What You Should Know About Smart Keys

Smart keys, also known as digital keys or information key can allow drivers to gain access to their vehicle without the need to use the traditional keyhole. Certain vehicles come with them as standard features, whereas others have them available for upgrade.

The technology is also more advanced than a standard key fob. Some systems have emergency starting features that allow you to open the car and start the engine without the need for a key fob (or even a traditional one). The best systems also include indicators for batteries that alert you when the battery is running low.

Security

Smart keys are more convenient than traditional key fobs and also come with additional security and safety features. They communicate with the computer system of your car by using radio-frequency identification (RFID). An antenna in your car detects the signal from the key when it's in the range, which allows you to unlock your doors and start your engine without taking out your phone or press a button.

While this may sound like a great idea however, thieves could also hack into the system to unlock your doors and then start the engine. Some manufacturers use a technology known as "rolling codes" that stop this from happening. This code is projected from the key to the starter, and then verified by the car's computer prior it starts. This helps prevent thieves from making multiple copies of the keys.

Another way to ensure that your car secure is to ensure that you do not put the key and mobile phone in the same pocket. Putting the two devices too close to each other can block the signals, preventing them from sending signals correctly.

The KeySmart Pro has a built in Tile that will help you locate your phone. If you have the app installed on your iPhone and place the Smart Key near it, the press of its activation button causes the Tile to play an unintentional melody and flash an LED. This is a lifesaver if you have lost your phone in a dark area or even when it is in silent mode.

Convenience

Smart keys are able to store and retrieve personal settings, such as seat, mirror, and steering wheel positions. Some, such as BMW's Comfort Access, even allow you to start your car without having to push the ignition button.

Modern smart keys make use of radio waves to communicate with antennas within the car. They transmit an encrypted signal that is interpreted by the car's computer. These signals can be programmed to perform different tasks, such as opening and closing the trunk, or engaging the lock of a child.

This technology isn't 100% secure, however. It is possible for thieves with a technological edge to recognize the frequency of an intelligent key and get its unique identification number. Fortunately, companies are striving to make the system more secure.

A great feature is the ability to remotely lock and unlock your vehicle by tapping the screen of your phone. This feature will help you save time when loading cargo or children. It is especially useful when you have teenagers who are learning to drive.

One of the greatest features of a smart key is its sleek, compact design. It is easier to carry compared to other key organizers that are bulky and take up more room than is necessary. The KeySmart is also quiet and easy to carry, removing the annoying jingle which can cause you to become agitated.

Battery Life

Smart keys are typically just half as long (two to three versus four to six years) as traditional fobs. The smart keys must communicate with the car at a faster frequency and more frequently to unlock and start the vehicle. Smart Key For Car keys also consume more power when placed close to electronic devices that generate electromagnetic fields such as phones, computers and screens.

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 door lock in the event the battery of the smart key dies. Many also have a separate slot where you can insert traditional keys to turn on the engine if the smart key is dead or not working.

A "power saving mode" is a second smart key backup. If you forget your smart key while driving, your car will continue to function until it is not running. To do this, you should place the smart key flat against the steering column of your vehicle before pressing the ignition button once. If you've done it correctly, the system will inform the driver that the key is not working but still operational.

Cost

smart car key coding keys aren't always affordable. Many car owners upgrade their keys to smart ones to increase convenience and security. If you lose a smart key it can cost a fortune to replace it and also reprogramme the car.

Smart keys appear like regular keys, however they contain a microchip which can unlock, lock, or start a vehicle without a physical key. The chip transmits an unique code to the vehicle system, which detects and verifies the code before beginning the engine.

This technology has been in use for a while, but isn't completely perfect. This method has been used by thieves to steal cars in several cases. The good news is that there are solutions to stop this from happening. One option is to utilize a smart key that has rolling security codes that alters the code each time it is transmitted.

A key fob that has an LCD screen can be extremely costly. BMW's Display Key, a smart key of this type, is a prime example. Its color LCD touchscreen can perform the usual functions of a key fob such as locking, unlocking, and keyless start but it can also transmit commands from smartphones to the systems of the vehicle. This makes it easier to operate the vehicle and keep track of its charging and whereabouts. It can even instruct the vehicle to park itself which is an excellent feature for those with limited mobility or disabilities.