“The Replacement Mini Cooper Key Awards: The Best, Worst, And The Most Unlikely Things We've Seen

Hidden Features of Mini Key Fobs Key fobs are no longer only decorative trinkets. Today, they can be used for everything from locking and unlocking doors to start an automobile remotely. There are some that have hidden features that the owners may not be aware of. If your car's key fob starts acting up, it's probably time to replace the battery. It's a simple task. Switchblade Keyless Entry Fobs A key fob can be used to do more than just unlock the car and start it. It's also a burglar deterrent and security device. Modern-day key fobs with high-tech technology are more efficient, practical and secure than they have ever been. Their pricey nature can make it expensive to replace them in the event that you break or lose one. A basic keyfob might cost a few dollars however it could cost more than $200 to program. These costs are higher for vehicles with premium options or features. Some basic warranties and insurance coverage plans may cover the cost of an replacement fob, but the majority of people have to shell out hundreds out of pocket in the event of needing to get their fob fixed. Certain vehicles of recent years also come with an accessory key fob that can be used as smart-keys. They can lock, unlock and arm an alarm at the press of a button. They can even summon your vehicle similar to Tesla's summon feature however, they must be within the proximity to the vehicle in order to operate. Fobs of this kind contain an iron key that folds into the fob in the same way as a switchblade knife. A spring holds the key inside when it's not in use, and you can pop it out by pressing of a button to access the vehicle. A switchblade fob costs roughly the same as a key fob with a metal key. Keyless Entry Fobs that have a Hidden Physical Key Many modern key fobs have more functions than simply unlocking and starting an automobile. Modern models can do anything from rolling down windows to call the vehicle or even park it automatically. While some of these clever features might not be necessary during your commute however they can be useful in certain situations. Some key fobs have an actual key inside, usually in the shape of a flat key blade. Keys can be kept inside a small compartment of the key fob or removed by pressing the button on the base. An additional key is useful when you are on the run to get to your BMW and you've forgotten your key. The battery in the key fob is most likely to die at some point, and that could be a huge neck pain. Fortunately replacing the key fob battery is simple and inexpensive. You can purchase an alternative battery from your dealer, BimmerTech or a big-box retailer or hardware store. Certain BMW key fobs also come with a Display Key that allows you to control your car using the key. You can determine if the doors are locked, schedule when the air conditioning should be on, and even view the level of your fuel from up to 1000 feet away. Keyless Entry Fobs with Side Mirrors Folding Key fobs of today are more sophisticated than ever. They can do more than simply lock and unlock doors or allow you to start your car remotely. Depending on the model, it can also emit chirping sounds to help you find your car in a parking area or can be used as an audio remote to control your car's radio stations. Some of the more recent models come with a hidden feature that allows you to lower the windows immediately with the press of a button. This is a great feature to have on a hot summer day when the air conditioning doesn't quite get the job done. The sequence of buttons to activate the feature may not be labeled, so you may have to experiment with different combinations until you find one that works for your vehicle. If you're a lover of tight spaces keys in some of the newer Chevrolet and GMC vehicles can help out by automatically folding the vehicle's side mirrors once you have locked the car. Simply press the “lock” button on the fob for a full second to activate 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 into a vehicle with an electronic key fob that allows you to set an automatic seat memory. Some models, such as GMC, GMC allow you to choose an individual preference for your seat, and the car will be able to remember it each time you start it. mini cooper key that connect to Bluetooth With the growing popularity of smart keys as well as smartphone access to cars criminals have gained an easy opportunity to steal cars. Wireless protocols used by these systems are vulnerable to hijacking by criminals who are able to spoof the signal from the key fob or smartphone to unlock and start your car. A key fob, tiny hardware token that is programmable that provides one-factor authentication to the device that allows access to physical objects, such as an automobile, computer system restricted space or room or mobile device. The fob transmits wireless signals to a sensing device, which is able to recognize the information and commands and performs predetermined functions like locking or unlocking. In a lot of cases it is also a security token that is compatible with multi-factor or two-factor authentication (2FA or MFA) methods to offer additional security. This is usually accomplished by adding biometric verification to the equation. For instance fingerprint, iris or voice print can be used. Keyless locks that are proximity-based like the Kwikset Kevo allow users to access their doors with either a Bluetooth-enabled smartphone or key fob, removing the need for a traditional key. These systems are popular with business owners as they make it simple for administrators to manage access to users and onboard new employees without having to change locks or distribute keys cards.