Hidden Features of Mini Key Fobs

Key fobs have evolved a lot since their initial days as merely decorative trinkets. They now have the ability to do everything from locking and unlocking the doors to starting the car remotely. Some even have a few additional features that owners might not be aware of.

If your car's key fob starts getting a little agitated, it's time to replace mini key the battery. The good news is that the job is comparatively simple.

Switchblade Keyless Entry Fobs

A key fob can be used to do more than just unlock the car and start it. It's also a theft deterrent and security device. Today's modern fobs are practical and powerful, as well as more secure than ever. Their pricey nature could make it costly to replace them if you break or lose one.

A basic key fob may cost just a few dollars to purchase however, having it programmed will cost you more than $200. These costs are more expensive when you have a vehicle with top-of-the-line features or other special features. Some basic insurance programs or warranties will cover the cost for an exchange key fob. However, most people will have to pay hundreds of dollars out of their own pockets if this happens.

Some of the latest vehicles come with keys that can be used as smart-keys. The fobs can be used to lock, unlock, and arm an alarm at the pressing of a button. They can summon your car, similar to Tesla's summon function. But they must be within range of the vehicle to work.

This kind of fob has an iron lock that folds into the fob, similar to an ad-hoc switchblade. A spring holds the key inside when not in use and it is possible to pop it out with the click of a button for access to the vehicle. A switchblade fob will cost you about the same as a keyfob with a metal key.

Keyless Entry Fobs that have a Physical Key Hidden

Modern key fobs offer more than the ability to unlock and start a vehicle. Modern models can do everything from lowering windows to summon the car and even automate parking. Some of these features aren't necessary for your daily commute, but they can be extremely helpful in certain situations.

Some key fobs include keys that are hidden inside of them, typically in the shape of a flat key blade. Keys can be placed in a small compartment inside the key fob or removed by pressing the button located on the base. A spare key is helpful when you're trying to get to your BMW and you've forgotten your key.

It is a given that the battery in your keyfob will degrade at some point. This could be quite a discomfort for the neck. The battery for your key fob could be easily and cheaply replaced. You can get a replacement from your dealer, a third-party seller like BimmerTech or even a hardware store or big-box retailer.

Certain BMW key fobs have a Display Key that lets you control your car from the key. You can verify if the doors are locked and schedule when the air conditioning will be on. You can even see the level of fuel up to 1,000 feet away.

Keyless Entry Fobs with Side Mirrors Folding

Key fobs of today are more advanced than ever. They can do more than just lock and unlock the doors or 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 be used as an audio remote to control the radio stations.

Some of the latest models come with a hidden feature that lets you lower the windows immediately with the push of a button. This is great in the summer heat when the AC doesn't quite get the job done. You may have to try several combinations before you can find the one that is effective in your car.

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

Do you share your car with someone who is gentle or who isn't the same legs as you? You might want to look for a vehicle with keys that let you to set a memory seating. Certain models, like GMC, GMC allow you to set a seat preference, and the car will be able to remember it each time you start it.

Keyless Entry Fobs that Connect to Bluetooth

Criminals are now able to steal cars easily with the increasing popularity of smartphones for car access and smart keys. Wireless protocols used by these systems are vulnerable to hijacking by criminals able to disguise the signal coming from the key fob or smartphone to unlock and start your vehicle.

A key fob is a small, programmable hardware token that allows on-device, one-factor authentication for access to physical objects such as a car, computer system, restricted area or mobile device. The fob transmits wireless signals to a sensor, that recognizes the data as well as commands, and then performs the predetermined functions, such as locking or unlocking.

In many instances it is also a security token that supports two-factor or multi-factor authentication (2FA or MFA) methods to provide additional security. This is usually done by adding biometric authentication to the equation, which can include fingerprint scans, iris scan or voice print, for example.

Keyless proximity locks like the Kwikset Kevo allow users to open their doors using a smartphone or a Bluetooth-enabled key fob, removing the need for a traditional key. These types of systems are popular among business owners since they make it easy for administrators to onboard new employees and manage user access without the need to change locks or distribute keys.