Vehicle Smart Key Technology

Vehicle smart key technology allows drivers to open and start the car simply by touching the door handle or placing the key in the pocket. It also allows for a variety of other adjustments like seats positions, internal temperature settings, mirror position and stereo presets.

This could also create security concerns.

Security

Smart keys are computerized key fobs that communicate with vehicles via an embedded antenna. This allows them to unlock doors and begin 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 specific to the specific car they belong to. This makes it harder for thieves who are tech-savvy to fake or intercept the signal and use the key to take your car.

For instance, Mercedes' system -- called Keyless Go -- has an internal transponder that identifies the key of the driver. When the smart key market Key comes within 1.5 meters of a vehicle, it automatically unlocks the tailgate and door and the engine will start when the key's button is activated.

Furthermore some smart keyssuch as those from BMW include individual user settings that let the driver adjust seat, mirrors and steering wheel position and audio preferences with the click of a button. They also have the backup lock, which stops the vehicle from starting without the key.

This technology helps keep drivers from accidentally locking their car, especially when they have to search their purse or backpack to locate keys in a parking lot full of strangers or in a busy street with high rates of crime. Many systems will also inform drivers when the battery in their keys is low, but this feature varies by manufacturer.

Convenience

The smart key is ideal for those trying to get somewhere. You can unlock, lock and start your car simply by pressing the door handle or the trunk release. The key fob can also interact with your phone to track charging and location as well as other information regarding the vehicle, as explained by Popular Mechanics.

It isn't safe to lock your keys inside the car. The key fob communicates with an antenna within the vehicle to determine if it's within range. If it's not, the engine won't not start. This will deter thieves who would steal your car to sell the parts.

BMW reports that the smart key employs rolling codes in order to protect against hacking and cloning. The computer inside the vehicle can recognize and verify the code prior the start of the motor. Most systems have a physical back-up in the form a key blade hidden in the.

How Stuff Works Electronics notes that modern smart keys can be able to detect keys being used and adjust the vehicle settings in line with the use of the key. If you turn on your vehicle while holding the key in your hand, for example windows and sunroof will be opened to let air circulate the interior. You can also set the speed limit which will only be applied when the vehicle is started using the chosen key, which could be useful when loaning your car to an inexperienced driver.

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, hold down the lock button and press the unlock button.

This will prevent your smart key fob from transmitting or receiving radio waves, which will extend its battery life significantly. It is possible to reactivate the function by pressing both the lock and unlock buttons again.

Certain smart keys also come with anti-theft functions that stop them from being copied by thieves. For example, Mercedes-Benz smart keys use rolling codes to block unauthorized access to the vehicle. When the smart forfour key key is inserted into the ignition, a computer within the car verifies the code in milliseconds prior beginning the engine. BMW uses a Display Key that has a small LCD color screen. This lets drivers lock their cars, open their doors, and start the engine without having to take the smart key market key from their pockets.

If you're considering purchasing a new car with a smart key, or you need the battery in your smart key fob changed, contact us at Pop-A Lock for a fast and easy service. Our mobile locksmiths will replace the battery of any smart key and also help to set it up so that your car can recognize it.

Special Cases

Smart keys aren't 100% secure against theft, but they do help deter thieves. Smart keys are designed to keep hackers from hacking the system. When they are placed in the ignition of the vehicle, the computer verifies the code in milliseconds. Mercedes-Benz invented this technology, which is currently utilized by luxury car brands.

Another helpful feature is that the majority of smart key systems will continue to operate even if the user has forgotten the key in the trunk or left it in a restaurant or lost it during a hike. Some systems will alert the driver when the battery is running low. Some brands offer key covers that are specifically designed for smart keys, to shield the fob from damage.