Hidden Features of Mini Key Fobs

Key fobs have evolved a lot since their beginnings as decorative trinkets. They now have the ability to do everything, from locking and unlocking the doors to remotely starting the car. Some even have a few hidden features that owners may not know about.

Replace the battery in case your key fob doesn't work anymore. It's a fairly simple task.

Switchblade Keyless Entry Fobs

A key fob does more than just unlock and start the car. It also serves as a security device and theft deterrent. Modern key fobs are more durable, convenient and secure than they have ever been. Their pricey nature could make it costly to replace them in the event that you lose or break one.

A basic key fob might be a couple of dollars to buy but programming it could cost more than $200. These costs are more expensive for vehicles that have high-end features or special features. Some basic warranties and insurance coverage programs can cover the cost of a replacement fob, but the majority of people pay out hundreds out of pocket when they need to have theirs fixed.

Certain cars of recent years also include a fob that can double as a smart key. The fobs can be used for locking, unlocking and arming alarms by pressing one button. They can summon your car, Near Me much like Tesla's summon function. But they must be within the range of the vehicle to function.

This kind of fob has an aluminum lock that folds inside the fob like the switchblade. The key is hidden when not in use thanks to a spring. You can remove it at the touch of a button. A switchblade fob typically costs approximately the same as the standard key fob that comes with metal keys.

Keyless Entry Fobs with an invisible physical key

Modern key fobs have more than just the ability to unlock and start a car. The latest models can do everything from lowering windows to summoning the vehicle and even auto-parking. Some of these features aren't necessary for your daily commute but they can be extremely useful in certain situations.

Some key fobs contain keys that are physical, typically in the form a flat blade of metal. Keys are stored in a small slot inside the fob, or can be removed by pressing a button on the base of the key fob. If you're in a rush to get to your car and you've forgotten your keys or you wish to be able to start your BMW by pushing the button, having an extra key may be helpful.

It is a given that the battery in your keyfob will degrade at some time. This can be an enormous headache for you. Fortunately replacement of the battery in your key fob is easy and cost-effective. You can get a replacement mini cooper key from your dealer, a third-party retailer like BimmerTech or a hardware store, or big-box retailers.

Certain BMW key fobs include the Display Key which can be used to enhance the number of functions your car is able to be driven with the key. You can determine if the doors are locked, set a timer when the air conditioning should be turned on and even monitor your fuel level at up to 1000 feet.

Keyless Entry Fobs with Folding Side Mirrors

Key fobs in the modern age are more sophisticated than ever. They can do more than just lock and unlock doors or even start the car remotely. Depending on the model, it might be able to make chirping sounds that help you find your car in a parking area or be used as an audio remote to control your car's radio stations.

One of the most useful hidden functions is found on a few newer models that allow you to minimize all windows instantly by pressing an icon on your key fob. This is great on a hot summer's day when your air conditioner cannot keep up. The sequence of buttons to activate the feature isn't always identified however, so you may have to test a few different combinations until you find one that works for 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. To activate this feature, press the "lock button" on the fob and hold it for 2 seconds.

Do you share your car with the gentle giant or someone who just doesn't have the same length of legs as you? Then you might want to look into a car with an electronic key fob that allows you to set an automatic seat memory. Some models, like those from GMC let you set up a seat preference and automatically remember it every time you turn on the car.

Keyless Entry Fobs with Bluetooth Connection. Bluetooth Connection

Criminals can now steal cars easily with the rise of smartphones for access to cars and smart keys. These systems rely on wireless protocols that are vulnerable to hijacking. Criminals can use spoofing signals from your key fob or phone to unlock and start the car.

Key fobs are small device that can be programmed to function as a hardware token. It allows on-device, one-factor authentication to facilitate access to physical objects like a car, computer system, restricted area or room or mobile device. The fob transmits wireless signals to a sensor which is able to recognize the information as well as commands, and then performs the predetermined functions like locking or unlocking.

In a lot of cases, the key fob can also be used as a security token. It can support two-factor or multiple-factor authentication (2FA and MFA) to give you additional security. This is usually done by adding biometric verification to the equation. For instance fingerprint or iris, or even a voiceprint could be used.

Proximity keyless lock systems like the Kwikset Kevo allow users to access their doors with smartphones or a Bluetooth-enabled key fob, removing the requirement for a traditional key. These systems are very popular with business owners due to the fact that they allow administrators to manage access to users and onboard new employees without having to change locks or distribute keys cards.