Hidden Features of Mini Key Fobs

Key fobs have evolved a lot since their early days as decorative trinkets. They can do anything from locking and unlocking doors to remote start of the car. Some even have extra features that the owners may not be aware of.

If your car's key fob begins being a bit shaky, it's time to replace the battery. It's an easy task.

Switchblade Keyless Entry Fobs

A key fob can do more than just unlock and start the car. It also serves as a security tool and deterrent to theft. Modern day fobs are easy to use and durable, and are more secure than ever. However, their price could make them costly to replace in the event of losing or break one.

A basic key fob may only cost a few bucks to buy, but having it programmed could cost more than $200. These costs are even more for vehicles that are of high-end or equipped with extra features. A few basic insurance plans or warranties may cover the cost for an exchange key fob. However, most people will need to pay hundreds of dollars from their own pocket if this occurs.

Some of the latest vehicles have an accessory key fob that can be used as a smart-key. They can lock, unlock, and arm an alarm at the pressing of a button. They can summon your car, similar to Tesla's summon function. However, they must be within range of the vehicle to work.

Fobs of this type contain the key made of metal, which folds into the fob just like a switchblade knife. A spring holds the key inside when it's not in use and you can take it out with the click of a button to access the vehicle. A switchblade fob generally costs around the same price as a standard key fob which comes with metal keys.

Keyless Entry Fobs with a hidden physical key

Modern key fobs provide more than just the capability to unlock and start a car. Modern models can do anything from lowering the windows to call the vehicle and even auto-parking. While some of these nifty features might not be necessary for your daily commute, they can be incredibly useful in certain situations.

Some key fobs include a physical key hidden inside, usually in the shape of a flat mini cooper key fob blade. The keys are stored in a small space inside the fob. They can be removed by pressing a button at the bottom of the key fob. If you're in a rush to reach your car and you forget your key, or if you want to be in a position to start your BMW with push-to-start functionality, having a spare key can help.

The battery inside your key fob is bound to die at some point, and this can be a huge pain in the neck. The battery in your key fob can be easily and cheaply replaced. You can purchase the replacement mini keys battery from a dealer, BimmerTech or a big-box retailer or hardware store.

Certain BMW key fobs have a Display Key that increases the number of functions your car is able to be driven with the key. You can verify whether the doors are locked, schedule when the AC should turn on and even see your fuel level at up to 1000 feet.

Keyless Entry Fobs with Folding Side Mirrors

Key fobs of today are packed with the most advanced electronic components ever before, and this tiny plastic piece of equipment does a lot more than lock and unlock the doors and remotely start the car. It could make chirping sounds to help you locate your car in a lot or act as a remote audio control to control the radio stations of your car.

Some of the latest models come with a hidden feature that allows you to reduce the windows instantly at the touch of a button. This is great during a hot summer day when the air conditioner doesn't seem to be able to complete the task. The sequence of button presses to activate the feature isn't always clearly labeled as such, so you may need to test a few different combinations until you've found the one that is suitable for your vehicle.

If you prefer to keep your vehicle in a smaller space, the fobs on newer Chevrolet or GMC vehicles will automatically fold the side mirrors after you lock it. To enable this feature, simply press the "lock button" on the fob and hold it for a full 2 seconds.

Do you have a passenger in your car who is a gentle giant, or doesn't appear to have as long legs as you do? You might want to look for a vehicle with the key fob that lets the setting of a memory seat. Certain models, such as GMC's GMC will allow you to create the seat you prefer and automatically remember it each time you start the car.

Keyless Entry Fobs that have Bluetooth Connection. Bluetooth Connection

Criminals are now able to take cars away easily due to the popularity of smartphone car access and smart keys. Wireless protocols used by these systems are vulnerable to hijacking by criminals who can spoof the signal coming from the key fob or smartphone to unlock and start your vehicle.

Key fobs are small electronic token that is programmable and offers one-factor authentication on the device to facilitate access to a physical object such as a vehicle, computer system, restricted area or room or mobile device. The fob transmits wireless signals to a sensing device, which is able to recognize the information and commands and performs predetermined tasks like locking or unlocking.

In a lot of cases the key fob is also a security token that is compatible with two-factor or multi-factor authentication (2FA or MFA) methods to offer additional security. This is typically accomplished by adding biometric verification to the equation. For instance fingerprint, iris or voice print can be used.

Proximity keyless lock systems like the Kwikset Kevo allow users to open their doors using smartphones or a Bluetooth-enabled key fob, removing the requirement for a traditional key. These kinds of locks are very popular with business owners, as they make it easy for administrators to welcome new employees and manage access for users without having to change locks or distribute keys.