What You Should Know About Smart Keys
Smart keys, also referred to as keys that are digital or information keys, allow drivers to access their vehicle without having to fiddle with the traditional keyhole. Some vehicles come with them as standard features, and others offer them as an upgrade option.
The technology is also more sophisticated than a traditional key fob. Certain systems have emergency start features that allow you to open the car and start the engine without having a key fob (or even a traditional one). The best systems also include indicators for the battery that warn you when the battery is running low.
Security
Smart keys are more efficient than traditional fobs, and also come with additional security and safety features. They connect to the computer system of your car using radio-frequency identification (RFID). When the key is within the range of the antenna it can be used to unlock the doors and start the car without the need to use your mobile or press a button.
While this may sound like a good idea, car thieves can also hack into the system to open your doors and then start the engine. Some manufacturers use “rolling code” technology to ward off this. This code is projected by the key onto the starter, and later verified by the computer of the car prior to it starting. This prevents thieves from creating multiple copies of the key.
Another way to ensure that your vehicle secure is to make sure that you do not place the mobile phone and the key in the same pocket. Putting the two devices too close to each other could block signals, thus preventing them from sending signals properly.
The KeySmart Pro has a built in Tile that will help you locate your phone. When you place the smart key fob Key next to your iPhone with the application installed when you press the activation key, it will cause the Tile to play a short tune and flash an LED. This could be life-saving should you lose your phone, or it’s on silent mode.
Convenience
Smart keys can save and recall personal settings like mirror, seat and steering wheel position. Certain smart keys, like BMW’s Comfort Access system, allow you to start your car without pressing the ignition button.
Modern smart keys communicate with car’s antennas via radio waves. They transmit a unique encrypted message which is interpreted and then acted upon by the computer. The signals can be reprogrammed to perform various functions, such as opening and closing the trunk or activating the lock of a child.
This technology isn’t foolproof. It’s possible for tech-savvy thieves to detect the frequency transmission of the smart key and steal its unique identification number. Fortunately, manufacturers are striving to improve the security of the system.
A useful feature is the ability to remotely lock and unlock your vehicle by tapping the screen of your phone. This can help you save time when loading your children or cargo, and is especially useful if you’re a parent with teenage kids who are just learning how to drive.
One of the best aspects of a smart car key replacement near me key is its sleek slim design. It is easier to carry compared to other key organizers, which can be bulky and take up more space than necessary. The KeySmart is quiet and easy to use, without that annoying jingle.
Battery Life
Typically smart fortwo key fob key for car, click through the next web site, keys last about half as long as regular keys with blades (two to three years versus four to six). This is due to the fact that smart keys have to communicate with the car more often and at a higher frequency to unlock it and start it. Smart keys also drain faster when put near electronic devices that create electromagnetic fields like computers, phones and screens.
Fortunately, many smart keys come with battery backup features. According to Open Road Auto Group most smart key replacement keys come with a blade that can be used as a traditional door key in the event the battery of the smart key fails. Many also have a separate slot that lets you insert traditional keys to start the engine in the event that the smart key is dead or is not working.
A “power saving mode” is another smart key backup. If you lose your smart key while driving, your car will continue to function regardless of whether it’s not in operation. To do this simply lay the smart key flat on the steering column while pressing the ignition button. If you’ve done it correctly, the system will inform the driver that it’s not in the right place but nonetheless functional.
Cost
Smart keys aren’t always cheap. Many vehicle owners upgrade to smart keys to improve security and convenience. It can be expensive to replace an unusable smart key and reprogram your car.
Smart keys look like regular keys, but they contain a microchip which allows you to unlock, lock or start a car without having a physical key. The chip transmits a unique code the vehicle’s computer system, which recognizes the code and confirms it prior to starting the engine.
This technology has been around for some time, but is not perfect. There have been several cases of thieves stealing vehicles using this method. The good news is that there are ways to prevent this from happening. One way to avoid this is to use an electronic key that contains rolling security codes. The code is changed each time the key is transmitted.
A key fob with an LCD screen is very expensive. BMW’s Display Key, a smart key of this kind is a prime example. Its LCD color screen serves all the functions of a standard key fob, including locking in, unlocking, and keyless start. But it can also communicate with the vehicle via the smartphone. This allows you to use the vehicle smart key, and keep the track of its charging and location. It can even tell the vehicle to park itself which is an excellent feature for people with limited mobility or disabilities.