Car Keys For Aging Parents and Loved Ones
Caregivers of elderly loved ones often face difficult choices. It could be the time to get rid of the car keys of an aging parent.
A lot of cars have a driver’s setting which is set to a specific key. This feature is especially useful if you are sharing the vehicle with a number of people.
Transponder Keys
Transponder keys are common in most modern cars. They provide an extra layer of security to the car that flat metal keys can’t. These are tiny microchips embedded into your keys. They send signals to an immobilizer mechanism on the car, allowing it to start when a valid keys is within range. This technology has helped reduce car thefts all over the globe.
However, it’s not 100% secure. Professional thieves have discovered ways to disguise these signals while still hotwiring the vehicle. They can also use standard cut key blanks and design their own transponder keys. So, even if the car is equipped with transponder keys it’s worth purchasing an extra.
A reputable locksmith is able to make them for you at much less than the price of car dealerships. They will scrutinize your key to determine the most efficient methods of programming and copying. The new key can be programmed to work with your vehicle.
A reputable locksmith will also be able help you with “flat” or non-transponder keys. These keys communicate with your car using mechanical means not electronic technology. These keys are easier to use by children as they are less secure. Anyone with a key-cutter may also copy them.
Smart Keys
Smart keys are a type key fob that can be found in many modern vehicles. They perform the same functions as a remote control, but they also come with additional features. Smart keys can be used to lock and unlock your vehicle from a distance without needing to touch any buttons. You can also use them to start your engine. These features are functional even if the key is in a pocket or purse.
One of the best parts about smart keys is that they are extremely secure. The signals they project are encrypted, which means hackers can’t use them to steal your vehicle. In addition, a computer in your vehicle checks the rolling code that is projected by the smart key before it begins the engine.
The technology is still in development and you might need to work through a few bugs in the system. If your key and phone are too close, the normal operating signals of your cell could interfere with any signal sent by your smart key.
Certain smart keys have tiny touchscreens in color. BMW is one example. BMW created the Display Key, which has an LCD screen that allows the driver to perform different functions from the keyfob, including locking, unlocking and even starting. The key will also notify the owner if its battery is low and recommend a new one from the dealer.
Keyless Entry
If you don’t wish to go as far as a transponder key or smart key A keyless entry system can allow you to lock and unlock your car at the press of a button. These systems make use of radio waves, also known as RF which communicate with a receiver inside the vehicle. Depending on the type of system used, the signal could also be used to turn off the engine of the vehicle as well as disarm the security alarm.
Keyless entry can eliminate the need to hide spare keys, which can be an important security risk for thieves. You don’t have to worry about misplacing or losing your car keys, which can occur at any time. It is important to change the code regularly to ensure your security.
The way keyless entry works is that you press the button on your app or physical key fob, which transmits an audio signal at 315 Megaherz. The signal is encrypted and then scrambled before being sent out, which means that even if hackers intercept it and tries to steal it, they won’t be able to gain access to your car.
Certain keyless entry systems feature passive engine starting, which means that the car will be running and start when the key seat is not within reach. This safety feature is designed to stop your vehicle from running low on gas and also to stop poisonous fumes from entering the interior.
Remote Start
Whether the car is parked in your driveway or in the street, remote start systems offer peace of mind and convenience. The system sends the signal to the RES module in the vehicle by pressing a button or by using an application.
This system also works to control other functions inside the vehicle, such as opening and closing windows or changing the temperature of your heated/cooled seats. Certain systems are more flexible and feature auxiliary channels that can be used to control items like power-assisted steering wheels, automatic climate controls, as well as rear defrost.
The good news is that a majority of Seats manufactured since 1995 have a transponder in the key. Consequently, most newer vehicles can be used with remote-start systems. Some older seat key transponder programming models require a key that has an ordinary transponder, and will not work with remote start systems.
Many parents have experienced that moment when they reach for the back of their child’s replacement seat car key and can’t get enough strength to push down on the red buckle release button. A company called NAMRA designed a solution for that problem, making it easier to unbuckle the seat car key battery replacement even if you’re having trouble pressing down on the buckle using your thumb.