Hidden Features of Mini Key Fobs

Key fobs have changed a lot from their early days as decorative trinkets. They are now able to do everything, from locking and unlocking the doors to remotely starting the car. Some even have additional features that owners might not know about.

If your car's key fob begins getting a little agitated, it's time to replace the battery. The good thing is that the task is relatively easy.

Switchblade Keyless Entry Fobs

Key fobs do much more than unlock and start an automobile. It's also a theft deterrent and security device. Today's high-tech fobs are convenient and powerful, as well as more secure than ever. The high cost of these devices can make it expensive to replace them if you lose or break one.

A basic keyfob may cost just a few dollars however, it could cost more than $200 to program. These costs are even more for luxury vehicles or those equipped with extra features. A few basic insurance plans or warranties might cover the cost for an exchange key fob. However, most people will need to pay hundreds of dollars from their own pockets in the event that this happens.

Certain vehicles of recent years also come with an accessory key fob that can be used as an intelligent key. These fobs are capable of locking, unlocking and arming an alarm by pressing one button. They could even summon your car like Tesla's summon feature, however, they must be within the range of the vehicle for them to operate.

The type of fob you choose to use has the lock made of metal that folds into the fob like an ad-hoc switchblade. A spring keeps the key tucked 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 fob costs roughly the same as a key fob with a metal keys.

Keyless Entry Fobs with a hidden physical key

A lot of modern key fobs have more functions than simply unlocking and starting a car. Modern models can do anything from lowering the windows to summon the car and even automate parking. While some of these nifty features may not be helpful for your daily commute but they can be beneficial in certain circumstances.

Some key fobs have an actual key hidden inside of them, typically in the form of a flat metal key blade. Keys can be placed in a small compartment within the key fob, or removed by pressing the button located on the base. If you're rushing to get to your vehicle and you've lost your key or you'd like to be capable of starting your BMW using push-to-start, having a spare key can help.

The battery inside your key fob is sure to go out at some point. This can be a huge neck pain. The battery of your key fob can be replaced easily and inexpensively. You can buy a replacement from your dealer, a third-party vendor like BimmerTech, or a hardware shop or big-box retailers.

Some BMW key fobs have the Display Key which expands the range of functions your car is able to be driven from the key. You can determine if the doors are locked and schedule when the air conditioner will turn on. You can even see the level of fuel up to 1,000ft away.

Keyless Entry Fobs with Side Mirrors Folding

Today's key fobs are packed with more advanced electronics than ever before, and this small plastic device does much more than just lock and unlock doors and remotely start the car. Depending on the model, it can also make chirping sounds to assist you in finding your vehicle in a parking lot or can be used as an audio remote to control your car's radio stations.

Certain models that are more modern come with a hidden feature that lets you lower the windows instantly with the push of a button. This is perfect during a hot summer day when the AC doesn't quite get the job done. The sequence of buttons that activate the feature isn't always labeled and you might have to play around with different combinations until you find one that works with your car.

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

Do you have a passenger in your car who is a gentle giant or doesn't appear to have as long legs as you do? You might want to look for a car that has the key fob that lets the setting of a memory seat. Certain models, such as the ones from GMC can allow you to create a seat preference and automatically remember it each when you start the car.

Keyless Entry Fobs that have Bluetooth Connection. Bluetooth Connection

Criminals have the ability to take cars away easily due to the increasing popularity of smartphones for car access and smart keys. Wireless protocols used by these systems are susceptible to hijacking by criminals who can spoof the signal coming from the key fob or smartphone to unlock and start your vehicle.

A key fob, small hardware token that can be programmed offers one-factor authentication for the device to allow access to physical objects like an automobile, computer system and restricted areas, or mobile device. The fob transmits wireless signals to the sensor that recognizes and executes predetermined commands.

In many cases, 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 authentication to the equation. This can include fingerprint scans, iris scan or voice prints, for example.

Kwikset Kevo proximity keyless locks allow users to unlock their doors using a smartphone, or a Bluetooth-enabled fob. This removes the need for traditional keys. These systems are a favorite among business owners as they make it simple for administrators to manage access for users and onboard new employees without needing to change locks or distribute mini keys cards.