Hidden Features of Mini Key Fobs
Key fobs have changed a lot from their initial days as merely decorative trinkets. They can now do everything from locking and unlocking doors to starting the car remotely. Some have hidden features that the owners may not know about.
If your car's key fob starts getting a little agitated, it's time to replace its battery. It's a fairly simple task.
Switchblade Keyless Entry Fobs
Key fobs do a lot more than unlock and start a car. It is also a theft deterrent and security device. Today's modern fobs are practical and powerful, as well as more secure than ever. Their high cost could make it costly to replace them if you break or lose one.
A basic keyfob may cost only a few dollars however it could cost upwards of $200 to program. These costs are higher for luxury vehicles or those with specific features. Some basic warranties or insurance coverage programs can cover the cost of an replacement fob, but the majority of people pay out hundreds out of pocket when they need to have their fob fixed.
Certain cars of recent years also come with a fob that can double as a smart key. They can be locked, unlocked, and arm an alarm with a pressing of one button. They can summon your car, like Tesla's summon function. But they must be within the range of the vehicle in order to work.
The fobs that are of this type include a metal key that 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 by pressing of a button to access the vehicle. A switchblade fob is priced around the same as a key fob that has a metal key.
Keyless Entry Fobs that have a Physical Key Hidden
Modern key fobs have more than just the ability to unlock and start a car. Modern models can do everything from rolling down windows to summon the car and even auto-parking. Certain of these features aren't useful for your daily commute but they can be extremely useful in certain situations.
Some key fobs include an actual key inside of them, typically in the shape of a flat metal key blade. The keys can be put in a small storage compartment inside 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 if you want to be capable of starting your BMW with push-to-start capabilities, having an extra key could be helpful.
It is a given that the battery inside your key fob will go out at some time. This could be a real pain in the neck. The key fob battery can be easily and cheaply replaced. You can buy an additional battery from your dealer, BimmerTech or a big-box retailer or hardware store.
Certain BMW key fobs include a Display Key that allows you to control your car from the key. You can verify if the doors are locked and set a timer when the air conditioner should turn on. You can even check the fuel level up to 1,000ft away.
Keyless Entry Fobs with Side Mirrors Folding
Today's key fobs are packed with more modern electronics than ever before, and this plastic thingamajig does a lot more than simply lock or unlock doors and also start the car remotely. It could make chirping sounds that help you locate your car in the parking lot, or be used as a remote audio control to control the radio stations of your car.
One of the most useful hidden functions is available on modern models that allow you to reduce all windows instantly by pressing a button on your key fob. This is ideal on a hot summer's day when your air conditioner can't keep up. The button sequence to activate the feature isn't always clearly labeled, so you may have to play around with different combinations until you've found one that works with your car.
If you prefer to keep your car in a compact space, the 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 have a passenger in your car who is a gentle giant or just doesn't seem to have the same length legs as you do? If so, you may want to look into a vehicle with keys that allow you to set the seat memory. Some models, such as those from GMC allow you to choose an individual preference for your seat, and the car will remember it each time you start it.
Keyless Entry Fobs with Keyless Entry that connect to Bluetooth
Criminals are now able steal cars with ease thanks to the popularity of smartphone car access and smart keys. Wireless protocols that these systems use can be hijacked by criminals who can spoof signals from the key fob or smartphone to open and start your car.
A key fob is a small, programmable hardware token that can be used on devices, with one-factor authentication to allow access to physical objects such as a car, computer system, restricted zone or mobile device. The fob sends wireless signals to the sensor, which is able to recognize and execute predetermined commands.
In many 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 give you additional security. thekeylab is usually done by adding biometric authentication to the equation, which can include fingerprint scans or iris scan, or a voice print, for instance.
Keyless proximity locks like the Kwikset Kevo allow users to open their doors using either a Bluetooth-enabled smartphone or key fob, eliminating the need for a traditional key. These kinds of locks are popular with business owners as they make it easy for administrators to integrate new employees and control access to users without the need to change locks or distribute keys.