4 Things You Never Knew You Could Do With Your Key Fob

Laser cut keys and key fobs are standard accessories that come with vehicles these days. Even if you don't have a key fob, you can buy one from just about anywhere and program it to your vehicle as long as you have automatic locks. Everyone knows that a key fob is a remote that allows them to lock and unlock their vehicle. What most people don't realize is that a key fob can do even more than that.

Unlock multiple vehicles

If you're a two (or more) car household, you probably want each adult to have keys for all of the vehicles. It comes in handy if you drive different vehicles often, or just need to switch cars from time to time. It's much easier if you have remote entry for every vehicle you drive, but no one wants a bulky keychain with several key fobs. You can program your key fob to unlock multiple vehicles. The only downside is they have to be the same make. Luckily, they don't have to be the same model. If your household has more than one Ford, Jeep, or something else, you can program them all. This video demonstrates the process of pairing multiple vehicles to one key fob.

Roll your windows up & down

You're in your house and a rain storm comes out of nowhere. It happens often in many states across the country. If you left your windows down, then you have to run out into the storm and roll them back up. Maybe on a hot summer day, you decide to air out your vehicle before getting in, but you're too busy to walk outside to roll the windows down. Both these issues can be avoided by using your key fob. Most people don't realize that rolling their windows up and down with a key fob is even something they can do. Some convertible owners can even close their automatic top with their key fob.  According to a poll done by CNET, various models from 21 different car makers are confirmed to work. These include popular makes such as:

  • Dodge
  • Ford
  • Chevrolet
  • Honda
  • Dodge
  • Nissan

If your vehicle isn't listed, that doesn't mean it won't work. CNET, with the help of Reddit, is still trying to compile a list of vehicles based on what users confirm online. If this works with your vehicle, you'll be able to find the instructions in your manual.

Fold in your mirrors

While you may not be able to think of a reason why you'd even need to remotely fold in your mirrors, you never know why or when it would come in handy. Maybe you see a vehicle trying to squeeze past your parked car and it's about to take off your side mirror. You can save yourself some expensive repairs by quickly pulling out your key fob and folding your mirrors in. It doesn't work on all vehicles, but it may work on yours. Here is a demonstration of someone folding the side mirrors in and out on a BMW E90. However, it may work on you vehicle. Hold down the lock button for 2.5 seconds to see if they fold in. If not, read your owner's manual.

Scare away burglars

No, this isn't some hidden key fob trick that you can find deep in your manual. However, it is something useful that you can do with it that you have probably never thought of. If you have a car alarm, you know pressing the alarm button will set it off. You also know that setting off alarms startles people nearby. When you're in bed, keep your key fob next to you. If you hear someone trying to break into your home, that handy little device may prevent the whole ordeal. Press the alarm button and most likely, the intruders will go running.

Your key fob may offer you much more than keyless entry. Give it a try to see if you can roll your windows up and down, and move your mirrors in and out. Don't forget to keep it by your bed to scare off intruders.


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