There's A Reason Why The Most Common Replacement Mini Cooper Key …

Hidden Features of Mini Key Fobs

Key fobs aren't just decorative trinkets. Today, they can do everything from locking and unlocking doors to starting a car remotely. Some even have a few hidden features that owners may not know about.

If your car's key fob starts being a bit shaky, it's time to replace the battery. It's a relatively simple job.

Switchblade Keyless Entry Fobs

A key fob is more than just unlock and start a car. It also functions as a security device and deterrent to theft. Modern day fobs are easy to use and durable, and are more secure than ever. However, their high price can cause them to be expensive to replace if you lose or break one.

A basic keyfob could cost only a few dollars, but it can cost upwards of $200 to program. Those costs are even higher for vehicles that are of high-end or with specific features. Some basic warranties and insurance coverage programs may cover the cost of a replacement fob, but the majority of people have to shell out hundreds of dollars when they need to have their fob repaired.

Certain vehicles of recent years also have the fob of a key that can be used as an intelligent key. The fobs can be used to lock, unlock and activate an alarm with the pressing of the button. They can also summon your car, like Tesla's summon function. But they must be within the range of the vehicle to work.

The type of fob you choose to use has an aluminum lock that folds inside the fob, much like an ad-hoc switchblade. The key is hidden when not in use thanks to a spring. You can take it out with the push of an button. A switchblade key fob usually costs approximately the same as a standard key fob which comes with the metal key.

Keyless Entry Fobs that have a physical key hidden

Many modern key fobs offer more functions than simply unlocking and starting the car. Modern models can perform everything from rolling down windows to summoning the car and even auto-parking. While some of these handy features may not be helpful on your daily commute however, they can be extremely helpful in certain situations.

Some key fobs come with a physical key, usually in the form of a flat blade of metal. The keys can be put inside a small compartment of the key fob or removed by pressing the button on the base. If you're trying to get to your car, and you forget your key or want to be capable of starting your BMW with push-to-start functionality, having a spare key can help.

The battery inside the mini key fob replacement fob is most likely to die at some point. This can be a major pain in the neck. The battery in your key fob can be easily and cheaply replaced. You can purchase an additional battery from your dealer, BimmerTech or a big-box retailer or hardware store.

Certain BMW key fobs also come with the Display Key that allows you to control your car from the key. You can see if the doors are locked, program when the AC should turn on and even see the level of your fuel from up to 1000ft away.

Keyless Entry Fobs with Side Mirrors Folding

The key fobs of today are more advanced than ever. They can do more than lock and unlock doors or remotely start the car. Depending on the model, it could also make chirping noises to aid you in finding your vehicle in a parking lot or can be used as an audio remote to control the radio stations.

Some of the newer models come with a hidden feature that allows you to lower the windows immediately with the click of a switch. This is great on a hot summer's day when your air conditioner isn't able to keep up. The sequence of button presses to activate the feature isn't always identified as such, so you may need to experiment with different combinations until you discover one that works for your car.

If you're one of those who likes tight spaces the key fob found in some newer Chevrolet and GMC vehicles can help out by automatically folding the vehicle's side mirrors after you lock 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 isn't the same legs as you? You might want to search for a car that has an ignition keyfob that lets you to set a memory seating. Certain models, like GMC, GMC allow you to choose an individual preference for your seat and the car will remember it every time you start it.

Keyless Entry Fobs with Keyless Entry that connect to Bluetooth

With the popularity of smart keys as well as smartphone access to cars criminals have had an easy opportunity to steal cars. Wireless protocols used by these systems are susceptible to hijacking by criminals able to disguise the signal coming from the key fob or smartphone to open and start your car.

A key fob, small, programmable hardware token can be used to provide one-factor authentication on the device to allow access to physical objects such as an automobile, computer system, restricted room or area or mobile device. The fob transmits wireless signals to a device that recognizes the data and commands and performs tasks like locking or unlocking.

In many instances the key fob may also be used as a security token. It supports two-factor or multiple-factor authentication (2FA and MFA) to offer additional security. This is typically done by adding biometric authentication to the equation, which can include fingerprint scans, iris scan or voice prints, for example.

Kwikset Kevo proximity keyless locks let users unlock their doors using smartphones or a Bluetooth-enabled fob. This eliminates the requirement for traditional keys. These systems are popular with business owners because they enable administrators to manage access to users and onboard new employees without needing to change locks or distribute keys cards.