Hidden Features of replacement mini cooper key Cooper Key Cutting (Longshots.Wiki) Key Fobs

Key fobs have evolved a lot since their initial days as merely decorative trinkets. They can now do everything, from locking and unlocking the doors to remote start of the car. Some of them have hidden features that owners might not know about.

Replace the battery if your key fob isn't working. It's a relatively simple job.

Switchblade Keyless Entry Fobs

A key fob does a lot more than unlock and start the car. It also serves as a security device and also a deterrent against theft. Modern-day fobs are more convenient and durable, and are more secure than ever. However, their high price can make them costly to replace if you lose or break one.

A basic key fob could only cost a few dollars to purchase however programming it will cost you more than $200. These prices are higher when you have a vehicle with top-of-the-line features or special features. A few basic insurance plans or warranties will cover the cost for replacing the key fob. However, most people will need to pay hundreds of dollars out of their own pockets if this happens.

Some of the latest vehicles include the fob of a key that can be used as a smart-key. The fobs can be used for locking, unlocking, or activating an alarm with the press of one button. They can even summon your car like Tesla's summon feature but they have to be within reach of the vehicle to function.

This kind of fob has an iron lock that folds inside the fob, like a switchblade. The key is tucked away when not in use by a spring. You can remove it with the push of an button. A switchblade fob is priced around the same as a key fob with a metal key.

Keyless Entry Fobs with a physical key hidden

Modern key fobs provide more than just the ability to unlock and start a vehicle. Modern models can do anything from lowering windows to summon the vehicle and even auto-parking. While some of these handy features might not be necessary in your daily commute however, they can be extremely useful in certain scenarios.

Some key fobs come with an actual key hidden in them, usually in the shape of a flat key blade. Keys can be placed in a small storage compartment inside the key fob or removed by pressing the button on the base. A spare mini key key is helpful when you are in a hurry to get to your BMW and have lost your key.

It is inevitable that the battery in the key fob will fail at some time. This can be a real neck pain. Fortunately replacing the key fob battery is easy and affordable. You can buy a replacement mini key battery from your dealer, BimmerTech or a big-box retailer or hardware store.

Certain BMW key fobs have a Display Key that allows you to manage your car via the key. You can see if the doors are locked, program when the air conditioner should turn on and even see your fuel level from up to 1000ft away.

Keyless Entry Fobs With Side Mirrors That Fold

Key fobs of today are more sophisticated than ever. They can do more than lock and unlock the doors or even start the car remotely. It can make chirping sounds that help you locate your car when you are in a parking spot or act as an audio remote to control the radio stations of your car.

Some of the newer models have a hidden function that lets you reduce the windows instantly at the press of a button. This is great on a hot day when the air conditioning doesn't seem to be able to complete the task. The sequence of button presses to activate the feature may not be labeled, so you may have to play around with different combinations until you discover one that fits your vehicle.

If you're one of those who likes tight spaces, the key fob in some newer Chevrolet and GMC vehicles can help you out by automatically folding the vehicle's side mirrors when you lock the car. To enable this feature, press the "lock button" on the fob and hold it for 2 seconds.

Do you share a car with someone who is a gentle giant or doesn't appear to have the same length legs as you do? Perhaps you should consider a vehicle with a key fob that allows you to set an automatic seat memory. Some models, like the ones from GMC, allow you to create a seat preference and automatically remember it each time you turn on the car.

Keyless Entry Fobs that Connect to Bluetooth

With the increasing popularity of smart keys and smartphones for access to cars criminals have had an easy way to steal vehicles. These systems utilize wireless protocols that are prone to stealing. Criminals can steal signals from your key fob or phone to unlock the car and then start it.

A key fob is a small device that can be programmed to function as a hardware token. It provides on-device, one-factor authentication to enable access to a physical object like a car computer system, restricted zone or room or mobile device. The fob transmits wireless signals to a sensor, that recognizes the data and commands and performs predetermined functions like locking or unlocking.

In many cases the key fob can also be used as an additional security token. It supports two-factor or multiple-factor authentication (2FA and MFA) to provide added security. This is typically done by adding biometric authentication to the equation, which could include fingerprints, iris scan or voice print, for instance.

Kwikset Kevo proximity keyless locks permit users to open their doors with a smartphone, or a Bluetooth-enabled fob. This means that there is no need for traditional keys. These kinds of locks are very popular with business owners as they make it relatively simple for administrators to welcome new employees and control access to users without the need to alter the locks or distribute key cards.