Vehicle Smart Key Technology

Vehicle smart key technology allows a driver to unlock and start the car by touching the door handle or putting the key in the pocket. It also allows for a variety of other adjustments like seating positions and temperature settings inside the car, stereo presets and mirror positions.

This can also lead to security issues.

Security

Smart keys are key fobs that are computerized and communicate with the vehicle using one of the car's embedded antennas to open the doors and begin the engine. Contrary to conventional keys, which emit the identical frequency signal each time they are activated, smart keys transmit encrypted signals that are only compatible with the specific vehicle they belong to. This makes it harder for tech-savvy thieves to spoof or intercept the signal and use the key to steal your car.

For example, Mercedes' system -known as Keyless Go -- has an internal transponder, which identifies the key of the driver. The Smart Key automatically unlocks and opens the doors and the tailgate when it is within 1.5 meters. It also allows you to start the engine by pressing a button on its key.

Some smart keys, like the ones from BMW, also have user-specific settings that permit the driver to adjust the seat, mirrors and the steering wheel's position and audio preferences at the push of a button. They also come with a backup lock that blocks the vehicle starting without the key.

This technology helps keep drivers from accidentally locking their vehicles, particularly when they are rummaging through their purses or backpack to find keys in a parking lot filled with strangers or on a busy street with high crime rates. Some systems will also notify motorists when the battery for their key is not fully charged, though this feature can vary by the manufacturer.

Convenience

If you're in a hurry to get to a place the smart key makes getting into your vehicle as easy as it can be. By pressing the button on your trunk release lever or door handle, you can open, lock and open your vehicle. Key fobs can also connect to your phone to track charging and location as well as other information about the vehicle, explains Popular Mechanics.

The main benefit is that you won't accidentally get locked out. The key fob communicates with an antenna in the vehicle to determine whether it's in range. If it's not, the engine won't start. This will deter thieves from taking your vehicle and then selling parts of it.

BMW reports that the smart key utilizes rolling codes, as well as to protect against hacking and cloning. The computer inside the vehicle recognizes and verifies the code prior the start of the motor. A majority of systems also have a mechanical backup that is an unnoticed key blade to enhance the appearance of the.

How Stuff Works Electronics notes that modern smart keys can also detect when the key is being used and adjust the vehicle settings in line with the use of the key. For instance, if you start the car while holding the key fob in your hand, the windows and sunroof can be opened to let the air in the cabin breathe. You can also set up a speed limit that will only be activated when the vehicle is powered by the specified key. This feature could 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 it, press and hold the lock button while pressing the unlock button.

This will block your smart key fob from being able to transmit or receive radio waves. This will dramatically extend the battery's life. You can always reactivate the function by pressing the lock and unlock buttons again.

Some smart keys include anti-theft features that stop them from being stolen by thieves. Mercedes-Benz smart key uses rolling codes to stop unauthorised access. The computer in the car will check the code every millisecond after the smart car key replacement key is placed. BMW utilizes a Display Key that has a tiny LCD screen with a color. This allows drivers to lock their vehicles, unlock them, and start them without taking the smart key from their pocket.

Contact Pop-Alock if you need to replace the battery in your replacement smart car key key fob or if you are thinking of purchasing a car that has a smart key car-key. Our mobile locksmiths will change the battery on any smart key and assist to set it so that your car recognizes it.

Special Cases

Smart keys are not 100 100% safe from theft, but they can help deter thieves. Smart key fobs are designed to prevent hackers from hacking the system. When they are placed in the ignition of the car, the computer verifies the code in milliseconds. This technology was developed by Mercedes-Benz and is now used by many luxury car brands.

Another benefit is that most smart key systems will operate even if a user forgot the key in the trunk or left it in a restaurant or lost it during an excursion. Certain systems will also notify the driver if the battery is low. Some brands offer key covers specifically designed for Smart key replacement cost keys that keep the fob protected from damage.