You probably use your Kia key fob every day without thinking much about it.
Lock the doors. Unlock the doors. Maybe start the vehicle remotely. That's about it, right?
Not necessarily.
Depending on your Kia model, model year and trim, your Smart Key can do some surprisingly useful things—including, on certain equipped vehicles, moving the Kia forward and backward while you're standing outside of it.
If you own a Kia, here are some key-fob tricks and features worth knowing.
1. Your Kia Key Fob Can Actually Move the Car
This is the feature that's likely to get the biggest reaction:
Some Kia models can be moved remotely using the Smart Key.
Kia's Remote Smart Parking Assist (RSPA/RSPA 2) can allow the vehicle to move forward or backward while you stand outside and control it with the Smart Key. On equipped Smart Keys, dedicated Forward and Backward buttons can control the vehicle's remote movement. The system can automatically manage steering, vehicle speed and gear selection while the function is operating.
Why would you need this?
Imagine you've parked in a tight space and someone has parked so close to your driver's door that getting in is nearly impossible.
With an equipped Kia, you may be able to:
- Prepare the Remote Smart Parking Assist system.
- Exit the vehicle with the Smart Key.
- Close the doors.
- Press and hold the Forward or Backward button.
- Allow the Kia to move in the selected direction while you remain outside the vehicle.
Release the button and the vehicle stops or pauses the remote operation.
On vehicles equipped with the appropriate version of RSPA, the system can do more than simply move forward and backward. Depending on the vehicle, RSPA/RSPA 2 can assist with remote parking and exiting parking spaces, including certain parallel, perpendicular and diagonal parking situations.
Important: This isn't available on every Kia. RSPA/RSPA 2 is an equipment-dependent feature, and the exact capabilities vary by model and configuration. The driver is still responsible for monitoring the surroundings and making sure the area is clear of people, animals and objects.
Now that's a key-fob trick worth showing your friends.
2. Roll Down Your Windows With Your Key Fob
Here's another feature that can feel like a hidden shortcut.
Certain Kia models allow you to remotely lower the windows using the key fob.
On compatible vehicles, pressing and holding the Unlock button can lower the windows.
Why is that useful?
Think about getting into your Kia after it has been sitting in the sun. Instead of opening the door and immediately being hit with a blast of hot air, you can lower the windows beforehand and let some of that heat escape.
It's also useful when you want to start ventilating the cabin before getting inside.
Because this feature varies by model and equipment, check your owner's manual to confirm whether your Kia supports remote window operation and the exact button sequence.
3. Remote Start Is More Useful Than You Think
Remote start is one of the most practical key-fob features for drivers in Western New York.
On equipped Kia models, remote start can allow you to start your vehicle before you get inside, giving the cabin time to warm up during cold weather.
A typical Kia remote-start sequence involves locking the vehicle and then pressing and holding the Remote Start button. The exact procedure and availability can vary by model and Smart Key.
And don't save remote start exclusively for January.
On a hot summer afternoon, remote starting your Kia can give the climate-control system a chance to make the cabin more comfortable before you get behind the wheel.
4. Your Panic Button Can Find Your Car
The panic button has an obvious purpose—but it can also solve a much more common problem:
"Where did I park?"
If you've ever wandered around a crowded parking lot trying to remember which row your Kia is in, press the panic button to activate the vehicle's horn and lights.
Listen for the sound or look for the flashing lights and you've found your Kia.
It can be particularly useful at night or in large parking garages.
5. Your Key Fob Has a Backup Key Hidden Inside
There's a good chance your Kia Smart Key contains something you might never have noticed: a mechanical emergency key.
If the key-fob battery dies, the emergency key can provide a way to manually unlock the vehicle.
Don't wait until you're standing outside your Kia in the middle of winter to figure out how it works.
Take a look at your Smart Key and find the release for the mechanical key. Your owner's manual will show the procedure specific to your vehicle.
6. A Dead Key-Fob Battery Doesn't Necessarily Mean You're Stuck
What happens if the electronic portion of your Smart Key stops working?
Kia vehicles equipped with push-button start can have a backup procedure for recognizing the Smart Key when its battery is depleted.
The exact procedure varies by model, so check your owner's manual.
This is one of those features you probably won't think about until you need it—which is exactly why it's worth knowing beforehand.
7. Your Kia May Unlock Without You Pressing a Button
If your Kia has a Smart Key system, you may be able to unlock the vehicle without taking the key fob out of your pocket or purse.
Depending on the model, the vehicle can recognize the Smart Key when it's nearby. You can then use the door-handle controls to unlock or lock the vehicle.
Once you're inside, the push-button start system can recognize the key and allow you to start the vehicle.
It's a small feature that can make a surprisingly big difference when your hands are full.
8. Your Key Fob Isn't the Only Way to Control Your Kia
Kia's connected-vehicle technology can add another layer of convenience.
On compatible vehicles, Kia Connect can provide remote functions through your smartphone.
Depending on your Kia and available services, you may have access to features such as:
- Remote vehicle start
- Remote door lock and unlock
- Vehicle status information
- Vehicle location
- Other connected services
So if you've ever wished you could control your Kia without having the key fob in your hand, your smartphone may be able to help.
9. Your Smart Key May Have More Buttons Than You Realized
Take another look at your Kia Smart Key.
Some equipped Smart Keys can have dedicated buttons for:
- Lock
- Unlock
- Trunk or liftgate
- Remote start
- Remote Smart Parking Assist Forward
- Remote Smart Parking Assist Backward
Kia's owner documentation specifically shows Smart Keys equipped with Forward and Backward buttons for Remote Smart Parking Assist on applicable vehicles.
If your Smart Key has buttons you've never used, check your owner's manual before assuming they're decorative or inactive.
10. Your Kia's Key-Fob Features Depend on Your Vehicle
One important thing to remember is that not every Kia has the same key-fob technology.
Features can vary based on:
- Model
- Model year
- Trim level
- Optional equipment
- Smart Key configuration
- Connected-services availability
That's particularly important when it comes to features such as remote window operation and Remote Smart Parking Assist.
If a feature you've seen online doesn't work on your Kia, you may not be doing anything wrong. Your vehicle may simply not be equipped with that particular function.
Kia Key Fob Tricks: Quick Recap
Before you put your Smart Key back in your pocket, here are some of the features worth checking on your Kia:
✔ Remote Smart Parking Assist — Move your equipped Kia forward or backward while standing outside the vehicle.
✔ Remote window operation — Some equipped Kia models can lower windows using the key fob.
✔ Remote start — Warm up or cool down the cabin before you get inside.
✔ Panic button — Find your Kia in a crowded parking lot.
✔ Emergency key — Manually access your vehicle if the key-fob battery dies.
✔ Smart Key entry — Unlock your vehicle without taking the key out of your pocket on equipped models.
✔ Kia Connect — Use your smartphone for additional remote vehicle functions on compatible vehicles.
Get More Out of Your Kia at Northtown Kia
Your Kia may have more technology hiding in plain sight than you realize.
From a Smart Key that can remotely move an equipped Kia to simple tricks like using your key fob to find your vehicle in a crowded parking lot, learning these features can make your everyday driving experience easier and more convenient.
If you're shopping for a new Kia in Western New York, visit Northtown Kia to explore the latest Kia models and available technology.
Already own a Kia? Our team can help you learn more about your specific model's Smart Key, remote-start system, connected services and other technology.
Stop by Northtown Kia and discover what your Kia can do.