Hidden Features of Mini Key Fobs
Key fobs have evolved a lot since their beginnings as decorative trinkets. They can now do everything, from locking and unlocking the doors to remote start of the car. Some even have a few hidden features that owners may not know about.
If your car's key fob begins malfunctioning, it's time to replace its battery. The good news is that the job is fairly simple.
Switchblade Keyless Entry Fobs
A key fob can do much more than unlock the car and start it. It also functions as a security device and also a deterrent against theft. Modern-day fobs are more convenient, powerful, and more secure than ever. Their high cost can be costly to replace them if you lose or break one.
replacement mini key fob may be a couple of dollars to purchase but programming it will cost you more than $200. The cost is higher when you have a vehicle with top-of-the-line features or other special features. Some basic warranties or insurance coverage programs can pay for replacing a fob, but the majority of people will have to shell out hundreds of dollars for having their device repaired.
Some of the latest cars come with a fob that can double as a smart key. These fobs are able to lock, unlock and arm an alarm at the pressing of a button. They can also summon your car like Tesla's summon feature but they have to be within reach of the vehicle to function.
The fobs that are of this type include keys made of metal that fold into the fob in the same way as a switchblade knife. A spring keeps the key tucked inside when not in use and allows you to take it out with the press of a key to access the vehicle. A switchblade fob is priced around the same as a keyfob with a metal keys.
Keyless Entry Fobs with a physical key hidden
Modern key fobs provide more than the ability to unlock and start a vehicle. Modern models can do everything from lowering the windows to call the vehicle, and even auto-parking. While some of these clever functions may not be useful on your daily commute however they can be helpful in certain situations.
Some key fobs have the physical key, which is usually in the form a flat blade of metal. These keys are stored in a small slot inside the fob, or can be removed when you press a button on the base of the key fob. If you're in a rush to reach your car and you forget your key or you wish 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 degrade at some time. This could be quite a pain in the neck. The battery of your key fob can be replaced cheaply and easily. You can purchase a replacement from your dealer, a third-party seller like BimmerTech, or even a hardware store or big-box retailer.
Some BMW key fobs include a Display Key that allows you to control your car with the key. You can see if the doors are locked, schedule when the air conditioning should be on, and even view the level of your fuel from up to 1000 feet away.
Keyless Entry Fobs with Folding Side Mirrors
Today's key fobs are packed with the most advanced electronic components ever, and this little plastic device does much more than simply lock or unlock the doors and allow you to start your car remotely. It could make chirping sounds that assist you in finding your car in the parking lot, or be used as an audio remote to control the radio stations in your car.
One of the most useful hidden features is available on newer models that allow you to reduce all windows immediately by pressing the button on your key fob. This is great on a hot summer's day when your air conditioner cannot keep up. The sequence of buttons that activate the feature isn't always identified, so you may have to play around with different combinations until you come across one that works for your vehicle.
If you're a lover of tight spaces, the key fob in some of the newer Chevrolet and GMC vehicles can help out by automatically folding the vehicle's side mirrors after locking the vehicle. Simply press the "lock" button on the fob for a full two seconds to enable this feature.
Do you share your car with an amiable giant or someone who doesn't have as long of legs as you? You may want to look for a car with a keyfob that allows you set a memory seat. Some models, like those from GMC, allow you to create the seat you prefer and automatically remember it each time you turn on the car.
Keyless Entry Fobs, that can be connected to Bluetooth
With the rise of smart keys and smartphone access to cars criminals have gained an opportunity to steal cars. These systems rely on wireless protocols that are vulnerable to being hijacked. Criminals can steal signals from your key fob or phone to unlock the car and then start it.
A key fob is a small, programmable hardware token that can be used on devices, with one-factor authentication for access to a physical object like a car, computer system, restricted area or mobile device. The fob transmits wireless signals to a sensor which detects the information and commands, and performs predetermined functions such as locking or unlocking.
In many instances, the key fob can also be used as a security token. It can be used for two-factor or multiple-factor authentication (2FA and MFA) to provide added security. This is usually accomplished by adding biometric verification to the equation. For example, a fingerprint or iris, or even a voiceprint can be used.
Proximity keyless lock systems like the Kwikset Kevo allow users to open their doors using either a Bluetooth-enabled smartphone or key fob, removing the requirement for a traditional key. These kinds of systems are popular with business owners because they make it relatively simple for administrators to integrate new employees and manage access for their users without the need to alter the locks or distribute key cards.