Hidden Features of Mini Key Fobs

Key fobs have changed a lot from their early days as decorative trinkets. Today, they can accomplish everything from locking and unlocking doors to start a car remotely. Some even have secrets that owners may not know about.

Replace the battery in case your key fob stops working. The good news is that the process is fairly simple.

Switchblade Keyless Entry Fobs

A key fob is a lot more than unlock and start cars. It also serves as a security tool and deterrent to theft. Today's modern fobs are practical strong, durable, and more secure than ever. But their high cost could make them costly to replace if you lose or break one.

A basic key fob might only cost a few bucks to buy however programming it can set you back more than $200. The cost is higher for vehicles with high-end features or other special features. A few basic warranties or insurance coverage programs can cover the cost of an mini replacement key cost fob, but most people find themselves shelling out hundreds of dollars for having their fob repaired.

Certain cars of recent years also come with a fob that can also function as a smart key. The fobs can be used for locking, unlocking and arming an alarm by pressing one button. They can also summon your car, much like Tesla's summon function. However, they must be within the range of the vehicle to work.

The type of fob that you have is an aluminum lock that folds into the fob, much like an ad-hoc switchblade. The key is tucked away when not being used by a spring. You can take it out at the touch of the button. A switchblade fob is priced around the same as a key fob with a metal keys.

Keyless Entry Fobs with an invisible physical key

Modern key fobs have more than just the capability to unlock and start a car. Modern models can perform everything from rolling down windows to summoning the car and even auto-parking. Some of these functions aren't necessary for your daily commute, but they could be extremely helpful in certain scenarios.

Some key fobs contain a physical key, usually in the form of a flat blade of metal. These keys can be stored inside a small compartment of the key fob or removed by pressing the button located on the base. An extra key is useful if you are in a rush to get to your BMW and you've lost your key.

The battery inside the key fob is most likely to die at some point, and this can be a major neck pain. The key fob battery can be replaced easily and inexpensively. You can purchase a replacement mini keys from your dealer, a third-party seller like BimmerTech or a hardware shop or big-box retailer.

Some BMW key fobs come with the Display Key that increases the number of functions your car can be driven using the key. You can check whether the doors are locked, plan when the air conditioning will be turned on, and even check your fuel level up to 1000 feet away.

Keyless Entry Fobs with Side Mirrors Folding

Today's key fobs are packed with more modern electronics than ever, and this little plastic thingamajig does a lot more than simply lock or unlock the doors and allow you to start your car remotely. Depending on the model, it can be able to make chirping sounds that help you find your vehicle in a parking lot or be used as an audio remote to control the radio stations.

One of the most useful hidden features is found on a few modern models that allow you to minimize all windows at once by pressing a button on the key fob. This is great in the summer heat when the air conditioner doesn't completely complete the task. The sequence of buttons to activate the feature isn't always identified and you might have to experiment with a few different combinations until you come across one that works for your car.

If you prefer to keep your car in a small space, the key fob on some newer Chevrolet or GMC vehicles will automatically fold the side mirrors after you lock it. Simply press the "lock" button on the fob for a full second to activate this feature.

Do you have a passenger in your car who is a gentle giant, or just doesn't have the same length legs as you do? You might want to look into a vehicle with a key fob that lets you to set a seat memory. Certain models, such as those from GMC can allow you to set up your preferred seat and automatically remember it every time you start up the car.

Keyless Entry Fobs with a Bluetooth Connection

With the increasing popularity of smart keys and smartphones for access to cars criminals have been offered an easy way to steal vehicles. Wireless protocols used by these systems can be hijacked by criminals who are able to spoof the signal from the key fob or smartphone to open and start your vehicle.

Key fobs are small electronic token that is programmable and offers one-factor authentication on the device to enable access to a physical object such as a car, computer system, restricted space or mobile mini lock lost key device or room. The fob transmits wireless signals to a sensor which is able to recognize the information and commands and performs predetermined functions like locking or unlocking.

In many cases the key fob could also be used as an additional security token. It can support two-factor or multiple-factor authentication (2FA and MFA) to give you additional security. This is typically done by adding biometric verification to the equation. For example, a fingerprint voice print, iris or fingerprint could be used.

Proximity keyless lock systems like the Kwikset Kevo allow users to access their doors with smartphones or a Bluetooth-enabled key fob, removing the requirement for a traditional key. These systems are a favorite among business owners as they enable administrators to manage access of users and onboard new employees without needing to change locks or distribute keys cards.