Hidden Features of Mini Key Fobs

Key fobs are no longer only decorative trinkets. They now have the ability to do everything from locking and unlocking the doors to remote start of the car. There are some that have secret features that owners might not be aware of.

Replace the battery if your key fob ceases to function. The good thing is that the task is pretty simple.

Switchblade Keyless Entry Fobs

A key fob can do much more than simply unlock the car and start it. It's also a burglar deterrent and security device. Modern-day key fobs with high-tech technology are more powerful, convenient and secure than they have ever been. However, their high price can make them expensive to replace in the event of losing or break one.

A basic keyfob could cost just a few dollars however it could cost upwards of $200 to program. These costs are higher for luxury vehicles or those equipped with extra features. A few insurance programs or warranties will provide the mini replacement key of a key fob. However, most people will need to pay hundreds of dollars out of their own pockets in the event that this occurs.

Certain vehicles of recent years also include an accessory key fob that can be used as smart-keys. These fobs are capable of locking, unlocking, or arming an alarm by pressing the button. They can even summon your car as Tesla's summon feature, but they have to be within the reach of the vehicle to operate.

The type of fob you choose to use has the lock made of metal that folds in the fob like the switchblade. A spring holds the key inside when it's not in use and it is possible to pop it out by pressing of a button for access to the vehicle. A switchblade fob generally costs approximately the same as a standard key fob with an iron key.

Keyless Entry Fobs with a Hidden Physical Key

Modern key fobs provide more than the ability to unlock and start a vehicle. Modern models can do everything from rolling down windows to summon the car and even automate parking. While some of these clever features may not be helpful for your daily commute, they can be incredibly useful in certain situations.

Certain key fobs include a physical key, often in the form of a flat metal blade. 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 hurry to get to your BMW and you've forgotten your key.

The battery in your key fob is likely to fail at the time, and that could cause a lot of headache for you. The battery for your key fob could be replaced easily and inexpensively. You can buy a replacement mini keys from your dealer, a third-party seller like BimmerTech, or a hardware store or big-box retailer.

Certain BMW key fobs come with a Display Key, which adds to the range of functions that can be driven using the key. You can verify if the doors are locked and set a timer when the air conditioner is scheduled to be turned on. You can even see the level of fuel up to 1,000ft away.

Keyless Entry Fobs with Side Mirrors Folding

Key fobs of today are more advanced than ever. They do more than just lock and unlock doors or even start the car remotely. Depending on the model, it might also make chirping sounds to help you find your car in a parking space or be used as an audio remote to control the radio stations.

One of the most useful hidden functions is available on modern models that allow you to reduce all windows at once by pressing a button on the key fob. This is great on 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 can find the one that works in your car.

If you like to keep your vehicle in a smaller space, the 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 minute to activate this feature.

Do you have a car that you share with the gentle giant or someone who just doesn't have as long of legs as you? You might want to think about a car that has an electronic key fob that allows you to set an automatic seat memory. Some models, like GMC's GMC can allow you to set up a seat preference and automatically remember it every time you turn on the car.

Keyless Entry Fobs that Connect to Bluetooth

Criminals are now able steal cars with ease due to the rise of smartphones for access to cars and smart keys. Wireless protocols used by these systems are susceptible to hijacking by criminals able to disguise the signal of the key fob or smartphone to open and start your vehicle.

A key fob, which is small hardware token that can be programmed that provides one-factor authentication to the device to facilitate access to physical objects such as a vehicle, computer system, restricted room or area or mobile device. The fob sends wireless signals to the sensor, which recognizes and executes predetermined commands.

In many cases, a key fob is also a security token which supports multi-factor or two-factor authentication (2FA or MFA) methods to provide additional security. This is typically done by adding biometric authentication to the equation. This can be a fingerprint scan as well as an iris scan or voice print, for instance.

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