Hidden Features of Mini Key Fobs

Key fobs have been a long way since their beginnings as decorative trinkets. They can now do everything from locking and unlocking doors to starting the car remotely. Certain models have secret features that owners might not know about.

If your car's key fob begins acting up, it's probably time to replace the battery. It's a relatively simple job.

Switchblade Keyless Entry Fobs

A key fob can do a lot more than unlock and start the car. It also serves as a security device and deterrent to theft. Modern key fobs are more durable, convenient and secure than ever. Their pricey nature can mean it is expensive to replace them in the event that you lose or break one.

A basic key fob may only cost a few bucks to buy but programming it will cost you more than $200. These prices are higher when you have a vehicle with top-of-the-line features or other special features. Some basic warranties and insurance coverage programs might pay for a replacement fob, but the majority of people will have to shell out hundreds of dollars when they need to have theirs fixed.

Certain newer cars have a fob which functions as a smart keys. These fobs can be locked, unlocked, and activate an alarm with the pressing of the button. They can also summon your car, much like Tesla's summon function. However, they must be within the range of the vehicle to function.

The type of fob that you have is the lock made of metal that folds inside the fob, much like a switchblade. The key is hidden when not in use by springs. You can take it out at the touch of an button. A switchblade fob is priced around the same as a key fob with metal key.

Keyless Entry Fobs that have an invisible physical key

Many modern key fobs offer more functions than simply unlocking and starting an automobile. Modern models can do anything from roll down windows to call the vehicle, and even auto-parking. Some of these functions aren't useful for your daily commute, but they could be extremely useful in certain circumstances.

Certain mini cooper key replacement fobs contain an actual key in them, usually in the form of a flat, metal key blade. The keys can be put in a small storage compartment inside the key fob or removed by pressing the button on the base. If you're rushing to reach your car and you've lost your key or want to be able to start your BMW with push-to-start capabilities, having an extra key can be helpful.

The battery inside your key fob is bound to go out at the time, and that could cause a lot of neck pain. Fortunately that replacing the key fob battery is easy and affordable. You can purchase a replacement battery from your dealer, BimmerTech or a big-box retailer or hardware store.

Certain BMW key fobs come with the Display Key, which can be used to enhance the number of functions that your car can be driven from the key. You can check whether the doors are locked, schedule when the air conditioner should be turned on, and even check the level of your fuel at up to 1000 feet.

Keyless Entry Fobs With Side Mirrors that Fold

Key fobs today are loaded with more high-tech electronics than ever before, and this tiny plastic device does much more than lock or unlock the doors and remotely start the car. Depending on the model, it can also make chirping sounds to help you find your car in a parking area or serve as an audio remote to control your car's radio stations.

One of the most useful hidden features is available on modern models that allow you to reduce all windows at once by pressing the button on your key fob. This is great for a hot summer's day when your air conditioner just isn't able to keep up. You may have to test a few combinations before you discover the one that will work in your car.

If you're a fan of tight spaces, the key fob on some newer Chevrolet and GMC vehicles can help you out by automatically folding the side mirrors when you lock the car. Simply press the "lock" button on the fob for about a second to enable this feature.

Do you share your car with a gentle giant or someone who isn't as long of legs as you? Then you might want to consider a vehicle with keys that allow you to set an automatic seat memory. Some models, such as GMC, GMC allow you to choose a seat preference and the vehicle will remember it each time you start it.

Keyless Entry Fobs with a Bluetooth Connection

With the popularity of smart keys and smartphones for car access, criminals have been given an easy way to steal vehicles. Wireless protocols that these systems use can be hijacked by criminals who can spoof the signal coming from the mini cooper key fob or smartphone to open and start your vehicle.

A key fob, which is tiny hardware token that is programmable can be used to provide one-factor authentication on the device to allow access to physical objects like the vehicle, computer system restricted area or room or mobile device. The fob transmits wireless signals to the sensor that recognizes and executes predetermined commands.

In a lot of 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 authentication to the equation, which could include fingerprints as well as an iris scan or voice prints, for example.

Proximity keyless lock systems like the Kwikset Kevo allow users to open their doors using an iPhone or Bluetooth-enabled key fob, removing the need for a traditional key. These systems are popular among business owners because they make it easy for administrators to manage access for users and onboard new employees without needing to change locks or distribute keys cards.