Vehicle Smart Key Technology

Smart keys for vehicles allow drivers to open and start the car by grabbing the door handle or placing the key in the pocket. It also permits a variety of other adjustments, such as seats positions, internal temperature settings, stereo presets, and mirror positioning.

This can also lead to security worries.

Security

Smart keys are key fobs with computers that communicate with the vehicle using one of the car's embedded antennas to open doors and start the engine. Contrary to conventional keys, which emit the same frequency signal every time they are press, smart key fobs transmit encrypted signals that are specific to the specific car they belong to. This makes it harder for thieves who are tech-savvy to steal or spoof 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 driver's key. The smart fortwo key fob Key automatically unlocks and opens the doors and tailgate when it is within 1.5 meters. It also turns on the engine by pressing a button on its key.

Some Smart Car Key Replacement Cost keys, such as the ones made by BMW are also equipped with user-specific settings that allow the driver to alter the seat, mirrors and steering wheel's location and even the audio settings with the touch of a single button. They also have a backup lock that prevents the vehicle from running without the key.

This technology protects drivers from getting their car locked accidentally especially when looking in the bag or purse for keys on an open parking lot with strangers, or on a street where crime is high. Many systems will also inform drivers when the battery in their keys is depleted, though this feature varies by the manufacturer.

Convenience

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

The main benefit is that you don't lock yourself out. The key fob communicates with the antenna inside the vehicle to determine if it's in range. If it's not in range, the engine will not start. This helps deter would-be thieves who may steal your car to sell its parts.

The smart key also makes use of rolling codes to ward off hacking attempts and cloning, according to BMW. The computer in the vehicle recognizes and verifies the code before starting the motor. Most systems have a physical backup system that is an unnoticed key blade.

Modern smart keys can also tell the key that is being used and adjust the settings of the vehicle in accordance with the key's use, according to How Stuff Works Electronics. For instance, if turn on the car holding the key fob in your hands the windows and sunroof can be opened to let the air in the cabin breathe. You can also set up the speed limit to only be in effect when the car is powered by the selected key. This feature could be useful if you are lending your vehicle to a person who has little experience.

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 smart key replacement manufacturer-specific feature called Power Saving Mode. To activate it, hold the lock button, then press the unlock button.

This will block your smart car key fob key fob's smart device from being able to send or receive any radio waves. This will significantly extend the life of its battery. You can always restart this function by pressing the unlock and lock buttons again.

Certain smart keys have anti-theft functions that stop them from being copied by thieves. For instance, Mercedes-Benz smart keys use rolling codes to stop unauthorized access to the vehicle. When the smart key is put in the ignition, a computer in the car validates the code in milliseconds prior to it starts the engine. BMW uses a similar method with its Display Key, which includes an LCD touchscreen on the smart key to make it easier, and lets drivers lock and unlock their vehicles without ever taking it from their pockets.

If you're considering buying a new car with a smart key, or you need the battery in your smart key fob changed, contact us at Pop-A Lock for a quick and simple service. We can replace the battery on any smart key and our mobile locksmiths will assist you in setting the system so that your vehicle can recognize it.

Special Cases

Smart keys aren't 100 100% secure against theft, but they do assist in preventing thieves. Smart keys employ rolling security codes that prevent hacking, and when placed in the ignition, the vehicle's computer checks the code in milliseconds. Mercedes-Benz created this technology, which is now utilized by luxury car brands.

Another helpful feature is that most smart key systems will continue to work if the user forgot the key in the trunk or left it in a restaurant or lost it on an excursion. Certain systems will notify the driver when the battery is running low. Some brands offer key covers specifically designed for smart keys that ensure that the fob is protected from damage.