Vehicle Smart Key Technology

Vehicle smart key technology allows drivers to unlock and start the car simply by pressing the door handle or putting the key in the pocket. It also allows a variety of other adjustments including the position of the seat, internal temperature settings and mirror positioning.

This can also lead to security issues.

Security

smart key for car near me keys are advanced computerized key fobs that communicate with a vehicle through one of the car’s embedded antennas to open doors and to start the engine. As opposed to traditional keys, which emit the same frequency signal every time they are used, smart keys transmit encrypted signals that are specific to the car they belong to. This makes it much more difficult for thieves with a technological edge to steal or spoof the signal and use the key to steal your car.

Mercedes’ Keyless Go system, for example, has an internal transponder that identifies the key of the driver. The Smart Key automatically unlocks and opens the doors and tailgate when it is within 1.5 meters. It also allows you to start the engine by pressing the key.

Furthermore certain smart keyslike those made by BMW include individual user settings that let the driver adjust the seat, mirrors and steering wheel position and audio preferences at the push of a button. They also have the backup lock, which stops the vehicle from running without the key.

This technology prevents drivers from accidentally locking their vehicles particularly when they are searching a purse or a backpack for keys in parking lots with strangers, or on a street where crime is high. A lot of systems will also notify motorists when their keys are running low on battery, but this feature differs by manufacturer.

Convenience

If you’re in a hurry get somewhere the smart key makes getting into your car as simple as possible. You can unlock, lock and start your car by pressing a button on the door handle or the trunk release. Popular Mechanics explains that the key fob can be used to track charging location, charging status, and other vehicle information.

A major benefit is that you won’t accidentally lock yourself out. The key fob communicates with an antenna inside the vehicle to determine whether it’s within range. If it’s not, the engine won’t not start. This will deter thieves who would steal your vehicle to sell its parts.

BMW reports that the smart key utilizes rolling codes as well to protect against hacking and cloning. A computer within the vehicle reads the code and verifies it before starting the engine. Most systems come with a mechanical backup system that is an invisible key blade.

Modern smart keys also recognize the key that is being used and adjust the vehicle settings accordingly, notes How Stuff Works Electronics. For instance, if you turn on the car while holding the key fob in your hands the windows and sunroof can be opened to let the air in the cabin breathe. You can also set the speed limit which will only apply when the vehicle is started using the selected key, which could be helpful when lending your car to a new 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, press the lock button down and then press the unlock button.

This will prevent your smart key fob’s smart fortwo key fob chip from sending or receiving radio waves that could extend its battery’s life considerably. You can always activate this function by pressing the unlock and lock buttons once more.

Some smart keys have anti-theft features to prevent them from being copied by thieves. Mercedes-Benz smart keys cars key uses rolling codes to block the unauthorized access. When the smart key is put in the ignition, a computer in the car validates the code in milliseconds, before beginning the engine. BMW uses a Display Key that has a tiny LCD screen with a color. This allows drivers to lock their vehicles, unlock them, and start them without removing the smart key from their pockets.

Contact Pop-A-Lock if your need to replace the battery on your smart key fob considering purchasing a vehicle with a smart-key. We can replace the battery on any smart key and our mobile locksmiths can assist you in setting it up to make sure your vehicle recognizes it.

Special Cases

Smart keys aren’t 100% secure against theft, but they do help deter thieves. Smart keys use rolling security codes that prevent hacking, and when placed in the ignition, the vehicle’s computer verifies the code within milliseconds. This technology was developed by Mercedes-Benz and is now used by a number of premium car brands.

A smart key system will work even if it is not possible to remember the key in the trunk or leave it in the restaurant. Certain systems will also notify the driver if the battery is depleted. Certain brands provide key covers specifically designed for smart keys that keep the fob protected from harm.