What does the 'hold' function on a car key mean?
2 Answers
Car key 'hold' refers to the function of long-pressing to open the trunk. By holding the 'hold' button for a few seconds, you can easily open the trunk, simplifying the process of opening the car door first and then the trunk. The requirement to hold the button for a few seconds to open the trunk is designed to prevent the danger of accidentally opening the trunk while the vehicle is in motion or under other conditions. For some cars, the 'hold' button also serves as a remote engine start button. By holding it for 2 to 3 seconds within a certain range, the car will start automatically. Car keys can be categorized into three types based on their operation methods: active operation, passive operation, and coil induction. The principle of active operation involves controlling the car door through the vehicle's electronic module and body control module. Coil induction operation mainly involves placing an encrypted chip inside the key. During the unlocking process, the vehicle's radio frequency transceiver verifies whether the key matches to determine if the engine can be started. Passive operation works when the owner enters the sensing range of the key system. As soon as the hand touches the door handle, the identity-recognition 'key' carried by the owner will receive a low-frequency signal sent by the car. If this signal matches the identity information stored in the 'key', the 'key' will be activated.
My previous car key had a 'Hold' button, which meant pressing and holding it could remotely start the engine, allowing it to run in advance. For example, on a cold winter morning before heading out, I could press and hold that button for three to five seconds from my upstairs window, and the engine would start, warming up the car interior so it would be cozy by the time I got in. The same applied in summer—starting the engine early to cool down the car with the air conditioning. This feature is common in cars with keyless entry systems and is especially convenient for extreme weather conditions. However, it's important to note that the operating range is usually effective within 50 meters, and the car must be locked to prevent theft. Frequent use can accelerate battery aging, so it's recommended to activate it only a few times a month to optimize battery life. I remember the first time I used it was on a freezing day, and my friend was incredibly envious because her car didn’t have this feature. Overall, it’s quite practical, avoiding the need to wait inside the car for the temperature to adjust.
