The Reasons Smart Car Key Programming Is Everywhere This Year
Vehicle Smart Key Technology
The smart key technology in vehicles allows drivers to open and start the car by touching the door handle or putting the key in the pocket. It also allows a variety of other adjustments, including seat position, internal temperature settings and mirror positioning.
However, it could also result in security issues.
Security
Smart keys are highly sophisticated key fobs with computers that communicate with a vehicle via one of the antennas in the car to unlock doors and start the engine. As opposed to traditional keys, which emit the identical frequency signal each time they are activated, smart keys transmit encrypted signals that are specific to the car they belong to. This makes it difficult for hackers with the latest technology to intercept or fake the signal, and then use your key to steal your vehicle.
Mercedes' Keyless Go system For instance, it has an internal transponder, which can identify the driver's keys. When the Smart Key comes within 1.5 meters of a car, it automatically unlocks the door and tailgate and starts the engine when a button on the key is press.
Certain smart keys, like the ones made by BMW, also have user-specific settings, which allow drivers to alter the mirrors, seat and the steering wheel's position and audio preferences at the touch of a single button. They also come with the backup lock, which stops the vehicle starting without the key.
This technology can prevent drivers from accidentally locking their cars, especially when searching through a purse or backpack to find keys in a parking lot packed with people or on a busy street with high rates of crime. Some systems also notify drivers when their keys are in danger of being depleted, though this feature differs by manufacturer.
Convenience
The smart key is ideal for those trying to get somewhere. You can lock, unlock and start your car simply by pressing the door handle or the trunk release. Popular Mechanics explains that the key fob can also be used for tracking charging location, charging status, and other vehicle information.
You don't want to accidentally lock your keys in the car. The key fob is connected to an antenna inside the vehicle to determine if it is within the range. If it's not, the engine won't start. This will deter thieves from stealing your vehicle and selling its parts.
BMW reports that the smart key makes use of rolling codes to protect against hacking and cloning. A computer inside the vehicle recognizes the code and confirms it prior to starting the engine. Most systems also have a backup mechanical system that is a key blade that's hidden to serve as a styling tool.
Modern smart keys also detect which keys are in use and adjust the settings of the vehicle as needed, according to How Stuff Works Electronics. If you start the vehicle while holding the key in your palm for instance windows and the 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 helpful when lending 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 you need to press and hold the lock button while pressing the unlock button.
This will prevent your smart key fob from sending or receiving radio waves which will increase its battery life significantly. You can always activate the function by pressing the lock and unlock buttons again.
Certain smart keys also come with anti-theft features that prevent them from being copied by thieves. For example, Mercedes-Benz smart keys use rolling codes to prevent unauthorized vehicle access. When the smart key is inserted in the ignition, a computer in the car validates the code in milliseconds, before it starts the engine. BMW uses
smart forfour key that has a tiny LCD screen with a color. This lets drivers lock their cars, open them, and even start them without taking the smart key from their pockets.
If you're thinking of buying the latest car equipped with a smart key, or if you require the battery in your smart key fob changed, contact us at Pop-A Lock for a quick and efficient service. We can replace the battery in any smart key, and our mobile locksmiths are able to assist you in setting the system so that your vehicle can recognize it.
Special Cases
Smart keys are not 100 100% theft-proof, but they assist in preventing thieves. Smart key fobs are designed to keep hackers from hacking the system. When they are placed in the ignition of the car The computer confirms the code in milliseconds. This technology was invented by Mercedes-Benz and is currently used by many high-end car brands.
A smart key system will continue to work even if you don't remember the key in the trunk or leave it at an establishment. Certain systems will also notify the driver if the battery is running low. Some brands offer key covers that are specifically designed for smart keys that protect the fob from damage.