What You Should Know About Smart Keys

Smart keys, also known as digital keys or information keys permit drivers to open their vehicle without the need to use the traditional keyhole. Certain cars come with them as standard features, and others offer them as an upgrade option.

The technology is also more modern than a traditional fob. Some systems let you start your car without the traditional key fob, or even an actual key. The most reliable systems also have battery indicators which warn you when the battery is running low.

Security

Smart keys are more practical than traditional key fobs as they have additional security and safety features. They connect to the computer system in your car by using radio-frequency identification (RFID). An antenna on your car receives the signal from your key when it's in distance, allowing you unlock your doors and start the engine without having to pull out your phone or press the button.

This may seem like a convenient feature. However, car criminals are able to hack into this system and unlock your doors and even start the engine. Certain manufacturers employ "rolling code" technology to stop this. The code is projected by the key onto the starter and then verified by the computer of the car prior to its start. This stops thieves from making multiple copies of the key.

Another way to ensure that your car secure is to ensure that you don't place your mobile phone and key in the same pocket. The signals can be blocked if the two devices are too close together.

The KeySmart Pro has a built in Tile that helps you locate your phone. When you place the Smart Key next to your iPhone with the application installed and press the activation button, it will trigger the Tile to play a short tune and flash an LED. This could be lifesaving when you've lost your phone or it's in silent mode.

Convenience

In addition to locking and unlocking your car Smart keys can also store and recall individual settings such as mirror, seat and wheel alignment. Some, like BMW's Comfort Access, even allow you to start your car without having to press the ignition button.

Modern smart keys use radio waves to communicate with antennas in the car. They transmit a unique encrypted signal that is then interpreted by the car's computer. The signals can be reprogrammed to perform various functions, such as opening and closing the trunk or engaging the lock of a child.

This technology isn't 100% secure It is, however, not foolproof. It is possible for thieves with a technological edge to detect the frequency transmission of a smart key and then steal its unique identification number. Fortunately, the manufacturers have been striving to increase the security of the system.

A great feature is the ability to remotely lock and unlock your vehicle by tapping the screen of your smartphone. This feature can save you time when loading children or cargo. It's especially helpful for parents of teenagers who are learning to drive.

One of the greatest features of a smart car Key programmer key is its sleek compact design. It is much more convenient to carry than other key organizers that can be bulky and take up more space than necessary. The KeySmart is quiet and comfortable to use, and eliminates the annoying jingle.

Battery Life

Typically smart keys last for only half as long as regular keys with key blades (two to three years versus four to six). Smart keys must communicate with the vehicle at a greater frequency and more frequently to unlock and start the vehicle. Smart keys also drain faster when placed near electronic devices like phones, computers or screens that emit electromagnetic fields.

The majority of smart keys have battery backup options. According to Open Road Auto Group most smart keys come with blades that can be used as a traditional key for doors in the event the battery of the smart key fob dies. Most have a slot where a traditional key can be put in to start the engine in the event that the smart key fob isn't working or dead.

Another feature of the smart key backup is referred to as a "power saving mode." If you forget to bring your smart key while driving, you can still drive your vehicle as long as the engine is not running. To do this, place the smart key flat on the steering column and press the ignition button. If you've done this correctly, the system will notify the driver that it's not in the right place but nonetheless functional.

Cost

Smart keys are not always cheap. Many vehicle owners upgrade to smart keys to increase convenience and security. If you lose a smart car key key, it can cost a fortune to replace it and also reprogramme the car.

Smart keys resemble regular keys, but they are equipped with a microchip that allows you to unlock, lock or start a car that does not have a physical one. The chip transmits a unique number of digits to the vehicle's system, which then recognizes it and verifies it before starting the engine.

This technology has been in use for a while however it's not completely. This method has been used by thieves to steal vehicles in various instances. There are ways to prevent this from happening. One method to stop this is to use an electronic key that contains rolling security codes. The code is changed each time the key is sent.

A key fob that has a display screen can also be extremely costly. BMW's Display Key, a smart fortwo key replacement key of this kind is a prime example. Its LCD color touchscreen serves the typical functions of a key fob like locking, unlocking and keyless start however, it can also transmit commands from an iPhone to the car's systems. This makes it easier to operate the vehicle and keep the track of charging and location. It can even tell the vehicle to park itself, which is a great feature for people with limited mobility or disabilities.