Vehicle Smart Key Technology

The smart key technology in vehicles allows drivers to open and start the car by grabbing the door handle or putting the key in the pocket. It also allows for a variety of other adjustments, such as seat positions and internal temperature settings, mirror position and stereo presets.

This can also cause security worries.

Security

Smart keys are highly sophisticated key fobs with computers that communicate with a vehicle via one of the antennas built into the car to unlock doors and start the engine. Contrary to conventional keys, which emit the same frequency signal each time they are activated, smart keys transmit encrypted signals that only match the car they belong to. This makes it more difficult for thieves with advanced technology to spoof or intercept the signal, and use your key to steal your vehicle.

For instance, Mercedes' system -known as Keyless Go -- has an internal transponder which can identify the driver's key. When the Smart Key comes within 1.5 meters of a vehicle it will automatically unlock the door and tailgate and starts the engine when the key's button is pressed.

Some smart key for Car near me keys, like the ones made by BMW additionally have user-specific settings, which allow the driver to alter the seat, mirrors and steering wheel's location and audio preferences with the press of a single button. They also have an emergency lock that keeps the vehicle from starting without the key in the ignition.

This technology assists drivers from locking their cars, particularly when they are rummaging through their purses or backpack for keys in a parking area full of strangers or in an area with high crime rates. Many systems also notify drivers when the key is low on battery, although this feature is different for each manufacturer.

Convenience

If you're in a hurry to get to a place, the smart key makes getting into your car as simple as possible. You can lock, unlock and start your car 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 locations, charging, and other information about your vehicle.

It isn't safe to lock your keys in the car. The key fob communicates to an antenna in the vehicle to determine if it is within the range. If it's not in range, the engine will not start. This helps deter would-be thieves who would steal your vehicle in order to sell the parts.

BMW reports that the smart key employs rolling codes to stop cloning and hacking. The computer in the vehicle can recognize and verify the code prior to starting the motor. Most systems have a mechanical backup system that is a key blade hidden in the.

Modern smart keys also recognize the key that is being used and adjust the settings of the vehicle in line with the use of the key, says How Stuff Works Electronics. If you start the vehicle while holding the key in your hands, for example, the windows and the sunroof will open to ventilate the interior. You can also set an upper limit on speed that will only be in effect when the car is started with the selected key, a feature that could be helpful when lending 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 simply press and hold the lock button while pressing the unlock button.

This will make it impossible for your smart key fob's smart device from being able to send or receive any radio waves. This will significantly extend its battery life. You can always reactivate this function by pressing the unlock and lock buttons once more.

Some smart keys include anti-theft functions that prevent them being copied by thieves. Mercedes-Benz smart key uses rolling codes to block access by anyone who is not authorized to use it. When a smart key is inserted into the ignition, a computer in the car checks the code in milliseconds before beginning the engine. BMW makes use of a Display Key that has a small LCD color screen. This allows drivers to lock their cars, unlock them, and start them without removing the smart key from their pockets.

Contact Pop-A-Lock if your need to replace the battery on your smart key fob should you be thinking of purchasing a vehicle with a smart-key. Our mobile locksmiths can change the battery of any smart key, and will help you set it up so that your car can recognize it.

Special Cases

Smart keys aren't 100% theft-proof, but they aid in deterring thieves. Smart keys are designed to stop hackers from gaining access to the system. When they are inserted into the ignition of the vehicle The computer confirms the code in milliseconds. This technology was invented by Mercedes-Benz and is now utilized by a variety of automobile brands that are luxury.

Another helpful feature is that many 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 during a hike. Some systems will also notify the driver if the battery is low. Some brands offer keys with covers specifically designed for smart keys, to shield the fob from damage.