Hidden Features of Mini Key Fobs

Key fobs are no longer just decorative trinkets. They are now able to do everything from locking and unlocking the doors to remote start of the car. Some even have additional features that owners might not know about.

If your car's key fob starts being a bit shaky, it's time to replace the battery. The good news is that the job is fairly simple.

Switchblade Keyless Entry Fobs

A key fob can do more than just unlock and start a car. It is also a theft deterrent and security device. Today's modern fobs are practical and powerful, as well as more secure than ever. Their high cost can be costly to replace them in the event that you lose or break one.

A basic keyfob can cost only a few dollars however, it could cost upwards of $200 to program. These prices are higher for vehicles with premium features or special features. Some basic warranties and insurance coverage plans may cover the cost of the replacement fob, however the majority of people pay out hundreds of dollars in the event of needing to get their fob fixed.

Some of the latest vehicles have an accessory key fob that can be used as a smart-key. These fobs are able to lock, unlock and arm an alarm with a press of one button. They could even summon your car similar to Tesla's summon feature however, they must be in proximity to the vehicle in order to operate.

Fobs of this type contain a metal key that folds into the fob just like a switchblade knife. A spring keeps the key tucked inside when it's not in use and you can take it out by pressing of a key to access the vehicle. A switchblade key fob usually costs about the same as a standard key fob with the metal key.

Keyless Entry Fobs that have a Physical Key Hidden

Modern key fobs come with more features than just unlocking and starting cars. Modern models can do everything from lowering the windows to summon the car, and even auto-parking. While some of these handy features might not be necessary in your daily commute, they can be incredibly beneficial in certain circumstances.

Some key fobs have the physical key, which is usually in the form a flat metal blade. The keys can be put in a small compartment inside the key fob or removed by pressing the button on the base. If you're in a hurry to get to your car, and you've forgotten your keys, or if you want to be able to start your BMW with push-to-start capabilities, having a spare key can come in handy.

It is inevitable that the battery in your keyfob will die at some time. This can be an enormous headache for you. The battery in your mini cooper key fob replacement fob can be replaced cheaply and easily. You can buy the replacement battery from your dealer, BimmerTech or a big-box retailer or hardware store.

Certain BMW key fobs have a Display Key, which can be used to enhance the number of functions your car is able to be driven with the key. You can see if the doors are locked, set a timer when the AC should be turned on, and even check the level of your fuel from up to 1000 feet away.

Keyless Entry Fobs With Folding Side Mirrors

The key fobs of today are more advanced than ever. They can do more than lock and unlock the doors or start the car remotely. Depending on the model, it might also make chirping noises to assist you in finding your car in a parking area or serve as an audio remote to control the radio stations.

One of the most useful hidden functions is available on modern models that permit you to lower all the windows instantly by pressing an icon on your key fob. This is great on a hot summer's day when your air conditioner just can't keep up. The sequence of button presses to activate the feature isn't always identified as such, so you may need to test a few different combinations until you come across one that works for your car.

If you like to keep your vehicle in a smaller space, the fobs of newer Chevrolet or GMC vehicles will automatically fold the side mirrors on the vehicle once you lock it. To activate this feature, press the "lock button" on the fob and hold it for a full 2 seconds.

Do you share a car with someone who is a gentle giant or just doesn't seem to have the same length legs as you do? You might want to think about a car that has an electronic key fob that allows you to set the seat memory. Some models, like GMC's GMC can allow you to set up your preferred seat and automatically remember it each time you start the car.

Keyless Entry Fobs that Connect to Bluetooth

Criminals are now able steal cars easily with the rise of smartphones for access to cars and smart keys. Wireless protocols used by these systems can be hijacked by criminals who are able to spoof signals from the key fob or smartphone to open and start your vehicle.

Key fobs are small device that can be programmed to function as a hardware token. It allows on-device, one-factor authentication to allow access to physical objects like a car, computer system, restricted zone or room or mobile device. The fob transmits wireless signals to the sensor, that recognizes and executes predetermined commands.

In many instances the key fob is also an security token that can support multi-factor or two-factor authentication (2FA or MFA) methods to offer additional security. This is typically done by adding biometric verification to the equation. For instance fingerprint or iris scan, or even a voice print can be used.

Keyless proximity lock systems such as 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 kinds of locks are popular with business owners because they make it fairly easy for administrators to integrate new employees and manage access for their users without the need to change locks or distribute key cards.