Vehicle Smart Key Technology

Smart keys for vehicles allow the driver to unlock and start the car simply by grabbing the door handle or putting the key in the pocket. It also allows a variety of other adjustments like seat position as well as internal temperature settings and mirror position.

However, this could lead to security concerns.

Security

Smart keys are advanced key fobs that are computerized and communicate with a vehicle through one of the antennas built into the car to open the doors and begin the engine. As opposed to traditional keys, which emit the same frequency signal every time they are activated, smart car key replacement keys transmit encrypted signals that are specific to the specific car they belong to. This makes it more difficult for thieves with the latest technology to fake or intercept the signal and use the key to take your car.

For instance, Mercedes' system -known as Keyless Go -- has an internal transponder that can identify the key of the driver. The Smart Key automatically unlocks and opens the doors and the tailgate when it is within 1.5 meters. It also allows you to start the engine by pressing the key.

Additionally certain smart keyslike those made by BMW have their own user settings that let the driver adjust the mirrors, seat and steering wheel position and audio preferences at the push of the button. They also come with the backup lock, which stops the vehicle from starting without the key.

This technology assists drivers from accidentally locking their cars, particularly when they have to search their purse or backpack to find keys in a parking area packed with people or on a busy street with high rates of crime. A lot of systems will alert motorists when the battery for their key is low, though this feature varies from manufacturer manufacturer.

Convenience

If you're in a hurry to get somewhere, the smart key makes entering your car as simple as it can be. By pressing the button on your trunk release lever or door handle, you can lock, unlock and open your vehicle. Popular Mechanics explains that the key fob can also be used to monitor charging location, charging status, and other vehicle information.

You shouldn't lock your keys inside the car. The key fob communicates to an antenna inside the vehicle to determine if it's within the range. If it's not, the engine will not start. This will deter thieves from absconding with your vehicle and selling parts of it.

The smart key also makes use of rolling codes to prevent hacking attempts as well as cloning, according BMW. A computer within the vehicle is able to recognize the code and confirms it prior to launching the engine. The majority of systems also have a backup mechanical system in the form of the key blade, which is hidden to be used for styling purposes.

How Stuff Works Electronics notes that modern smart keys can also detect the keys when it is in use and adjust the vehicle settings in accordance with the key's use. For instance, if you switch on the car while holding the key fob in your palm, the windows and the sunroof are opened to let air circulate through the cabin. You can also set an upper limit on speed that will only apply when the vehicle is started using the specified key, which could be useful if you loan your car to an inexperienced driver.

Battery Life

If you're looking for a way to get more mileage out of your vehicle's smart key, or just want to make sure it won't die during a trip to the grocery store, you can activate an auto manufacturer-specific feature called Power Saving Mode. To activate this feature, hold the lock button until you release it and press the unlock button.

This will disable your smart key fob's ability to send or receiving radio waves that could extend its battery life significantly. You can always reactivate this feature by pressing the unlock and lock buttons once more.

Certain smart keys come with anti-theft features to prevent them from being stolen by thieves. For instance, Mercedes-Benz smart car key reprogramming keys use rolling codes to prevent unauthorized access to the vehicle. The car's computer will check the code every millisecond after the smart key is introduced. BMW makes use of a Display Key with a small LCD screen with a color. This lets drivers lock their vehicles, unlock them, and start the engine without having to take the smart key from their pockets.

Call Pop-A-Lock if you need to replace the battery in your smart car key programming; yogicentral.Science, key fob considering buying a car with a smart-key. Our mobile locksmiths will replace the battery on any smart key and assist you set it up so that your car can recognize it.

Special Cases

While smart keys cars keys aren't theft-proof, they do help to hinder thieves. Smart key fobs are designed to stop hackers from hacking into the system. When they are inserted into the ignition of the car the computer checks the code in milliseconds. Mercedes-Benz invented this technology, which is currently used by luxury car brands.

Another benefit is that the majority of smart key systems will continue to work in the event that the user forgets the key in the trunk or left it in the restaurant, or lost it on an excursion. Some systems will alert the driver when the battery is running low. Certain brands provide keys with covers specifically designed for smart keys, to shield the fob from damage.