Hidden Features of Mini Key Fobs

Key fobs have been a long way since their early days as decorative trinkets. Today, they can be used for everything from locking and unlocking doors to start a car remotely. Some have hidden features that drivers might not be aware of.

If your car's key fob starts malfunctioning, it's time to replace the battery. It's a fairly simple task.

Switchblade Keyless Entry Fobs

A key fob is much more than unlock and start cars. It also functions as a security tool and theft deterrent. Modern-day fobs are more convenient and durable, and are more secure than ever. But their high cost could make them expensive to replace if you lose or break one.

A basic keyfob might cost a few dollars, but it can cost more than $200 to program. Those costs are even higher for high-end vehicles or those that have special features. A few basic insurance plans or warranties might pay for a replacement key fob. However, most people will have to pay hundreds of dollars from their pockets if this happens.

Some of the latest vehicles include the fob of a key that can be used as a smart-key. These fobs are capable of locking, unlocking and arming an alarm with a button. They can summon your car, similar to Tesla's summon function. However, they must be within range of the vehicle to function.

Fobs of this type contain keys made of metal that fold into the fob in the same way as a switchblade knife. The key is kept in place when not in use by a spring. It can be removed with the push of an button. A switchblade fob generally costs about the same as a standard key fob which comes with metal keys.

Keyless Entry Fobs that have an invisible physical key

Many modern key fobs have more functions than simply unlocking and starting the car. Modern models can do everything from rolling down windows to summoning the vehicle and even auto-parking. While some of these cool features might not be necessary in your daily commute however they can be helpful in certain situations.

Some key fobs have a physical key, often in the form a flat metal blade. The keys are kept in a small slot inside the fob. They can be removed by pressing a button at the base of the key fob. If you're rushing to get to your vehicle and you forget your key, or if you want to be capable of starting your BMW with push-to-start functionality, having an extra key for mini cooper may come in handy.

It is a given that the battery inside your keyfob will die at some time. This can be quite a discomfort for the neck. Fortunately replacing the battery of your key fob is simple and inexpensive. You can get a replacement mini key fob from your dealer, a seller from a third party like BimmerTech, or a hardware store, or big-box retailer.

Certain BMW key fobs also come with a Display Key that lets you control your car from the key. You can verify if the doors are locked and set a timer when the air conditioning will be on. You can even check the fuel level up to 1,000 feet away.

Keyless Entry Fobs With Side Mirrors Folding

Key fobs today are loaded with more modern electronics than ever before, and this plastic device can do a lot more than lock or unlock the doors and start the car remotely. Depending on the model, it can also make chirping noises to aid you in finding your car in a parking area or serve as an audio remote to control the radio stations.

One of the most useful hidden functions is available on modern models that allow users to shut down all windows at once by pressing an icon on your key fob. This is a great feature to have during a hot summer day when the air conditioning doesn't seem to be able to complete the task. You may have to test several combinations before you find the one that is effective in your car.

If you're a fan of tight spaces the key fobs in newer Chevrolet and GMC vehicles can help out by automatically folding the vehicle's side mirrors after locking the car. To activate this feature, press the "lock button" on the fob and hold it for 2 seconds.

Do you have a vehicle with someone who is a gentle giant or just doesn't have the same length legs as you do? Perhaps you should look into a car with a key fob that lets you to set the seat memory. Some models, like GMC's GMC, allow you to create your preferred seat and automatically remember it each time you start the car.

Keyless Entry Fobs that connect to Bluetooth

With the increasing popularity of smart keys and smartphone car access criminals have been offered an easy way to steal cars. Wireless protocols used by these systems are vulnerable to hijacking by criminals able to disguise the signal coming from the key fob or smartphone to open and start your car.

Key fobs are small electronic token that is programmable and provides on-device, one-factor authentication to enable access to a physical object like a car, computer system, restricted area or room or mobile device. The fob transmits wireless signals to a sensor which detects the information as well as commands, and then performs the predetermined functions like locking or unlocking.

In many instances, a key fob is also a security token that is compatible with two-factor or multi-factor authentication (2FA or MFA) methods to give you additional security. This is usually done by adding biometric verification to the equation. For instance fingerprints or iris scan, or even a voice print can be used.

Kwikset Kevo proximity keyless locks let users unlock their doors using smartphones, or a Bluetooth-enabled fob. This eliminates the requirement for traditional keys. These types of systems are popular with business owners because they make it easy for administrators to take on new employees and manage access for users without the need to change locks or distribute keys.