11 "Faux Pas" You're Actually Able To Do With Your Replacement Mini Cooper Key Hidden Features of Mini Key Fobs

Key fobs aren't only decorative trinkets. Today, they can 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 begins getting a little agitated, it's time to replace the battery. It's a relatively simple job.

Switchblade Keyless Entry Fobs

A key fob can do a lot more than simply unlock the car and start it. It also serves as a security device and deterrent to theft. Modern day fobs are easy to use and durable, and are more secure than ever. But their high cost can cause them to be expensive to replace in the event of losing or break one.

A basic keyfob might cost a few bucks, but it can cost upwards of $200 to program. These costs are higher when you have a vehicle with top-of-the-line features or special features. Some basic warranties and insurance coverage programs may pay for replacing a fob, but most people find themselves shelling out hundreds of dollars when they need to have their fob fixed.

Certain newer vehicles come with an accessory key fob that can be used as smart-keys. The fobs can be used for locking, unlocking and arming an alarm by pressing the button. They can summon your car, much like Tesla's summon function. However, they must be within the range of the vehicle to work.

Fobs of this type contain the key made of metal, which folds into the fob just like a switchblade knife. The key is kept in place when not in use by springs. You can remove it by pressing the button. A switchblade key fob costs about the same as a key fob with metal keys.


Keyless Entry Fobs with a Physical Key Hidden

A lot of modern key fobs have more functions than simply unlocking and starting a car. Newer models can perform everything from rolling down windows to summoning the car and even auto-parking. While some of these clever features might not be necessary in your daily commute but they can be beneficial in certain circumstances.

Some key fobs include keys that are hidden inside, usually in the shape of a flat metal key blade. Keys can be kept in a small storage compartment inside the key fob, or removed by pressing the button located on the base. A spare key can be useful when you're in a hurry to get to your BMW and have lost your key.

It is a given that the battery in your keyfob will degrade at some point. This can be an absolute discomfort for the neck. Fortunately that replacing the battery in your key fob can be simple and inexpensive. You can buy a replacement battery from your dealer, BimmerTech or a big-box retailer or hardware store.

Certain BMW key fobs include a Display Key, which increases the number of functions that your car can be driven using the key. You can check if your doors are locked and set a timer when the air conditioner should be turned on. You can even check the fuel level up to 1,000ft away.

Keyless Entry Fobs With Folding Side Mirrors

Key fobs of today are more advanced than ever. They can do more than just lock and unlock the doors or remotely start the car. Depending on the model, it could also make chirping noises to help you find your car in a parking space or as an audio remote to control your car's radio stations.

One of the most useful hidden features is available on modern models that allow you to lower all the windows immediately by pressing an icon on your key fob. lost mini key fob is a great feature on a hot summer's day when your air conditioner just can't keep up. It's possible to test a few combinations before you discover the one that works in your car.

If you like to keep your car in a compact space, the key fobs on newer Chevrolet or GMC vehicles will automatically fold the side mirrors on the vehicle once you lock it. Simply press the "lock" button on the fob for a full second to enable this feature.

Do you share a car with someone who is a gentle giant, or just doesn't have as long legs as you do? You might want to look for a vehicle with the key fob that lets you to set a memory seating. Some models, such as those from GMC permit you to set your preferred seat, and the car will remember it each time you start it.

Keyless Entry Fobs with a Bluetooth Connection

Criminals are now able steal cars with ease thanks to the popularity of smartphone car access and smart keys. Wireless protocols used by these systems are susceptible to hijacking by criminals who are able to spoof the signal of the key fob or smartphone to unlock and start your vehicle.

A key fob is a small electronic token that is programmable and allows on-device, one-factor authentication to facilitate access to physical objects such as a vehicle, computer system, restricted area, mobile device or room. The fob transmits wireless signals to a sensing device, that recognizes the data as well as commands, and then performs the predetermined functions like locking or unlocking.

In a lot of cases the key fob could 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 usually accomplished by adding biometric verification to the equation. For example fingerprints voice print, iris or fingerprint could be used.

Keyless proximity lock systems such as the Kwikset Kevo allow users to open their doors using smartphones or a Bluetooth-enabled key fob, removing the requirement for a traditional key. These kinds of locks are very popular with business owners, as they make it fairly easy for administrators to integrate new employees and manage access for users without the need to change locks or distribute keys.