What You Should Know About Smart Keys

Smart keys, also known as digital keys or information keys - permit drivers to use their vehicles without fumbling with a keyhole. Some vehicles come with them as standard features while others allow them to be upgraded.

The technology is also more sophisticated than a traditional key fob. Some systems have emergency-starting capabilities that allow you open the car and start the engine without a key fob (or even the traditional one). The most reliable systems also have indicators for batteries that alert you when the battery is low.

Security

Smart keys are a lot more efficient than traditional key fobs, and they come with added security and safety features. They connect to the computer system in your car via radio-frequency identification (RFID). When the key is within the range of the antenna it can be used to unlock the doors and start the car without the need to use a phone or press the button.

This may seem like an excellent feature. However, car thieves are able to access this system to open your doors, or even start the engine. Certain manufacturers use "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 its start. This prevents thieves creating multiple copies of the keys.

You can also keep your car secure by not keeping the phone and keys in the same pocket. Placing the two devices too close together can block the signals, stopping them from transmitting correctly.

The KeySmart Pro has a built in Tile that helps you locate your phone. When you place the Smart Key next to your iPhone with the app installed and press the activation button, it will trigger the Tile to play a brief tune and flash an LED. This can be a lifesaver if you have lost your phone in a dark space or even if the phone is on silent mode.

Convenience

Smart keys can store and recall personal settings like seat, mirror, and steering wheel positions. Some, like BMW's Comfort Access, even allow you to start your car without having to push the ignition button.

Modern smart keys communicate with the car's antennas through radio waves. They send a unique encrypted message which is interpreted and processed by the computer. These signals can be reprogrammed to perform various functions, such as opening and closing the trunk or engaging children's locks.

The technology isn't completely foolproof However, it's not completely foolproof. It is possible for thieves with a technological edge to be able to identify the frequency of a smart key and then steal its unique identification number. Fortunately, companies are striving to make the system more secure.

A great feature is the ability to remotely lock and unlock your vehicle by pressing the screen of your smartphone. This feature can help you save time when loading cargo or children. It's particularly helpful when you have teenagers who are learning to drive.

The sleek, compact design of the smartkey is one of its best features. This makes it easier to carry than other key organizers, which can be large and take up more room than needed. The KeySmart is also quiet and easy to carry, removing the annoying jingle that could cause you to become agitated.

Battery Life

Typically smart car key repair keys last for half as long as regular fobs that have key blades (two to three years, versus four to six). This is because the smart keys must communicate with the car more frequently and at a higher rate to unlock and start it. Smart keys also drain more energy when put close to electronic devices that generate electromagnetic fields like computers, phones and screens.

Fortunately, most smart keys have battery backup features. According to Open Road Auto Group most smart keys have a blade that can be used as a traditional door key in the event the battery of the replacement smart key key fob dies. There is also a special slot that allows you to insert the traditional key to start the engine if the smart key is not functioning.

A "power saving mode" is a different smart key backup. If you forget your Smart keys cars key while driving, your vehicle will continue to run for as long as it is not running. To do this, place the smart key flat on the steering column and press the ignition button. If you've done it correctly, the system will inform the driver that it is low on the key, but nonetheless functional.

Cost

Smart keys are not always affordable. Many vehicle owners upgrade to smart keys to improve security and convenience. It can be costly to replace the lost smart keys and reprogram your car.

smart car keys keys look similar to normal key fobs, however they have a microchip that can unlock, lock or start a car without a physical one. The chip sends a unique identifier to the car's system that recognizes it and validates it prior to beginning the engine.

This technology has been around for some time but it's not the perfect solution. This method has been used by thieves to steal cars in several cases. There are ways to stop this from occurring. One way to avoid this is by using the smart key which has rolling security codes. The code changes each time the key is used.

A key fob with a display screen can be very expensive. BMW's Display Key, a smart key with this kind of display, is a prime example. Its LCD color screen serves all the functions of a typical key fob, like locking in, unlocking, and keyless start. However, it can also send commands to the vehicle through an iPhone. This allows you to use the vehicle, as well as keep the track of its charging and the location of its battery. It can even instruct the vehicle to park itself which is a wonderful feature for those with limited mobility or disabilities.