What You Should Know About Smart Keys
Smart keys, also known as digital keys or information keys can allow drivers to gain access to their vehicle without having to fiddle with traditional keyholes. Some vehicles have them as standard equipment, while others provide them as an upgrade.
The technology is more advanced than the traditional key fob, as well. Some systems allow you to start the vehicle without the traditional key fob or even the use of a key. The most effective systems also have indicators for the battery that warn you when the battery is running low.
Security
Smart keys are more practical than traditional keys and include additional security and safety features. They make use of radio-frequency identification, or RFID, to communicate with the computer system in your car. If the key is within the range of the antenna, it can be used to unlock the doors and start the car without having to use your mobile or push the button.
This may seem like a convenient feature. However, criminals are able to access this system to unlock your doors or even start the engine. Certain manufacturers employ "rolling code" technology to ward off this. This code is projected by the key onto the starter and is then verified by the computer of the car prior to it starting. This stops thieves from making multiple copies of the key.
Another method to keep your car secure is to ensure that you don't place the mobile phone and the key in the same pocket. The signals could be blocked if the two devices are placed too close.
The KeySmart Pro has a built in Tile that will help you locate your phone. When you place the Smart Key next to your iPhone with the app installed, pressing the activation button will trigger the Tile to play a brief tune and flash an LED. This is a lifesaver if you've lost your phone or it's on silent mode.
Convenience
Smart keys can be used to store and recall personal settings such as seat, mirror and steering wheel settings. Certain smart keys, such as BMW's Comfort Access system, allow you to start the car without pressing the ignition button.
Modern smart keys communicate with the car's antennas using radio waves. They transmit an encrypted message that is then interpreted and processed by the computer. The signals can be reprogrammed how to unlock a smart car without a key perform a variety of functions like opening and closing the trunk or activating an electronic child lock.
This technology isn't foolproof. It's possible for tech-savvy thieves to detect the frequency of a smart key and then steal its unique identification number. Fortunately for us, the industry has been trying to enhance the security of the system.
One of the most useful features is the ability to remotely lock and unlock your car by pressing the screen of your smartphone. This allows you to save time when loading up children or cargo, and is especially helpful if you are parents of teenagers who are still learning to drive.
The sleek and compact design of a smartkey is one of its best features. This makes it much easier to carry than other key organizers which can be bulky and take up more space than they need. The KeySmart is quiet and comfortable to use, eliminating the annoying jingle.
Battery Life
Typically smart keys last about less than regular fobs with key blades (two to three years versus four to six). The smart keys have to communicate with the car at a faster frequency and at a higher frequency in order to unlock and start the car. Smart keys will also drain faster when placed close to electronic devices, such as phones, computers, and screens that produce electromagnetic fields.
Fortunately, most smart keys have batteries backup features. According to Open Road Auto Group most smart keys come with blades that can be used as a traditional door key in the event the battery of the smart car key replacement key dies. Many also have a separate slot that allows you to insert a traditional key in order to turn on the engine if the smart car key case (This Web site) key is dead or not functioning.
Another smart car keys replacement key backup feature is known as the "power saving mode." If you forget to take your smart key while driving, you can drive your car for as long as the engine isn't running. To do this simply lay the smart key flat on the steering column and press the ignition button. If you've done this correctly, the system will inform the driver that it's not in the right place but still functioning.
Cost
Smart keys aren't always affordable. Many vehicle owners upgrade to smart keys to enhance security and convenience. It can be expensive to replace an unusable smart key and reprogram your car.
Smart keys resemble regular keys, however they are equipped with a microchip that can be used to unlock, lock or start a car without a physical one. The chip transmits a unique code to the vehicle system, which recognizes and validates the code prior to starting the engine.
This technology has been in use for a while however it's not perfect. There have been several cases of thieves stealing vehicles using this method. There are ways to stop this from happening. One way is to use a smart key that has security codes that roll, which alters the code each time it's used.
A key fob with an LCD screen can be quite expensive. BMW's Display Key is an example of this kind of smart key. Its LCD color touchscreen does the usual functions of a keyfob such as locking, unlocking and keyless start however, it can also send commands from smartphones to the car's systems. This makes it easier to operate the vehicle and keep the track of charging and location. It even allows the car to park itself. This is a fantastic feature if you have physical limitations or disabilities.
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