What Can a Smart Car Key Fob Do For You?

Known as fobs or keyless entry or smart keys, they were introduced by Mercedes in 1998. Key fobs that are controlled by computers perform many tasks, including locking and unlocking a vehicle as well as launching it.

They function by sending an encrypted, rolling message. This protects them from thieves with advanced technology.

Safety

A smart key fob communicates constantly with a vehicle through radiofrequency waves. It sends out a low-power signal that, when pressed instructs the car to open doors and begin its engine. The car can recognize the unique encrypted code from a specific keyfob. This means that even if the key fob is stolen, it won't be used to begin the car.

But a new type of hack can permit thieves to take advantage of that communication. Relay attacks utilize devices that transmit at the same frequency as the key fob. The thief could place one of these gadgets in a pocket or a hiding location to thwart the lock command from a distance, says How Stuff Works Electronics. This is a problem that is likely to become more prevalent as more people adopt smart car key case keys.

A smart key repair key fob is not only a security feature but it can simplify your life by automatically taking care of the needs of your vehicle. For example a key fob linked to your smartphone can detect your proximity and unlock the doors, so it's not necessary to press the remote button. It could also detect that you're leaving the car and lock it, so you won't forget to lock the doors. A lot of smart key fobs come with a battery indicator which warns you when the battery is depleted. The majority of models let you replace the battery quickly and easily without any tools or equipment required.

Convenience

Contrary to traditional keys made of metal Smart keys do not require physical inserting into the ignition slot in order to unlock or start the vehicle. BMW Group explains that the driver simply needs to bring the key within reach of the car. Some smart keys, like the Display Key, come with tiny LCD touchscreen that allows drivers access to features such as locking, unlocking and keyless starting directly from their key fob without having to connect to the Bluetooth system of the car.

Smart keys can also save drivers time by automating the locking of their doors when they leave. This feature is found in many vehicles, according to Consumer Reports, and can help navigate through parking spaces that are tight without accidentally squeezing something someone else.

Open Road Auto Group explains that smart key systems don't transmit the same frequency signal over and over which can make them more vulnerable to relay attacks. In this way it is impossible for a stolen car to be hotwired even if it's equipped with a smart key as the encrypted signal that the key fob transmits is unique to each vehicle. This technology makes it extremely difficult for thieves to steal a vehicle.

Security

Today's newer cars pack in more advanced electronic features than ever before, and a few of them are contained in the key fob. These devices are capable of more than locking and unlocking doors, or making chirping sounds to assist motorists locate their car in parking areas. However many owners are unaware of the full capabilities.

Certain smart car spare key keys, for instance, will activate the auto windows and sunroofs of a vehicle when pressed. A auto editor from CR once walked out to her Honda Accord only to find all the windows down and sunroofs open. This is one of the reasons she was so grateful for her Smart key for smart car, which locked the car automatically.

According to How Stuff Works, some smart keys utilize computer-encrypted signals to stop car thieves. This technology stops hotwiring in which thieves steal a vehicle's engine controller module (ECM) which is typically located at the front of the engine. The ECM manages many essential functions such as engine power, transmission control, and more.

Other technologies used in smart keys include anti-theft encryption and a security ID unique to each key, which can disable the ignition if it's not the correct one. The security ID is a number that is transmitted by the ECM from the key to the ignition and then validated by a sensor in the car.

Maintenance

Smart car key fobs can do more than unlock the door. It can remotely start your engine, turn on the brakes and suspension and even start your vehicle. It can also provide information about your car, including the level of fuel and oil temperatures.

A smart car key fob, as any other electronic device requires regular maintenance to function effectively. Modern key fobs come with battery indicators that warn the driver when the battery is low. It's easy to replace the battery, and you don't need any special tools.

In some cases, however, a smart key might stop working completely. If you suspect that this is the case attempt to reset the smart car key programmer key by exiting the vehicle and coming back inside. This will allow the car to recognize that the key fob remains in the vehicle and let it to be used again.

Contact a locksmith in the event that you are unable to get your key fob working. They can reprogram the fob to ensure that it is recognized by the car and you can use all its features. It's typically more affordable to do this rather than purchasing the new fob for your key, and it will save you money in the end. In some instances, the locksmith can repair an existing key fob to be able to swap it for a new one. This could save you money in the end.