What You Should Know About Smart Keys

Smart keys, also known as digital keys or information keys enable drivers to get into their vehicle without having to fiddle with the traditional keyhole. Some vehicles come with them as standard features while others provide them as an upgrade.

The technology is also more advanced than a traditional key fob. Some systems have emergency starting capabilities that allow you open the car and start the engine without the use of a key fob (or even the traditional one). The most effective ones also have indicators for battery that notify you in advance when the battery is about to expire.

Security

Smart keys are more useful than traditional keys as they have added security and safety features. They utilize radio-frequency identification or RFID, to connect with the computer system in your car. An antenna inside your car reads the signal from the key when it is in range, allowing you to unlock your doors and start the engine without having to take out your phone or press the button.

This may seem like an excellent feature. However, thieves are able to get into the system and unlock your doors and even start the engine. Some manufacturers use "rolling code" technology to stop this. The code is projected from the key to the starter and then verified by the computer in the car prior to the car starts. This helps prevent thieves from making multiple copies of the keys.

You can also keep your car secure by not placing the phone and keys in the same pocket. If you place the two devices too close could block signals, which can stop them from transmitting correctly.

The KeySmart Pro has a built in Tile that helps you locate your phone. When you place the Smart Key next to your iPhone with the application installed when you press the activation key, it will trigger the Tile to play a brief tune and flash an LED. This is a lifesaver should you lose your phone or if it's on silent mode.

Convenience

Smart keys can store and retrieve personal settings, including seat, mirror and steering wheel settings. Certain smart car key programming keys, such as BMW's Comfort Access system, allow you to start the vehicle without having to press the ignition button.

Modern smart keys use radio waves to communicate with antennas inside the car, generating a unique encrypted signal that is interpreted by the car's computer. These signals can be reprogrammed for various purposes, including opening and closing the trunk, or engaging the child's lock.

This technology isn't 100% secure It is, however, not foolproof. It is possible for thieves with a technological edge to pick up the frequency transmission of an intelligent key and get its unique identification number. Fortunately, manufacturers are striving to make the system more secure.

Another great feature is the ability to remotely lock and unlock your vehicle with a single tap of the phone's screen. This feature will help you save time when loading cargo or children. It's especially helpful when you have teenagers who are learning to drive.

One of the greatest features of a smart key is its sleek and compact design. It's easier to carry than other key organizers that can be bulky and take up more space than they need. The KeySmart is quiet and easy to use, without the annoying jingle.

Battery Life

Typically smart keys last about less than regular fobs with key blades (two to three years versus four to six). This is due to the fact that the smart keys communicate with the car more often and at a higher rate to unlock and turn it on. Smart keys also drain faster when they are placed near electronic devices such as computers, phones and screens that produce electromagnetic fields.

Fortunately, many smart keys come with battery backup functions. According to Open Road Auto Group most smart keys come with blades that can be used as a traditional door key in the event that the battery of the smart key fob dies. Most also have a special slot where you can insert the traditional key to start the engine in the event that the smart key is dead or is not working.

Another feature of the smart key backup is known as the "power saving mode." If you forget to bring your smart key for smart car with you while driving, you are able to drive your vehicle for as long as the engine isn't running. To accomplish this, you must place the smart fortwo key fob key flat against the steering column of your vehicle and then pressing the ignition button once. If you've done this correctly, the system will inform the driver that it's low on the key but still functioning.

Cost

Smart keys are not always cheap. Many owners of vehicles upgrade to smart keys to enhance security and convenience. It can be expensive to replace the lost car key locksmith near me smart keys and reprogram your vehicle.

Smart keys look similar to regular key fobs, but they contain a microchip, which allows you to unlock, lock or start a car that does not have a physical one. The chip transmits a unique code to the vehicle's system, which identifies and validates the key before beginning the engine.

This technology has been around for a long time, but isn't completely perfect. There have been several cases of thieves stealing cars using this method. There are ways to prevent this from occurring. One option is to utilize a smart key with rolling security codes that alters the code every time it's sent.

A key fob that features a display screen is also very expensive. BMW's Display Key, a smart key of this kind is an example. Its LCD color screen can perform all the functions of a traditional key fob like locking in, unlocking, and keyless start. However, it is also able to transmit commands to the vehicle using smartphones. This makes it easier to use the vehicle, and keep in mind its charging and whereabouts. It can even command the car to park itself. This is a great feature for those with limitations in mobility or have disabilities.