The Reasons Smart Car Key Programming Is Everywhere This Year

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The smart key technology in vehicles lets drivers unlock and start their car by simply pressing the door handle or putting the keys in the pocket. It also allows a variety of other adjustments, like seating positions as well as internal temperature settings stereo presets and mirror positions.

However, it could also result in security issues.

Security

Smart keys are advanced electronic keys that communicate with a vehicle through one of the antennas built into the car to unlock the doors and begin the engine. Contrary to conventional keys, which emit the same frequency signal every time they are pressed, smart key fobs transmit encrypted signals that are only compatible with 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 steal your car.

Mercedes' Keyless Go system for instance, has an internal transponder, which can identify the key of the driver. When the Smart Key comes within 1.5 meters of a car, it automatically unlocks the tailgate and door and the engine will start when a button on the key is pressed.

Certain smart keys, such as those from BMW are also equipped with user-specific settings that permit users to alter the mirrors, seat and steering wheel's position and audio preferences at the click of a button. They also come with an emergency lock that stops the vehicle from starting without the key.

This technology helps keep drivers from locking their cars, especially when fumbling in a purse or backpack to locate keys in a parking space packed with strangers or on a busy street with high rates of crime. A lot of systems will also notify drivers when their keys are in danger of being depleted, though this feature varies by manufacturer.

Convenience

If you're in a hurry to get somewhere the smart key makes entering your car as simple as it can be. By pressing the button on the trunk release lever or door handle, you can open, lock and open your vehicle. The key fob will interact with your phone to keep track of charging and location as well as other information about the vehicle, explains Popular Mechanics.

You can't accidentally lock your keys inside the car. The key fob connects to an antenna in the vehicle to determine if it is within range. If it's not, the engine won't start. This will stop thieves from stealing your vehicle and selling parts of it.

BMW reports that the smart key uses rolling codes as well to protect against hacking and cloning. A computer within the vehicle is able to recognize the code and confirms it prior to launching the engine. Many systems also have a mechanical backup that is a key blade that's hidden to enhance the appearance of the.

How Stuff Works Electronics notes that modern smart keys can also detect the key being used and adjust the vehicle settings in line with the use of the key. If you start the vehicle while holding the key for smart car in your palm, for example windows and the sunroof will open to allow air circulation to the interior. You can also set up an automatic speed limit that will only be used when the car is powered by the selected key. This feature can be useful if you are lending your car to someone with no 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 manufacturer-specific feature called Power Saving Mode. To activate this feature, hold the lock button, then press the unlock button.

This will stop your smart key fob's ability to send or receiving any radio waves which will increase its battery's life considerably. You can always reactivate the function by pressing both the unlock and lock buttons again.

Some smart keys have anti-theft functions that prevent them being copied by thieves. Mercedes-Benz smart keys employ rolling codes to block access by anyone who is not authorized to use it. When the smart key is put in the ignition, a computer in the car checks the code in milliseconds prior to starting the engine. BMW uses a similar method with its Display Key, which comes with a small LCD color touchscreen on the smart key for added convenience and enables drivers to lock, unlock, and start their cars without ever removing the key from their pockets.

If you're considering buying a new car with a smart key, or if you require your smart key fob's battery replaced, call Pop-A-Lock to get a quick and easy service. We can replace the battery in any smart key, and our mobile locksmiths can assist you in setting the system so that your vehicle smart key recognizes it.

Special Cases

While smart keys aren't safe from theft, they do assist to stop thieves. Smart keys utilize rolling security codes to avoid the hacking of keys, and when they are placed in the ignition, the car's computer checks the code in milliseconds. This technology was invented by Mercedes-Benz and is now used by a number of high-end car brands.

Another great feature is that many smart key programing key systems will operate if the user forgot the key in the trunk, left it at the restaurant, or lost it on hiking. Certain systems will notify the driver when the battery is running low. Certain brands have key covers specifically designed for smart forfour key keys to protect the fob from damage.