Hidden Features of Mini Key Fobs

Key fobs have changed a lot from their beginnings as decorative trinkets. Today, they can perform everything from locking and unlocking doors to starting an automobile remotely. Some even have a few additional features that owners might not know about.

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

Switchblade Keyless Entry Fobs

A key fob can do much more than unlock and start the car. It also serves as a security device and deterrent to theft. Modern-day key fobs with high-tech technology are more efficient, practical and secure than ever. Their high cost can make it expensive to replace them if you break or lose one.

A basic keyfob may cost only a few dollars however it could cost upwards of $200 to program. These costs are higher when you have a luxury vehicle or one with special features. A few basic insurance plans or warranties can cover the cost for the replacement of a key fob. However, most people will need to pay hundreds of dollars out of their own pockets in the event that this happens.

Certain cars of recent years also come with a fob that can double as a smart key. These fobs are capable of locking, unlocking and activating an alarm with the press of a button. They can also summon your car like Tesla's summon feature, however, they must be within range of the vehicle to be effective.

The fobs that are of this type include a metal key that folds into the fob, much like a switchblade knife. A spring holds the key mini inside when not in use and it is possible to pop it out by pressing of a button to access the vehicle. A switchblade fob generally costs around the same price as an ordinary key fob, which has metal keys.

Keyless Entry Fobs with a Physical Key Hidden

Many modern key fobs have more features than just unlocking and starting an automobile. The latest models can do everything from lowering windows, summoning the vehicle and even auto-parking. Certain of these features aren't useful for your daily commute, but they could be extremely useful in certain situations.

Some key fobs come with an actual key inside of them, typically in the form of a flat, metal key blade. The keys are kept in a tiny slot inside the fob, and can be removed by pressing a button at the bottom of the key fob. If you're in a rush to get to your vehicle and you've lost your keys or want to be in a position to start your BMW by pushing the button, having an extra key can help.

The battery inside your key fob is likely to go out at some point. This could be a huge discomfort for neck. Fortunately that replacing the battery of your key fob is easy and cost-effective. You can buy an alternative battery from a dealer, BimmerTech or a big-box retailer or hardware store.

Some BMW Chrysler minivan Key fobs come with a Display Key, which adds to the range of functions that your car can be driven from the key. You can check if the doors are locked, and also schedule when the air conditioner should start. You can even check the level of fuel up to 1,000ft away.

Keyless Entry Fobs With Side Mirrors Folding

The key fobs of today are more advanced than ever. They do more than lock and unlock the doors or even start the car remotely. It could also emit chirping sounds to assist you in finding your car when you are in a parking spot or serve as a remote audio control that can control the radio stations of your car.

Some of the newer models have a hidden function that allows you to lower the windows immediately with the click of a switch. This is a great feature to have in the summer heat when the air conditioning doesn't quite get the job done. The button sequence to activate the feature isn't always labeled however, so you may have to test a few different combinations until you discover the one that is suitable for your car.

If you're fond of tight spaces keys in newer Chevrolet and GMC vehicles can help out by automatically folding the side mirrors after locking the car. Simply press the "lock" button on the fob for about a second to activate this feature.

Do you share a car with someone who is a gentle giant or simply doesn't have the same length legs as you do? You may want to look for a car that has an ignition keyfob that lets you to set a memory seating. Certain models, such as those from GMC let you create your preferred seat and automatically remember it each time you start the car.

Keyless Entry Fobs with Keyless Entry that connect to Bluetooth

With the growing popularity of smart keys and smartphone car access criminals have gained an opportunity to steal cars. Wireless protocols that these systems use are susceptible to hijacking by criminals who are able to spoof the signal from the key fob or smartphone to open and start your car.

A key fob, small, programmable hardware token offers one-factor authentication for the device to facilitate access to physical objects such as the vehicle, computer system restricted area or room, or mobile device. The fob transmits wireless signals to a device which detects the information and commands and performs predetermined tasks like locking or unlocking.

In many instances it is also an security token that can support two-factor or multi-factor authentication (2FA or MFA) methods to give you additional security. This is typically done by adding biometric authentication to the equation. This can include a fingerprint scan or iris scan, or even a voice prints, for example.

Proximity keyless lock systems like the Kwikset Kevo allow users to open their doors using an iPhone or Bluetooth-enabled key fob, removing the need for a traditional key. These systems are very popular with business owners because they enable administrators to manage user access and onboard new employees without needing to change locks or distribute keys cards.