Vehicle Smart Key Technology

Vehicle smart key technology allows drivers to unlock and start the car simply by grabbing the door handle or placing the key in the pocket. It also permits a variety of other adjustments like seat position as well as internal temperature settings and mirror positioning.

This could also raise security worries.

Security

Smart keys are advanced electronic keys that communicate with a vehicle through one of the car's embedded antennas to unlock doors and to start the engine. Smart keys, unlike traditional keys that emit the same frequency every time they're pressed, transmit encrypted signals which are only compatible with the car to which they belong. This makes it much more difficult for hackers with the latest technology to intercept or fake the signal, and then use your key to steal your car.

Mercedes' Keyless Go system For instance, it has an internal transponder that can identify the key of the driver. When the Smart Key comes within 1.5 meters of a vehicle it will automatically unlock the door and tailgate and starts the engine when a button on the key is activated.

Additionally certain smart keyslike those made by BMW -- have individual user settings that let the driver adjust the mirrors, seat and the steering wheel's position as well as audio preferences with the click of a button. They also have a backup lock that will stop the car from starting without the key in the ignition.

This technology prevents drivers from getting their car locked accidentally especially when looking in bags or purses for keys on an open parking lot with strangers or a busy street where crime is high. Many systems also notify drivers when their keys are low on battery, although this feature varies by manufacturer.

Convenience

If you're in a hurry get somewhere, the smart key makes entering your vehicle 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 also interact with your phone to keep track of charging, location and other information regarding the vehicle, as explained by Popular Mechanics.

You shouldn't lock your keys in the car. The key fob communicates with an antenna inside the vehicle to determine if it's in range. If it's not, the engine won't start. This can deter thieves who might take your vehicle and sell the parts.

BMW reports that the smart key utilizes rolling codes to stop cloning and hacking. The computer inside the vehicle is able to recognize the code and validates it prior to launching the engine. Most systems come with a mechanical backup system in the form of an invisible key blade.

How Stuff Works Electronics notes that modern smart keys also detect when the key is when it is in use and adjust the vehicle settings in line with the use of the key. For instance, if you turn on the car holding the key fob in your hands, the windows and the sunroof are opened to let air circulate through the cabin. You can also set up a speed limit that will only be in effect when the vehicle is powered by the chosen key. This feature can be beneficial if you're lending your car to someone who has no prior experience.

Battery Life

If you're looking for a way to get more mileage out of your vehicle's smart fortwo key fob 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 do this, hold the lock button, then press the unlock button.

This will block your smart key fob's ability to send or receiving radio waves, which will extend its battery life significantly. You can reactivate this feature by pressing the unlock and lock buttons again.

Certain smart key programming near me keys have anti-theft capabilities that protect them from being copied by thieves. For example, Mercedes-Benz smart keys use rolling codes to stop unauthorized access to the vehicle. The computer in the car examines the code in milliseconds after the smart key is inserted. BMW utilizes a Display Key with a small LCD screen with a color. This lets drivers lock their vehicles, unlock their doors, and start them without having to remove the smart key from their pockets.

Contact Pop-Alock if you need to replace the battery on your smart key repair key fob or in the event that you are thinking of purchasing a car with smart-key. Our mobile locksmiths can replace the battery of any smart key, and will help you set it so that your car recognizes it.

Special Cases

smart car key reprogramming keys aren't 100 100% secure against theft, but they do aid in deterring thieves. Smart key fobs are designed to prevent hackers from gaining access to the system. When they are inserted into the ignition of the vehicle, the computer verifies the code in milliseconds. This technology was invented by Mercedes-Benz and is currently used by a number of premium car brands.

A smart key system will continue to work even if it is not possible to remember the key in your trunk or leave it at the restaurant. Certain systems will notify the driver when the battery is depleted. Certain brands provide key covers specifically designed for smart car key replacement cost keys to protect the fob from damage.