What does 'hold' mean on a car remote?
2 Answers
The 'hold' button on a car key means long press, and it has two main functions: Function 1: It usually means to press and hold. Some keys have a trunk pattern printed on them, indicating that pressing and holding will open the trunk. This simplifies the process of opening the trunk after unlocking the car door. This function can be used to adjust the interior temperature in advance during winter and summer. For example, in summer, you can set the air conditioning temperature before leaving the car. When you return to drive, you can start the car remotely to lower the interior temperature in advance, so that it won't be too hot when you reach the car door. In winter, you can warm up the car in advance, ensuring the engine temperature is normal when you get in, avoiding idling waits or engine wear due to low temperatures. Function 2: The 'hold' button is not a trunk opening button but a remote engine start button. Within a remote distance, pressing and holding for 2-3 seconds will automatically start the car. When starting the engine remotely, there's no need to worry about car theft because the central locking system remains locked. The remote control range is usually no less than 50 meters, allowing you to start the car remotely from home or work. With an automatic timing function, if the car door lock isn't opened within a certain time, the engine will automatically shut down. Using the 'hold' button to start the car remotely can save the owner a lot of time and enhance the comfort of using the car.
I remember driving for over a decade, and the hold button on the remote of my Honda has been frequently used. It means that after pressing it once, the car doors remain unlocked for a few minutes without automatically relocking. This is especially convenient when loading groceries into the trunk after shopping. For instance, there was a time when I bought a large amount of food—I simply pressed the hold button to unlock the doors and then leisurely loaded all the bags without having to hold the bags with one hand and press the remote to lock with the other. It’s designed to reduce rush and avoid the awkwardness of forgetting the keys inside the car. However, safety should be noted—don’t use it in unsafe areas to prevent someone from slipping into the car. Overall, though a small feature, it makes daily life much easier, especially for family drivers like me who often carry heavy loads.
