If you’re a Tesla owner or planning to buy one, you might be wondering whether the Tesla Key Fob is worth purchasing.
In this guide, I will help you understand what the Tesla Key Fob is, what it does, and whether it’s worth the investment.
Contents
What is the Tesla Key Fob and What Does It Do?
The Tesla Key Fob is a small, handheld device that allows you to unlock, lock, and start your Tesla vehicle without using your phone.
It uses Bluetooth technology to communicate with your car and perform these functions. The Tesla Key Fob is an optional accessory that you can purchase separately from Tesla.
The Tesla Key Fob has several functions that can make using your Tesla more convenient. Some of these functions include:
Unlocking and locking your car doors:
With the Tesla Key Fob, you can unlock and lock your car doors with the push of a button.
This can be especially useful if you’re carrying groceries or other items and don’t want to fumble with your phone to unlock your car.
Opening the trunk:
You can also use the Tesla Key Fob to open the trunk of your car. This can be helpful if you have your hands full and need to access the trunk quickly.
Starting your car
With the Tesla Key Fob, you can start your car without using your phone. This can be useful if your phone battery is low or if you’re in an area with poor cell service.
Passive Entry
The Tesla Key Fob also offers a passive entry feature. This means that you can simply walk up to your car with the Key Fob in your pocket, and the car will automatically unlock.
This feature is convenient when you have your hands full and cannot reach for the Key Fob to unlock your car.
Hidden Buttons
The Tesla Key Fob also has hidden buttons that you can use to control various features of your car.
For instance, you can press and hold the front or rear trunk button to open the frunk or trunk of your car.
Additionally, you can press and hold the side button to fold or unfold your side mirrors.
Side Door and B-Pillar Control
The Tesla Key Fob also allows you to control the side doors and B-Pillar of your vehicle. With the press of a button, you can open or close the side doors of your car.
Additionally, you can press and hold the side button to open or close the B-Pillar of your car.
Summon Mode
Summon Mode is a feature that allows you to move your Tesla in and out of tight parking spaces without being inside the car.
To use Summon Mode, you need to be within 10 meters of your Tesla and have a clear line of sight to it.
You can also use your Key Fob to activate Summon Mode. Simply press and hold the middle button on your Key Fob until your Tesla starts moving.
Is the Tesla Key Fob worth it?
Whether the Tesla Key Fob is worth the investment depends on your personal preferences and needs.
Some Tesla owners find the Key Fob to be a convenient accessory that makes using their car easier. Others find that they can perform the same functions with their phone and don’t need the Key Fob.
If you frequently find yourself carrying items or in situations where you can’t use your phone to unlock your car, the Tesla Key Fob may be a worthwhile investment.
However, if you’re comfortable using your phone to perform these functions, you may not need the Key Fob.
Cost and Value Analysis
When considering whether or not to purchase the Tesla Key Fob, it’s important to weigh the cost against the value it provides.
The Key Fob currently costs $175 on Tesla’s website, which may seem steep for an accessory that is not strictly necessary. However, there are several factors to consider when evaluating the cost and value of the Key Fob.
Firstly, the Key Fob provides convenience and ease of use. While it’s true that you can use your phone to unlock and start your Tesla, the Key Fob allows you to do so without having to take your phone out of your pocket or purse.
This can be especially useful in situations where your phone battery is low or you don’t want to fumble with your phone in inclement weather.
Another benefit of the Key Fob is that it allows you to easily lend your Tesla to friends or family members. While you can certainly give someone temporary access to your Tesla through the Tesla app, the Key Fob provides a more seamless and intuitive experience.
Additionally, if you frequently use valet parking services, the Key Fob can make the process smoother and more efficient.
Of course, the cost of the Key Fob may still be a concern for some Tesla owners. If you’re on a tight budget or simply don’t see the value in the Key Fob, it may not be worth the purchase.
However, if you frequently use your Tesla and value convenience and ease of use, the Key Fob may be a worthwhile investment.
Ultimately, the decision to purchase the Tesla Key Fob comes down to personal preference and financial considerations.
While the Key Fob provides several benefits, it may not be necessary for all Tesla owners. If you’re on the fence about whether or not to purchase the Key Fob, consider your own usage patterns and whether the added convenience is worth the cost.
Tesla Key Fob Model Specifics
If you’re wondering whether the Tesla key fob is worth it for your specific model, here are some things to consider:
Model 3
The Model 3 comes with a standard key card that you can use to unlock and start the car. However, if you prefer the convenience of a physical key fob, you can purchase one separately.
Some Model 3 owners find the key fob useful for valet parking or lending the car to a friend. Keep in mind that the Model 3 key fob does not have a trunk release button, so you will need to use the touchscreen or mobile app to open the trunk.
Model X
The Model X comes with a key fob that includes a trunk release button and a falcon wing door button. If you frequently use these features, the key fob might be worth the investment.
However, keep in mind that the Model X key fob is more expensive than the Model 3 key fob.
Model S
The Model S key fob includes a trunk release button and a frunk (front trunk) release button. If you frequently use these features, the key fob might be worth the investment.
Keep in mind that the Model S key fob is not compatible with older Model S vehicles produced before 2021.
When it comes to the Tesla Key Fob, one of the main concerns is its durability and resistance to water.
Fortunately, the Key Fob is designed to be durable and withstand everyday use. However, it is important to note that the Key Fob is not completely waterproof.
In terms of durability, the Tesla Key Fob is made with high-quality materials and is built to last. The Key Fob is designed to withstand everyday wear and tear, and it is unlikely to break or malfunction with regular use.
However, accidents can happen, so it is important to handle your Key Fob with care and avoid dropping it or exposing it to extreme temperatures.
User Reviews and Experiences
If you’re wondering whether the Tesla key fob is worth the investment, you might want to hear what other Tesla owners have to say. Here are some user reviews and experiences to help you decide.
Pros
- Many Tesla owners find the key fob to be a convenient alternative to using their phone as a key. It allows for quick access to the vehicle without having to pull out your phone and unlock it.
- Some owners also appreciate the added security that the key fob provides. It requires a physical press of a button to unlock the car, which can be reassuring in crowded or unfamiliar areas.
- For those who frequently lend their Tesla to friends or family members, the key fob can be a useful tool. It eliminates the need to give out your phone or worry about someone else accidentally accessing your personal information.
- The key fob is also sleek and stylish, which can be a nice accessory to show off to other Tesla enthusiasts.
Cons
- On the other hand, some Tesla owners feel that the key fob is an unnecessary expense. They argue that the phone key works just as well and that the added convenience of the key fob isn’t worth the price tag.
- Others have reported issues with the key fob’s battery life, which can be frustrating. If you don’t use the key fob frequently, the battery can die quickly, requiring frequent replacements.
- Additionally, some owners have had trouble with the key fob’s range. It can be finicky and may not work from as far away as you’d like it to.
Overall, the decision to invest in a Tesla key fob is a personal one. It may come down to your own preferences and how frequently you use your Tesla.
What type of battery is in the Tesla key fob?
The Tesla Key Fob is powered by a small battery that is located inside the device. The battery is designed to last for up to five years with normal use.
However, if you use the key fob more frequently than the average user, the battery may die sooner. When the battery is low, the key fob will display a warning message on the car’s touchscreen display.
If your key fob battery dies, you can easily replace it yourself. The battery is a standard CR2032 coin cell battery that can be found at most hardware or electronics stores.
To replace the battery, simply slide the back cover off the key fob, remove the old battery, and insert the new one. Make sure to follow the correct polarity when inserting the new battery.