This hidden car-key feature is essential during summer heatwaves

Did you know your car keys have a hidden feature that can be activated with a simple long press? It is particularly useful during summer heatwaves. Many car brands offer it, so try it for yourself.

This feature is fitted to a large number of vehicles, yet many drivers are completely unaware that it exists. During hot weather, it could make life much easier. It has been right in front of you from the start – or, more accurately, in the palm of your hand, as it is activated directly using your keys.

If your car has keys that can unlock the doors remotely, you may be surprised to discover that they have contained an unused feature all along.

What does a long press on your car keys activate?

It is summer, the pavement is hot enough to fry an egg, and unfortunately you have parked in direct sunlight. When it is time to drive away, you will be getting into an oven. This small car-key trick can spare you that discomfort, or at least reduce it.

Be aware that this feature is not available on every current model. Some brands provide it as standard, including Volkswagen, Audi and Seat. Others, such as Peugeot and Renault, only include it on certain models and/or require it to be enabled in the vehicle settings. With some brands, however, the option simply is not available.

Many vehicles come with a feature called *Comfort Opening. Its operation is straightforward: hold the door-unlock button for two or three seconds and *all the electric windows open at the same time**. That allows air to circulate through the cabin. The same principle applies when locking the car, which closes the windows. Thought your key was only for opening the doors? It is not.

A little-known car-key feature that is already essential in summer

This simple trick could be highly useful in summer, helping to cool the cabin quickly when the air inside can exceed 50 degrees, particularly if you have leather seats. Most surprising is how few people know about it. We carried out a quick poll in the editorial team and not a single person knew this manoeuvre. It is not a secret; it is simply slightly hidden.

Before trying it, one piece of advice: make sure you are close enough to the vehicle and point the remote towards it, as this function can sometimes have a shorter range than ordinary locking. Also bear in mind the downside: enabling this option slightly reduces your car's security against attempted break-ins, as it opens completely.