Hidden Features of Mini Key Fobs
Key fobs are no longer just a decorative trinket. They can now do everything, from locking and unlocking doors to starting the car remotely. Some even have a few extra features that the owners may not be aware of.
If your car's key fob starts being a bit shaky, it's time to replace the battery. It's a fairly simple task.
Switchblade Keyless Entry Fobs
A key fob does a lot more than unlock and start a car. It also serves as a security tool and a deterrent to theft. Today's high-tech fobs are convenient, powerful, and more secure than ever. But their high cost can make them expensive to replace if you lose or break one.
A basic key fob might cost just a few dollars to buy, but having it programmed could cost more than $200. These costs are higher for high-end vehicles or those with special features. The Keylab or warranties might pay for a replacement key fob. However, most people will need to pay hundreds of dollars from their pockets if this occurs.
Certain newer vehicles include the fob of a key that can be used as a smart-key. They can be locked, unlocked, and activate an alarm with the press of a button. They can summon your car, similar to Tesla's summon function. But they must be within the range of the vehicle in order to function.
Fobs like this contain the key made of metal, which folds into the fob, much like a switchblade knife. A spring keeps the key tucked inside when not in use and it is possible to pop it out with the press of a key to access the vehicle. A switchblade fob will cost you about the same as a key fob that has a metal keys.
Keyless Entry Fobs that have Physical Key Hidden
Modern key fobs have more than the ability to unlock and start a car. Modern models can do anything from rolling down windows to summon the vehicle and even automate parking. Some of these features aren't ideal for your daily commute, but they could be extremely useful in certain circumstances.
Certain key fobs include 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 on the base. An additional key is useful for when you're in a hurry to get to your BMW and you've forgotten your key.
The battery in your key fob is bound to go out at some point. This could cause a lot of pain in the neck. Fortunately, replacing the battery in your key fob can be easy and affordable. You can purchase a replacement from your dealer, a third-party seller like BimmerTech, or a hardware store or big-box retailers.
Certain BMW key fobs also come with a Display Key that allows you to manage your car via the key. You can see if the doors are locked, schedule when the air conditioner should be on, and even view the level of your fuel at up to 1000 feet.
Keyless Entry Fobs with Folding Side Mirrors
Key fobs of today are more advanced than ever. They can do more than simply lock and unlock doors or start the car remotely. It can make chirping sounds to help you locate your car in a parking lot, or be used as a remote audio control to control the radio stations of your car.
Certain models that are more modern come with a hidden feature that lets you reduce the windows instantly at the push of a button. This is a great feature to have in the summer heat when the air conditioning doesn't completely complete the task. The sequence of buttons that activate the feature isn't always clearly labeled as such, so you may need to experiment with a few different combinations until you come across one that works for your vehicle.
If you want to keep your car in a compact space, the key fobs that are found on modern Chevrolet or GMC vehicles will automatically fold the side mirrors after you lock it. To activate this feature, just press the "lock button" on the fob and hold it for a full 2 seconds.
Do you have a car that you share with the gentle giant or someone who isn't as long of legs as you? Perhaps you should consider a vehicle with a key fob that lets you to set a seat memory. Certain models, such as those from GMC can allow you to create an individual seat preference and then automatically remember it each time you turn on the car.
Keyless Entry Fobs that have Bluetooth Connection. Bluetooth Connection
Criminals can now steal cars with ease thanks to the rise of smartphones for car access and smart keys. These systems utilize wireless protocols that are prone to hijacking. Criminals can spoof signals from your key fob or phone to unlock and start the car.
A key fob, a small programmable hardware token offers one-factor authentication for the device to facilitate access to physical objects such as an automobile, computer system restricted space or room, or mobile device. The fob transmits wireless signals to a device which is able to recognize the information and commands and performs functions, such as locking or unlocking.
In many cases the key fob can also be used as an additional security token. It can support two-factor or multiple-factor authentication (2FA and MFA) to give you additional security. This is typically done by adding biometric authentication to the equation. This can include fingerprint scans or iris scan, or even a voice print, as an example.
Keyless locks that are proximity-based like the Kwikset Kevo allow users to open their doors using smartphones or a Bluetooth-enabled key fob, eliminating the need for a traditional key. These kinds of locks are very popular with business owners, as they make it relatively simple for administrators to welcome new employees and manage user access without the need to change locks or distribute keys.