What is a Smart Key Car Key?

Smart keys are also known as proximity keys or key fobs. They are used to unlock doors and start engines without having to insert physical key. They communicate via radiofrequency signals.

This helps keep cars secure by preventing hotwiring. Smart keys also broadcast unique encrypted signals that prevent them from being used by vehicles of other drivers.

Convenience

Instead of inserting a key into an ignition slot, you can lock and unlock your vehicle simply by touching the handle on your door or trunk. Modern vehicles often have a feature that allows you to start your engine from a distance. This is particularly useful if you're bringing groceries into the vehicle or transporting passengers, or equipment.

This technology is designed to deter theft of vehicles. Instead of sending a single frequency signal, similar to a normal key fob does smart keys send out an array of encrypted signals to a car's embedded antennas as you walk towards it. How Stuff Works Electronics explains that this stops other vehicles from receiving and responding to the same signal.

Some manufacturers also include an electronic chip in the vehicle that can recognize the unique fingerprints of each key. This helps to ensure that only authorized users are using it. This is useful in the event that you lend your car to family members and friends.

Some smart keys also store user settings, ensuring that the seat, steering wheel, mirror and stereo presets are automatically set when the key is within range of the car. To make life easier, certain smart keys can be programmed to stop the car from exceeding a particular speed limit once it has been initiated with that specific key. This is a great way to ensure the safety of new drivers and is beneficial for families with children in the back.

Security

Traditionally keys for cars have been made from metal and used to unlock the ignition. With the advent of smart key technology, however, this is no longer necessary. Smart keys have a special chip that sends an antenna signal to your car. The signal is subsequently recognized by the vehicle when the driver presses on the handle on the door or trunk release. It is now impossible to lock the keys in your vehicle.

The signal that the smart key copy key transmits to your car is encrypted, meaning that only the owner of the car can use it. In addition, many models will stop the engine if the car is not launched in the past few minutes. This feature is particularly helpful when you are in an unsafe location or you need to leave your vehicle for any reason.

In addition, if the smart key battery runs out during a ride, many systems come with a backup plan to open and start the vehicle. The backup method is to insert the key in a slot or holding it near a particular location in the cockpit, which transfers energy to an electric motor. Certain manufacturers offer a mechanical key blade that can be utilized in a situation of emergency to open the trunk or to start the car.

Battery Life

The majority of newer cars have keyless entry systems and push-button starters. These are controlled by a smart key fob that communicates with the car through proximity technology. These systems utilize a tiny transmitter powered by a coin-sized lithium battery. As with all batteries that eventually requires replacement, this one too will need replacement.

Most smart batteries for key fobs last for a long time however, it doesn't mean they won't be unable to function and shut down suddenly. If the fob's battery is dead you won't be able to unlock or start your car if you hold it up near the front door.

It's not uncommon for the transmitter in the smart key to drain the battery. It sends a signal to your car each time you touch a button, but most of the time the smart key isn't doing anything. The battery of the smart key is sufficient to last for a long time. signalling to lock and unlock.

The fob can also drain the battery when you keep it close to other devices emitting electromagnetic fields, such as phones and computers. These gadgets emit magnetic fields of their own, which can interfere and slow down the fob transmitter. In some instances, the fob may even cease to function entirely when it is placed too close to these devices, according to RepairPal.

Maintenance

Smart keys are different from traditional keys made of metal in that they use technology to control the locks on your vehicle in addition to performing other functions. It operates by transmitting a signal through antennas situated inside and outside of your vehicle. These antennas are able to detect the fob's signal and connect with the car's computer. The car is then able to interpret the signal and allows you to open and start it without the physical key.

The fob is now a hub of numerous electronic features on new automobiles. The most obvious functions are locking and unlocking your car, remote starting and chirping to aid in locating your vehicle in a parking spot. Certain fobs let you save different settings for various drivers, and remotely open windows as well as the sunroof.

The fob is a complex electronic device that has an integrated board that could be damaged if placed in a position that is too harsh or exposed to extreme cold or heat. The transmitter could be damaged if dropped or banged. The battery contacts may become bent.

These issues can be difficult to diagnose and resolve. It is possible to use your phone to solve this issue and determine if it's working. However you should always keep an extra key in your wallet in a case. You can purchase a generic smart key replacement for up to 70% less than OEM keys and comes with a 3 year warranty.