What's The Fuss About Smart Car Key Programming?

Vehicle Smart Key Technology Smart keys for vehicles allow drivers to unlock and start the car by touching the door handle or putting the key in the pocket. It also allows for many other adjustments such as the position of the seat and internal temperature settings as well as mirror position. This can also lead to security concerns. Security Smart keys are key fobs that are computerized that communicate with vehicles through an embedded antenna to unlock doors and start the motor. As opposed to traditional keys, which emit the same frequency signal every time they are pressed, smart key fobs transmit encrypted signals that are only compatible with the car they belong to. This makes it more difficult for thieves with the latest technology to spoof or intercept the signal and use the key to take your car. Mercedes' Keyless Go system for instance, has an internal transponder that identifies the driver's keys. smart key replacement unlocks and opens the doors and tailgate when it is within 1.5 meters. It also starts the engine by pressing a button on its key. Certain smart keys, such as those from BMW, also have user-specific settings, which allow users to alter the seat, mirrors and the steering wheel's position and even audio preferences with the touch of a single button. They also have the backup lock, which will stop the car from starting if the key is not in the ignition. This technology prevents drivers from being unable to lock their vehicle, especially when searching in the bag or purse for keys in parking lots with strangers or on a busy street where crime is high. Many systems will also inform drivers when the battery in their keys is depleted, though this feature varies by manufacturer. Convenience If you're in a hurry get to a place, the smart key makes entering your car as simple as it can be. You can lock, unlock and start your car simply by pressing the door handle or the trunk release. The key fob will communicate with your smartphone to keep track of charging, location and other data about the vehicle, explains Popular Mechanics. A major benefit is that you can't accidentally lose your keys. The key fob communicates to an antenna in the vehicle to determine whether it is within the range. If it's not in range, the engine will not start. This is a deterrent to thieves who may steal your vehicle to sell the parts. BMW reports that the smart key employs rolling codes to ward off hacking and cloning. The computer inside the vehicle can recognize and verify the code before starting the motor. The majority of systems have a mechanical back-up in the form an invisible key blade. Modern smart keys also know which keys are in use and adjust the vehicle settings accordingly, notes How Stuff Works Electronics. If you turn on the vehicle while holding the key in your palm for instance the windows as well as the sunroof will open to ventilate the interior. You can also set an automatic speed limit that will only be used when the car is powered by the specified key. This feature is beneficial if you're lending your vehicle to a person who has little 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 make sure you press and hold the lock button while pressing the unlock button. This will block your smart key fob from sending or receiving radio waves, which will extend its battery's life considerably. You can always restart the function by pressing both the lock and unlock buttons again. Certain smart keys come with anti-theft capabilities that prevent them from being stolen by thieves. For instance, Mercedes-Benz smart keys use rolling codes to prevent unauthorized vehicle access. The computer in the car will check the code every millisecond after the smart key is placed. BMW offers a similar system with its Display Key, which comes with a small LCD color touchscreen on the smart key for added convenience and lets drivers lock, unlock, and start their cars without ever removing the key from their pockets. Contact Pop-Alock if you need to replace the battery on your smart key fob, or considering purchasing a car with smart-key. Our mobile locksmiths can replace the battery of any smart key and also help to set it up so that your car can recognize it. Special Cases While smart keys aren't secure against theft, they can help to discourage thieves. Smart keys are designed to keep hackers from hacking into the system. When placed in the ignition of the vehicle The computer confirms the code in milliseconds. This technology was invented by Mercedes-Benz and is now utilized by many premium car brands. A smart key system will continue to function even if you lose the key in your trunk or leave it at an establishment. Some systems will alert the driver when the battery is running low. Certain brands also offer key covers specifically made for smart keys that keep the fob protected from damage.