Hidden Features of Mini Key Fobs

Key fobs have come a long way from their beginnings as decorative trinkets. They can now perform everything from locking and unlocking doors to start an automobile remotely. Some even have additional features that owners might not be aware of.

If your car's mini key replacement fob begins getting a little agitated, it's time to replace its battery. The good news is that the process is pretty simple.

Switchblade Keyless Entry Fobs

A key fob does much more than simply unlock the car and start it. It also functions as a security tool and a deterrent to theft. Modern day key fobs that are high-tech are more reliable, efficient and secure than ever. However, their high price can cause them to be expensive to replace in the event of losing or break one.

A basic key fob could only cost a few dollars to buy but programming it will cost you more than $200. The cost is higher for vehicles that have high-end options or features. A few basic insurance plans or warranties might pay for an exchange key fob. However, most people will have to pay hundreds of dollars out of their own pocket if this happens.

Certain newer vehicles have the fob of a key that can be used as smart-keys. The fobs can be used for locking, unlocking and arming an alarm by pressing one button. They can summon your car, similar to Tesla's summon function. But 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 in the same way as a switchblade knife. A spring holds the key inside when it's not in use and allows you to take it out at the push of a button to access the vehicle. A switchblade fob typically costs approximately the same as the standard key fob that comes with an iron key.

Keyless Entry Fobs that have a Physical Key Hidden

A lot of modern key fobs have more functions than simply unlocking and starting an automobile. Modern models can do everything from rolling down windows to summon the vehicle, and even auto-parking. While some of these clever functions may not be useful during your commute however they can be useful in certain situations.

Certain key fobs contain keys that are hidden inside, usually in the form of a flat metal key blade. These keys can be stored inside a small compartment of the key fob or removed by pressing the button on the base. If you're trying to get to your car and you've forgotten your keys or you wish to be capable of starting your BMW with push-to-start capabilities, having an extra key can be useful.

It is inevitable that the battery in your key fob will go out at some point. This could be quite a headache for you. The battery in your key fob can be easily and cheaply replaced. You can purchase a replacement from your dealer, a third-party retailer like BimmerTech, or a hardware store or big-box retailers.

Certain BMW key fobs include a Display Key that allows you to manage your car via the key. You can check if your doors are locked and plan when the air conditioner will be on. You can even see the level of fuel up to 1,000 feet away.

Keyless Entry Fobs with Folding Side Mirrors

The key fobs of today are more sophisticated than ever. They can do more than simply lock and unlock the doors or even start the car remotely. It may make chirping sounds to assist you in finding your car in a parking lot or act as an audio remote to control the radio stations of your car.

Certain models that are more modern include a hidden feature that allows you to lower the windows instantly with the push of a button. This is great for a hot summer's day when your air conditioner just isn't able to keep up. The sequence of buttons that activate the feature isn't always labeled, so you may have to play around with different combinations until you find one that works for your car.

If you're one of those who likes tight spaces the key fob found in some newer Chevrolet and GMC vehicles can help you out by automatically folding the side mirrors once you have locked the car. To activate this feature, simply 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 simply doesn't have as long legs as you do? You might want to search for a car with keys that let you to set a memory seating. Some models, such as those from GMC allow you to choose your preferred seat, and the vehicle will remember it each time you start it.

Keyless Entry Fobs that Connect to Bluetooth

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

A key fob, small hardware token that can be programmed that provides one-factor authentication to the device to facilitate access to physical objects, such as an automobile, computer system, restricted room or area, or mobile device. The fob transmits wireless signals to a sensing device, which recognizes the information and commands, and performs predetermined functions like locking or unlocking.

In a lot of cases the key fob could also be used as a security token. It supports two-factor and multiple-factor authentication (2FA and MFA) to provide additional security. This is usually done by adding biometric verification to the equation. For example fingerprints, iris or voice print could be used.

Proximity keyless lock systems like the Kwikset Kevo allow users to open their doors using smartphones or a Bluetooth-enabled key fob, eliminating the need for a traditional key. These systems are popular among business owners due to their ability to make it simple for administrators to manage access to users and onboard new employees without having to change locks or distribute keys cards.