Why All The Fuss Over Smart Car Key Programming?
Vehicle Smart Key Technology
The smart key technology in vehicles enables drivers to unlock and start their vehicle by simply rubbing the door handle or by putting the key into the pocket. It also allows for a variety of other adjustments like the position of seats, internal temperature settings, stereo presets and mirror positions.
However, it could also result in security issues.
Security
Smart keys are highly sophisticated computerized key fobs that communicate with vehicles via one of the car's embedded antennas to open doors and start the engine. Smart key fobs, unlike conventional keys that emit the same frequency each time they're used, transmit encrypted signals that are compatible with the specific car to which they belong. This makes it more difficult for tech-savvy thieves to spoof or intercept the signal and use the key to steal your car.
Mercedes' Keyless Go system for instance, has an internal transponder that identifies the driver's key. When the Smart Key comes within 1.5 meters of a vehicle it will automatically unlock the door and tailgate and the engine will start when a button on the key is press.
Furthermore, some smart keys -such as those from BMW come with individual user settings that allow the driver to adjust the seat, mirrors and the steering wheel's position and audio preferences at the push of one button. They also come with a backup lock that blocks the vehicle from running without the key.
This technology protects drivers from not locking their cars properly especially when looking in bags or purses to find keys in an open parking lot with strangers or a busy street where crime is high. A lot of systems will also notify drivers when keys are low on battery, although this feature varies by manufacturer.
Convenience
If you're in a hurry get somewhere, the smart key makes getting into your vehicle as simple as possible. By pressing the button on the trunk release or door handle, you can unlock, lock and start your vehicle. The key fob will also communicate with your phone to keep track of charging, location and other data about the vehicle, according to Popular Mechanics.
You can't accidentally lock your keys inside the car. The key fob communicates with the antenna inside the vehicle to determine if it's within range. If it's not, the engine won't not start. This can deter thieves who would steal your vehicle in order to sell the parts.
The smart key also employs rolling codes to protect against hacking attempts and cloning, says BMW. The computer inside the vehicle is able to recognize and verify the code prior to starting the motor. Most systems have a physical backup system that is a key blade hidden in the.
How smart car key replacement near me that modern smart keys also detect when the key is in use and adjust vehicle settings in line with the use of the key. If you switch on the vehicle while holding the key in your hands for instance windows and the sunroof can be opened to allow fresh air to enter the interior. You can also set the speed limit which will only apply when the vehicle is started using the chosen key, a feature that 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 this feature make sure you press and hold the lock button while pressing the unlock button.
This will block your smart key fob's smart chip from sending or receiving any radio signals which will increase its battery's life considerably. You can always restart this feature by pressing the unlock and lock buttons once more.
Some smart keys include anti-theft features to prevent them from being stolen by thieves. Mercedes-Benz smart keys use rolling codes to stop access by anyone who is not authorized to use it. The car's computer will check the code every millisecond after the smart key is placed. BMW uses a similar method with its Display Key, which includes a small LCD color touchscreen on the smart key for ease of use and lets drivers lock or unlock their cars without ever removing the key from their pockets.
If you're thinking of buying the latest car equipped with a smart key, or need the battery in your smart key fob changed, contact us at Pop-A Lock to get a quick and easy service. Our mobile locksmiths can replace the battery on any smart key and also help to set it up so that your car can recognize it.
Special Cases
Smart keys aren't% theft-proof but they can assist in preventing thieves. Smart key fobs are designed to stop hackers from hacking the system. When placed in the ignition of the vehicle The computer confirms the code in milliseconds. This technology was invented by Mercedes-Benz and is currently used by a variety of high-end car brands.
A smart key system will continue to work even if you forget the key in the trunk or leave it in a restaurant. Some systems will alert the driver when the battery is not fully charged. Certain brands also offer key covers specifically designed for smart keys to ensure that the fob is protected from harm.
