Modern car keys: More than just unlocking your doors

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.

A very useful feature on hot summer days is the option to cool the car's interior quickly when parked in the sun. Hold 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.

Have you lost your car in a large parking lot? 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.

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 passersby.

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 trunk. Furthermore, this protects against thieves exploiting weak points in the keyless system.

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

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