11 "Faux Pas" Which Are Actually OK To Make With Your Replacement Mini Cooper Key

Hidden Features of Mini Key Fobs

Key fobs aren't only decorative trinkets. They now have the ability to do everything from locking and unlocking doors to remote start of the car. Some have hidden features that the owners may not be aware of.

If your car's key fob starts getting a little agitated, it's time to replace its battery. It's a simple task.

Switchblade Keyless Entry Fobs

A key fob is more than just unlock and start the car. It's also a burglar deterrent and security device. Today's high-tech fobs are convenient strong, durable, and more secure than ever. Their high price could make it costly to replace them if you lose or break one.

A basic key fob may only cost a few bucks to purchase, but having it programmed will cost you more than $200. These costs are higher when you have a vehicle with top-of-the-line features or extra features. A few basic warranties or insurance coverage programs may provide replacing a fob, but the majority of people pay out hundreds of dollars for having their fob fixed.

Certain vehicles of recent years also include the fob of a key that can be used as an intelligent key. These fobs are capable of locking, unlocking and arming an alarm by pressing a button. They can also summon your car similar to Tesla's summon feature however, program they must be within reach of the vehicle to operate.

This type of fob contains an aluminum lock that folds in the fob, much like the switchblade. The key is hidden when not in use by springs. You can take it out with a push of a button. A switchblade fob generally costs roughly the same amount as a standard key fob which comes with the metal key.

Keyless Entry Fobs that have a Physical Key Hidden

Modern key fobs have more than the ability to unlock and start a vehicle. Newer models can do everything from lowering windows, summoning the vehicle and even auto-parking. While some of these nifty functions may not be useful in your daily commute but they can be helpful in certain situations.

Certain key fobs include a physical key, usually in the form of a flat blade of metal. These keys can be stored in a small compartment within 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 in a position to start your BMW by pushing the button, having an extra key may be helpful.

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

Some BMW key fobs have the Display Key that adds to the range of functions that your car can be driven with the key. You can see if the doors are locked, program when the air conditioner should turn on and even see your fuel level up to 1000 feet away.

Keyless Entry Fobs with Side Mirrors Folding

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

One of the most useful hidden features is available on newer models that allow users to shut down all windows instantly by pressing the button on your key fob. This is a great feature for a hot summer's day when your air conditioner just cannot keep up. You may have to try several different combinations before you find the one that is effective in your car.

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

Do you share a car with someone who is a gentle giant or just doesn't have the same length legs as you do? You might want to look for a car that has the key fob that lets the setting of a memory seat. Some models, like the ones from GMC, allow you to create the seat you prefer and automatically remember it every time you start up the car.

Keyless Entry Fobs that have a Bluetooth Connection

Criminals are now able to steal cars easily with the growing popularity of smartphones with access to cars and smart keys. These systems rely on wireless protocols that are susceptible to hijacking. Criminals are able to spoof signals from your key fob or program phone to unlock and start the car.

A key fob is a small, programmable hardware token that provides on-device, one-factor authentication to allow access to physical objects such as a car, computer system, restricted space or mobile device or room. The fob transmits wireless signals to a sensing device, that recognizes the data and commands and performs functions such as locking or unlocking.

In a lot of cases, the key fob can also be used as a security token. It can support two-factor or multiple-factor authentication (2FA and MFA) to offer additional security. This is typically done by adding biometric verification to the equation. For example, a fingerprint or iris scan, or even a voice print can be used.

Kwikset Kevo proximity keyless locks allow users to unlock their doors using smartphones or a Bluetooth-enabled fob. This means that there is no need for traditional keys. These systems are popular among business owners as they allow administrators to manage access of users and onboard new employees without having to change locks or distribute keys cards.