Hidden Features of Mini Key Fobs

Key fobs have come a long way from their early days as decorative trinkets. They now have the ability to do everything from locking and unlocking the doors to remotely starting the car. Some of them have secret features that owners might not know about.

Replace the battery in case your key fob stops working. The good news is that the job is relatively easy.

Switchblade Keyless Entry Fobs

A key fob is much more than unlock and start an automobile. It also serves as a theft deterrent and security device. Today's modern fobs are practical, powerful, and more secure than ever. Their high price can mean it is expensive to replace them in the event that you break or lose one.

A basic key fob may be a couple of dollars to buy, but having it programmed can set you back more than $200. These prices are higher for vehicles with high-end options or features. Some basic warranties and insurance coverage plans may cover the cost of an replacement fob, but the majority of people will have to shell out hundreds of dollars for having their device repaired.

Certain vehicles of recent years also include keys that can be used as smart-keys. The fobs can be used to lock, unlock, and arm an alarm with a press of one button. They can even summon your vehicle like Tesla's summon feature however, they must be within the range of the vehicle for them to work.

The fobs that are of this type include an iron key that folds into the fob just like a switchblade knife. A spring holds the key inside when it's not in use and it is possible to pop it out at the push of a button to access the vehicle. A switchblade key fob usually costs about the same as the standard key fob that comes with an iron key.

Keyless Entry Fobs with an invisible physical key

Modern key fobs come with more functions than simply unlocking and starting the car. Modern models can do anything from roll down windows to summon 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 circumstances.

Some key fobs have a physical key hidden within them, usually in the form of a flat, metal key blade. These keys are stored in a small slot inside the fob, or they can be removed by pressing a button located at the bottom of the key fob. An additional key is useful when you are in a rush to get to your BMW and you have forgotten your key.

It is inevitable that the battery in your keyfob will die at some time. This can be quite a headache for you. The battery in your key fob can be replaced easily and inexpensively. You can get a replacement mini keys from your dealer, a seller from a third party like BimmerTech or a hardware shop or big-box retailers.

Some BMW key fobs have a Display Key that lets you control your car using the key. You can verify whether the doors are locked, plan when the AC should turn on and even see your fuel level up to 1000 feet away.

Keyless Entry Fobs with Folding Side Mirrors

The key fobs of today are more advanced than ever. They do more than lock and unlock doors or allow you to start your car remotely. Depending on the model, it could also make chirping sounds to assist you in finding your car in a parking space or can be used as an audio remote to control your car's radio stations.

One of the most useful hidden functions is available on newer models that allow you to lower all the windows at once by pressing a button on your key fob. This is a great feature for hot summer days when your air conditioner cannot keep up. It's possible to test a few combinations before you get the one that is effective in your car.

If you like to keep your car in a tiny 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 two seconds to enable 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 car with an electronic key fob that allows you to set an automatic seat memory. Some models, such as those from GMC permit you to set an individual preference for your seat and the car will remember it each time you start it.

Keyless Entry Fobs with Bluetooth Connection. Bluetooth Connection

With the growing popularity of smart keys and smartphones for access to cars, criminals have been given an easy opportunity to steal vehicles. Wireless protocols that these systems use can be hijacked by criminals who can disguise signals from the key fob or smartphone to unlock and start your vehicle.

Key fobs are small electronic token that is programmable and can be used on devices, with one-factor authentication to allow access to a physical object like a car computer system, restricted area or mobile device. The fob sends wireless signals to the sensor which is able to recognize and execute predetermined commands.

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

Keyless proximity locks like the Kwikset Kevo allow users to access their doors with a smartphone or a Bluetooth-enabled key fob, removing the need for a traditional key. These kinds of locks are popular with business owners because they make it a breeze for administrators to take on new employees and manage user access without the need to alter the locks or distribute keys.