7 Small Changes You Can Make That'll Make The Biggest Difference In Your Smart Car Key
Smart Keys For Cars
Smart keys are wireless remotes that unlock doors and open the trunk without the requirement for a mechanical blade. It can also be used to start the car without turning a key.
The majority of smart keys come with battery indicators that warn users in advance of a low charge. Replacing the battery is a quick and easy process that doesn't require any specialized tools.
Convenience
Smart keys are designed to open doors and trunks as well as turn on the vehicle's engine and activate the ignition without the driver having to use a traditional key made of metal. They also come with features that help deter vehicle theft and break-ins, like the panic key that makes noises to scare off potential thieves in remote areas such as underground garages.
Key fobs accomplish all of these functions via radio transmissions between the car key fob and the car via low-power wireless technology. This is a wonderful feature for drivers on the move who do not have much time.
Smart keys are usually more like plastic cards than actual keys. They can be used to unlock the trunk or doors when the button is pressed on the fob. Some smart keys feature touchscreens that allow users to control their car's settings, including climate and sound.
The RFID signal transmitted between a key fob and car is unique, encoded, and connected to the vehicle's computer. This makes it impossible for hackers with the right skills to hotwire a stolen car equipped with a key fob. These fobs can also be programmed to send a different frequency signal each time they're used so that the onboard computer isn't able to recognize the old one as the genuine signal.
Security
Many people aren't keen to use digital keys for their car due to the fact that they fear security. While having a physical key fob in hand can feel more secure, digital keys are actually more secure than most people think. Digital keys are encrypted and the signal they send to a car is verified by an onboard computer. This means that even if your key fob is stolen the car won't start.
Smart keys, unlike traditional key fobs, work by using the built-in antennas of your car to communicate with it and perform standard functions like unlocking and starting your vehicle. This allows you to access your vehicle without the need to insert keys that are physically placed in the ignition or lock which can be an inconvenience.
If smart car key coding lose your smart keys, or if the battery fails it is possible to find an alternative method to open and start your car. For instance emergency starting can be accomplished by putting the key into a slot or putting it near a specific area on the cockpit, where an inductive coil that can transfer energy is hidden.
Furthermore, many smart keys have a low-battery indicator that warns you well before it goes completely dead. If needed, you can easily replace the batteries on your own.
Auto-adjusting settings
Instead of using a physical key rather than a physical key, the smart key uses radio waves to unlock and lock the car. The smart key can remotely start the engine and monitor the location of your vehicle if you forget where you left it.
Certain smart keys can be programmed to automatically adjust the interior and exterior of the vehicle in accordance with the key it detects. For example the car can detect which key you're using and adjust the seat position, mirror settings and the climate control. This is useful if you have multiple drivers, or you want to restrict certain features when lending your car to a new driver.
Another benefit of smart keys is they employ encryption to protect against theft, which isn't a possibility with traditional keys. This technology makes it extremely difficult for tech-savvy thieves to steal a vehicle by replicating an authentic frequency signal, according to How Stuff Works Electronics. Smart keys transmit a unique encrypted signal each time the vehicle is unlocked or remotely opened.
Just like any other battery-powered device the battery of a smart keys will eventually run out of juice. Most systems come with backup systems to unlock the car and then start it if the battery fails. The emergency method differs, but usually involves either holding the keys within the range of the lock sensor or pressing a button on the key that triggers the emergency starter.
Battery Backup
Modern smart keys, also referred to as keyless access systems or passive entry, make use of a receiver and transmitter to unlock your vehicle. The transmitter is integrated into the key fob you carry with you and the receivers are located within your car and around the outside of it. The receivers detect the radio frequency signals sent by your smart key when you approach the vehicle and then activate the doors and ignition.
This system offers many advantages, including not having to hunt in the dark for keys, but it is susceptible to certain types attacks. For instance, if a key's battery fails or is lost, someone else could be able to pick up the low frequency transmission signals that are transmitted by the key and gain access to your car, as per How Stuff Works Electronics. Most smart keys have encrypted signals, making hacking more difficult.
If you notice that your smart key fob isn't able to work properly, this could be caused by a problem with interference. In this instance you should not place your key in proximity to such devices until the battery of the fob has been replaced. Most smart keys will alert you when their batteries are not fully charged and the process of replacing them is quite simple.