1. Unlock Your Mazda Without Touching the Fob

If your Mazda is equipped with Advanced Keyless Entry, you may not need to pull the key fob out of your pocket every time you get to your vehicle.

Keep the key fob with you and approach your Mazda. Depending on the vehicle, touching the appropriate area on the exterior door handle can unlock the vehicle.

You can then get in, press the brake and start your Mazda without ever digging around for your keys.

It's a small convenience, but once you get used to it, going back to pressing the unlock button can feel surprisingly old-fashioned.

Worth knowing: Advanced Keyless Entry isn't available on every Mazda, so the exact operation depends on your model and equipment.

2. Use the Panic Button as a Parking-Lot Locator

The panic button isn't just there for emergencies.

It can also be your secret weapon when you've completely forgotten where you parked.

Picture this: You're leaving a Bills game, shopping center or airport and have no idea which row your Mazda is sitting in.

Instead of wandering around hitting the unlock button over and over, use the panic function to activate your Mazda's horn and lights. Once you hear or see it, you've found your car.

Press the button again to shut it off.

Parking-lot pro tip: This works particularly well at night when the flashing lights make your Mazda easier to spot.

3. There's a Backup Key Hidden Inside Your Fob

Here's something many Mazda owners don't discover until they really need it.

Your Mazda key fob may contain a physical auxiliary key hidden inside the electronic fob.

Why does that matter?

Because key-fob batteries don't last forever.

If the battery dies, the auxiliary key can provide a way to manually unlock your vehicle. The location of the release and the procedure for using the auxiliary key can vary between Mazda models.

Take a few seconds to find the release on your fob and familiarize yourself with the process now.

You'll be much happier doing it in your driveway than for the first time in a parking lot during a Western New York snowstorm.

4. Your Mazda Can Still Recognize the Key When the Battery Is Dead

A dead key-fob battery doesn't necessarily mean a dead end.

Mazda vehicles with push-button start have a backup method for allowing the vehicle to recognize the key when the transmitter battery has become depleted.

The exact procedure varies by model, but it generally involves placing or holding the key fob in a specific location while operating the push-button ignition.

The important part is knowing that there is a backup procedure.

Before you need it, look up the instructions for your specific Mazda in the owner's manual and remember where to find them.

5. Remote Start Isn't Always About Winter

When people think about remote start, they usually think about warming up the vehicle on a freezing January morning.

For Mazda drivers in Western New York, that's certainly useful.

But remote start can be just as helpful in July.

If your Mazda is equipped with remote start or compatible Mazda Connected Services, you may be able to start the vehicle before heading outside, giving the cabin time to become more comfortable.

That means you can use the feature to fight both extremes:

Cold morning? Warm it up.

Hot afternoon? Cool it down.

Remote-start availability and operation vary by Mazda model, model year and equipment.

6. Your Smartphone May Be Able to Do What Your Key Fob Can't

Here's where Mazda ownership gets particularly interesting.

On compatible vehicles, Mazda Connected Services can give you remote vehicle functions through the MyMazda app.

Depending on your vehicle and available services, you may be able to perform functions such as:

• Start the vehicle remotely

• Lock or unlock the doors

• Check vehicle information

• Locate your Mazda

• Access other connected features

So if you've ever thought, “I wish I could lock my car from inside the house,” your Mazda may already have an answer.

Availability depends on the vehicle and Connected Services configuration.

7. Don't Assume Your Mazda Has the Same Key-Fob Features as Your Friend's

This may be the most important Mazda key-fob trick of all.

A Mazda3, CX-30, CX-5, CX-50, CX-70, CX-90 and MX-5 Miata can have very different equipment and keyless-entry features.

Even two vehicles with the same model name can have different capabilities depending on their model year and trim.

So if you've heard about a Mazda key-fob trick online and it doesn't work on your vehicle, that doesn't necessarily mean you're doing something wrong.

It could simply be a feature your Mazda wasn't equipped with.

Bonus Mazda Key Fob Tips

Keep a Spare Key Accessible

If you have two Mazda key fobs, keep the spare somewhere safe and accessible. It can save you a major headache if your primary key is lost.

Don't Ignore a Low-Battery Warning

If your Mazda starts warning you that the key battery is low, don't wait until the fob stops working. Replacing the battery ahead of time is much easier than dealing with a dead transmitter when you're trying to leave for work.

Know Your Fob Before You Need It

Take a close look at your key fob. Know which button operates the trunk or liftgate, where the emergency key is located and whether your Mazda has remote-start or Advanced Keyless Entry features.

Five minutes of preparation can save you a lot of frustration later.

How Many of These Mazda Tricks Did You Know?

Your Mazda has plenty of technology designed to make everyday driving easier. Some of it is right on the dashboard. Some of it is hidden in menus. And some of it is sitting in your hand every time you walk toward your vehicle.

The next time you grab your Mazda key fob, take a closer look.

You may be surprised by what it can do.

Looking for a New Mazda in Western New York?

If you're ready to experience the latest Mazda technology, visit Northtown Mazda in Western New York.

Whether you're interested in a Mazda CX-5, CX-50, CX-70, CX-90, Mazda3 or another model in the Mazda lineup, the Northtown Mazda team can help you explore the features available on different models and trims.

And if you already own a Mazda and have questions about your key fob or vehicle technology, we're happy to help you get more out of your Mazda.

Northtown Mazda — helping Western New York drivers discover more behind the wheel.