under the bumper, which would usually open the boot. Furthermore, this protects against thieves exploiting weak points in the keyless system.

Blade

Even modern cars can malfunction. This is why currently used keys contain a hidden blade, allowing you to open the car in the event of a key battery failure.

Moving the car

This feature is characteristic of BMW and Hyundai hybrid cars. Thanks to the electric motor, the vehicle can move forward and backwards. It can be useful in tight parking spaces, although, in practice, it is rather an unnecessary addition.

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