Hidden Features of lost mini key Key Fobs

Key fobs aren't just a decorative trinket. Today, they can accomplish everything from locking and unlocking doors to start the car remotely. Some even have a few secrets that owners may not be aware of.

If your car's key fob starts acting up, it's probably time to replace its battery. The good thing is that the task is comparatively simple.

Switchblade Keyless Entry Fobs

Key fobs do more than just unlock and start cars. It also serves as a security device and a deterrent to theft. Modern day key fobs that are high-tech are more reliable, efficient and secure than they have ever been. Their pricey nature could make it costly to replace them if you lose or break one.

A basic key fob could cost just a few dollars to buy but programming it can set you back more than $200. The costs can be even more for luxury vehicles or those with specific features. Some basic warranties or insurance coverage programs can cover the cost of a replacement key for a mini cooper fob, but the majority of people have to shell out hundreds of dollars if they need to get theirs fixed.

Some newer vehicles also include a key fob that can be used as smart-keys. The fobs can be used to lock, unlock, and arm an alarm with a press of one button. They can even summon your car like Tesla's summon feature however, they must be in range of the vehicle to be effective.

This type of fob contains an iron lock that folds into the fob, much like an ad-hoc switchblade. A spring keeps the key tucked inside when it's not in use and allows you to take it out with the click of a button to access the vehicle. A switchblade key fob costs about the same as a key fob with metal keys.

Keyless Entry Fobs with a physical key hidden

Modern mini cooper key replacement cost fobs offer more than just the capability to unlock and start a vehicle. Modern models can do everything from rolling down windows to summoning your vehicle and even auto-parking. While some of these nifty functions may not be useful during your commute, they can be incredibly useful in certain scenarios.

Some key fobs come with the physical key, which is usually in the form of a flat blade of metal. Keys can be kept in a small compartment inside the key fob or removed by pressing the button located on the base. If you're in a hurry to get to your car, and you've forgotten your keys, or if you want to be capable of starting your BMW with push-to-start capabilities, having an extra key can come in handy.

The battery inside the key fob is most likely to die at the time, and that could cause a lot of headache for you. Fortunately replacing the battery in your key fob can be easy and affordable. You can buy a replacement from your dealer, a third-party retailer such as BimmerTech, or a hardware store, or big-box retailer.

Some BMW key fobs also come with the Display Key that lets you manage your car via the key. You can verify whether the doors are locked, set a timer when the air conditioner should be turned on and even monitor the level of your fuel from up to 1000 feet away.

Keyless Entry Fobs With Side Mirrors Folding

Key fobs of today are loaded with more modern electronics than ever before, and this tiny plastic device does much more than just lock and unlock the doors and remotely start the car. Depending on the model, it could also emit chirping sounds to assist you in finding your car in a parking area or as an audio remote to control the radio stations.

Some of the more recent models come with a hidden feature that allows you to lower the windows instantly with the press of a button. This is a great feature for hot summer days when your air conditioner can't keep up. The sequence of button presses to activate the feature isn't always identified, so you may have to experiment with different combinations until you've found the one that is suitable for your car.

If you like to keep your car in a small space, the key fobs on newer Chevrolet or GMC vehicles will automatically fold the side mirrors of the vehicle after you lock it. To enable this feature, simply press the "lock button" on the fob and hold it for 2 seconds.

Do you have a passenger in your car who is a gentle giant, or just doesn't have the same length legs as you do? If so, you may want to look into a car with keys that allow you to set the seat memory. Certain models, like those from GMC allow you to set your preferred seat and the car will remember it each time you start it.

Keyless Entry Fobs that have a Bluetooth Connection

With the rise of smart keys and smartphone access to cars criminals have had an easy opportunity to steal vehicles. Wireless protocols that these systems use are vulnerable to hijacking by criminals who can spoof the signal from the key fob or smartphone to open and start your vehicle.

A key fob, small hardware token that can be programmed that provides one-factor authentication to the device that allows access to physical objects like a vehicle, computer system and restricted areas, or mobile device. The fob sends wireless signals to the sensor which is able to recognize and execute predetermined commands.

In a lot of cases the key fob may 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. This can include fingerprint scans, iris scan or voice print, as an example.

Keyless proximity locks like the Kwikset Kevo allow users to access their doors with smartphones or a Bluetooth-enabled key fob, eliminating the requirement for a traditional key. These systems are a favorite among business owners as they make it simple for administrators to manage access for users and onboard new employees without needing to change locks or distribute keys cards.