What Is The Panic Button On Your Car Key Fob For?

Car keys have evolved significantly over time. Chrysler introduced the first key that started a car with a turn of the ignition tumbler in 1949, Ford introduced double-sided keys in 1965, and by the 1990s, key fobs had become a common feature in cars. While you are probably using most of these key fob features regularly, like to lock or unlock your car doors, there's one hidden key fob feature that you should hope that you never come across the need to use. 

We're talking about the panic button, which is red on some key fobs. Whether you're driving one of the best German cars like the Porsche 911 or a high-horsepower muscle car, you'll likely find a panic button on your fob. This button is designed to assist car owners in emergencies, such as when they are being attacked and need to attract attention so that someone can come to help. It can also help car owners locate their car more easily in a crowded area. But how can a simple button assist in these situations?

The panic button is intended for use in emergency situations like carjacking or attempted theft. For instance, if you see someone trying to steal your car, you can press the panic button on the key fob, which will activate your car's alarm system. Your car horn will start blaring continuously, signaling to the thief that they are being watched. Hopefully, this will cause them to flee the scene.

Additionally, the panic button can be useful if someone tries to rob you while you're near your car and your mouth is covered with a hand or cloth. In such situations, pressing the panic button will draw attention to you and hopefully prompt someone to help or call the police.

Furthermore, if you forget where you parked your car, you can press the panic button to help you locate it. Just follow the sound of the alarm to navigate to your car's location. The button also has other potential uses. For example, if you have a medical emergency like a heart attack while sitting in your car, pressing the panic button can alert others to your distress. On most cars, the alarm will continue to sound until you manually turn it off or for a couple of minutes, making it more likely that someone will check on you.

However, not everyone is a fan of the panic button. There have been many instances where car owners have accidentally pressed it. This can be especially annoying if it happens in the middle of the night, as the loud noise can wake up an entire neighborhood. That's why it's recommended to keep your key fob away from your bed while sleeping to prevent accidentally triggering the panic button.