Smart Keys For Cars

A smart key is a wireless car remote that works without the traditional mechanical blade and can unlock doors or pop the trunk from the distance. It also lets you start your car without having to turn the key.

Most smart keys come with battery indicators that warn users in advance of a low charge. It's simple to replace the battery without special tools.

Convenience

Smart keys can unlock doors and trunks, as well as turn off the engine of the car without the need to use a metal key. They also have features that can deter burglaries and thefts. For instance, the panic key which makes noises to frighten potential thieves in remote areas like underground garages.

Key fobs can do all these things by sending radio signals between the car and the key fob by using low-power wireless technology. This is an excellent convenience, especially for drivers who are often on the go and don't have much time to spare.

Smart keys are generally more like plastic cards than actual keys. They can be used to unlock the trunk or doors when you press a button on the fob. Some of them even have built-in touchscreens that allow drivers to manage certain settings on their vehicle, including audio and climate.

The RFID signal sent between the key fob and the car is unique, encoded and linked to the vehicle's onboard computer. This makes it almost impossible for hackers with the right skills to connect a stolen car equipped with the key fob. These key fobs can be programmed to transmit the same frequency signal each when they're utilized, so the onboard computer won't recognize an old one as the "true" signal.

Security

Many people are reluctant to make the switch to digital car keys due to the fact that they fear security. While having a physical key fob at hand might feel safer, digital keys are actually more secure than most people believe. The digital keys are secured and the signal they transmit to a car is analyzed by an onboard computer. This means that even if your key fob is stolen the car won't start.

Contrary to traditional key fobs smart keys work by using built-in antennas inside your vehicle and the radio pulse generator inside the key fob to communicate with your vehicle, and perform standard functions like unlocking or the start of it. This system allows you access to your vehicle without having an actual key that you insert into the lock or ignition.

Many systems offer an alternative method to start and open your car if you lose your smartkey or the battery goes out. It is possible to start your car in emergency situations by placing the key into an opening, or keeping it close to a specific area of the cockpit, where an inductive coil is able to transfer energy.

Additionally, most smart key car keys have a low-battery indicator that will alert you before it is completely dead. If necessary, you are able to easily replace the batteries yourself.

Auto-adjusting settings

Rather than using physical keys it uses radio waves to unlock, lock, and activate the car. They also have the ability to remotely start your engine and track the location of the vehicle should you're not sure where it's parked.

Certain smart keys come with settings that automatically adjust the vehicle's exterior and interior based on the key you've chosen to use. The car will automatically adjust the position of the seat and mirror settings, as well as climate control based on the key being used. This is helpful if you wish to restrict certain features or have multiple drivers.

Another benefit of smart keys is they employ encryption to protect against theft, which isn't a possibility with traditional keys. This technology makes it very difficult for cybercriminals to gain access to a vehicle by imitating a valid frequency as reported by How Stuff Works Electronics. Smart keys send a unique, encrypted signal every time the vehicle is locked or remotely opened.

Just like any battery-operated device the battery of a smart car key fob keys will eventually be depleted of power. Most systems come with a backup system to open the car's doors and start it if the battery is not able to function. The emergency method varies in the majority of cases, but it involves keeping the key within the range of the car's lock sensor or pressing the button on the key that triggers the emergency starter.

Battery Backup

Modern smart keys are identified by the terms keyless entry systems as well as passive entry. They use an external transmitter to unlock your vehicle. The transmitter is incorporated into the key fob you carry with you and the receivers are located within your vehicle and around the outside. As you approach your vehicle the radio frequency signal from your smart key is recognized by the receivers, and it activates the ignition and doors.

Although this system has a number of advantages, including not having to fumble in the dark for a key, it can be vulnerable to certain types of attacks. How Stuff Works Electronics reports that if your key's battery fails or is stolen, someone could pick up the low frequency transmission signal and open your vehicle. This is why a majority of smart keys are equipped with encrypted signals that make hacking difficult.

However, these systems can also be impacted due to electromagnetic fields generated by cell phones, computers and other devices. If you notice that your smart key fob is not functioning correctly, it could be due to interference issues. In this instance it is best not to place your key near any such device until the battery of the fob has been replaced. Fortunately, most smart car spare key keys will warn you ahead of time if their batteries are depleted and the procedure to replace them is fairly simple.