Hidden Features of Mini Key Fobs

Key fobs have evolved a lot since their initial use as decorative trinkets. They can now perform everything from locking and unlocking doors to start a car remotely. 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. It's a relatively simple job.

Switchblade Keyless Entry Fobs

A key fob does much more than just unlock and start the car. It's also a theft deterrent and security device. Modern day fobs are easy to use strong, durable, and more secure than ever. However, their high price can cause them to be expensive to replace in the event of losing or break one.

A basic keyfob may cost a few dollars however, it could cost upwards of $200 to program. The cost is higher for vehicles with high-end features or special features. Some basic warranties or insurance coverage programs may pay for a replacement key for mini car key cooper (go to En Easypanme) fob, but the majority of people pay out hundreds out of pocket for having theirs fixed.

Some newer vehicles also have a key fob that can be used as an intelligent key. The fobs can be used for locking, unlocking and activating an alarm with the press of one button. They can also summon your car like Tesla's summon feature however, they must be within the reach of the vehicle to operate.

This type of fob contains an aluminum lock that folds into the fob, similar to the switchblade. A spring keeps the key tucked inside when not in use, and you can pop it out at the push of a button to access the vehicle. A switchblade fob is typically roughly the same amount as an ordinary key fob, which has a metal key.

Keyless Entry Fobs with an invisible physical key

Many modern key fobs have more features than just unlocking and starting cars. The latest models can do everything from rolling down windows to summoning your vehicle and even auto-parking. Some of these features aren't ideal for your daily commute, but they can be extremely useful in certain scenarios.

Some key fobs come with a physical key, often in the form a flat metal blade. The keys are kept inside a small compartment within the fob, or can be removed by pressing a button on the bottom of the key fob. If you're in a rush to reach your car and you've forgotten your keys or you'd like to be in a position to start your BMW with push-to-start functionality, having an extra key can be useful.

The battery inside the key fob is most likely to fail at some point. This could cause a lot of neck pain. The battery of your key fob can be replaced easily and inexpensively. You can buy the replacement battery from your dealer, BimmerTech or a big-box retailer or hardware store.

Certain BMW key fobs come with the Display Key that allows you to manage your car via the key. You can check if the doors are locked and schedule when the air conditioner will start. You can even view the level of fuel up to 1,000 feet away.

Keyless Entry Fobs With Side Mirrors That Fold

Key fobs today are more sophisticated 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 emit chirping sounds to assist you in finding your car in a parking lot or 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 reduce all windows at once by pressing a button on your key fob. This is ideal in the summer heat when the air conditioning doesn't completely complete the task. The button sequence to activate the feature isn't always identified however, so you may have to test a few different combinations until you've found one that works for your car.

If you want to keep your vehicle in a smaller space, the key fobs on newer Chevrolet or GMC vehicles will automatically fold the side mirrors of the vehicle 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 vehicle with someone who is a gentle giant, or simply doesn't have as long legs as you do? Perhaps you should look into a vehicle with keys that allow you to set the seat memory. Some models, like the ones from GMC let you create the seat you prefer and automatically remember it every when you start the car.

Keyless Entry Fobs that have a Bluetooth Connection

With the growing popularity of smart keys and smartphone access to cars criminals have gained an easy way to steal cars. Wireless protocols that these systems use can be hijacked by criminals who can spoof the signal of the key fob or smartphone to open and start your vehicle.

A key fob, a small programmable hardware token can be used to provide one-factor authentication on the device to facilitate access to physical objects such as an automobile, computer system restricted space or room or mobile device. The fob transmits wireless signals to the sensor which can recognize and execute predetermined commands.

In many 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 provide additional security. This is usually done by adding biometric authentication to the equation, which can include fingerprint scans, iris scan or voice prints, for example.

Kwikset Kevo proximity keyless locks allow users to unlock their doors with a smartphone or a Bluetooth-enabled fob. This eliminates the requirement for traditional keys. These types of systems are popular among business owners since they make it fairly easy for administrators to take on new employees and manage access for users without the need to alter the locks or distribute keys.