5 Unknown Uses for Your Key Fob

Your key fob’s job is to lock and unlock your vehicle, right? Well in this article we explore a few other uses you may not be aware of for this handle tool.

What is a key fob, anyway?

A key fob is a small remote device that allows you to control a keyless system. With a key fob, you don’t need an actual key to get into your car. The fob uses radio frequencies to communicate with your car and control it.

Turns out, there’s a lot you can do with this convenient piece of technology. Here are a few uses for your key fob that you may not have known before—try them out for yourself.

Fold in your mirrors with your key fob

If you’ve maneuvered your car into a tight parking space, your key fob can help make sure your side-view mirrors don’t get knocked off when someone else is squeezing by. For cars that don’t do this automatically when they lock, try holding the key fob lock button for ten seconds. Consumer Reports says this feature tends to be available on newer Chevrolet and GMC pickup trucks. Here are some other weird car features you may not have known you have.

Use your fob to lower your windows

Did you know you can also use your key fob to catch a breeze? HuffPost reports the key fob for many cars now can roll down all windows at once. Try pressing your unlock button twice, holding down the second time until all windows are open. Speaking of car windows—have you ever wondered why they have those black dots on them?

Unlock your trunk with your fob

In older cars, you may have had to use a mechanical key to get back in the trunk, but now many newer models have key fobs that allow you to open your back hatch with just the click of a button. Nervous about locking your keys in your car? Here’s how to unlock a car door without your keys (just in case). If you tend to lose your keys, this key finder can help you find them!

Use your fob to stay safe at night

The key fob of almost every car has a “panic” button which will set off your emergency alert systems, helping you find your vehicle in the most crowded parking garage. But if the garage is deserted, setting off this feature can also help ward off would-be criminals, says RepairPal. Here are some new car safety features no vehicle should be without.

Adjust your seat with your fob

Sharing your car with a gentle giant or someone whose legs just don’t have the same reach as yours? GMC offers some models that allow you to set a “memory” of where you like your seat. Each key fob is assigned a different number, so when you get in the car, it knows who’s driving. From there, you can set your seat preference and go.

While some of these uses are only available in some models, they will still be fun to try out. We hope you enjoy using your key fob for a few other uses other than just unlocking your car.