What You Should Know About Smart Keys

Smart keys - also known as digital keys or information keys - enable drivers to access their cars without having to look for a keyhole. Some vehicles come with them as standard features, whereas others provide them as an upgrade.

The technology is better than the traditional key fob as well. Certain systems come with emergency starting capabilities that allow you open the car and start the engine without the need for a key fob (or even a traditional one). The best ones also come with battery indicators that warn you in advance when the battery is about to expire.

Security

Smart keys are a lot more useful than traditional keys as they have additional security and safety features. They communicate with the computer system of your car through radio-frequency identification (RFID). When the key is within range of the antenna, it can be used to unlock the doors and start the car without the need to use your phone or press a button.

This might seem like an easy feature. However, criminals are able to access this system to unlock your doors and even start the engine. Some manufacturers use "rolling code" technology to block this. The code is projected from the key to the starter and is verified by the car's computer before it starts. This stops thieves from creating multiple copies of the keys.

Another way to keep your car safe is to ensure that you don't place the mobile phone and the key in the same pocket. The signals can be blocked when the two devices are close.

The KeySmart Pro has a built in Tile that can help you locate your phone. When you place the Smart Key next to your iPhone with the application installed when you press the activation key, it will cause the Tile to play a brief tune and flash an LED. This is a lifesaver in case you've lost your phone in a dark room or even if it is in silent mode.

Convenience

In addition to locking and unlocking your car, a smart key can also save and recall individual settings such as mirror, seat and wheel positions. Some, like BMW's Comfort Access, even allow you to start your car without having touch the ignition button.

Modern smart keys utilize radio waves to communicate with antennas inside the car, transmitting an encrypted signal that is processed by the car's computer. These signals can be modified to perform a variety of functions, such as opening and closing the trunk or engaging a child lock.

This technology isn't foolproof. It is possible for cybercriminals to recognize the frequency of the smart key and steal its unique identification number. Fortunately, companies are working to improve the security of the system.

An important feature is the ability to remotely lock and unlock your vehicle by pressing the screen of your phone. This will save time when loading up your kids or cargo. This can be especially useful if you're a parent of teens who are just beginning to learn how to drive.

One of the best aspects of a smart key is its sleek, compact design. This makes it much simpler to carry than other key organizers that are heavy and take up more space than necessary. The KeySmart is also quiet and comfortable to carry, and eliminates that annoying jingle that can cause you to be irritable.

Battery Life

Typically smart keys last about half as long as regular keys with key blades (two to three years versus four to six). This is due to the fact that smart keys have to communicate with the car more frequently and at a higher frequency to unlock and start it. Smart keys also consume more power when put near electronic devices that produce electromagnetic fields like phones, computers and screens.

Fortunately, the majority of smart car key fob keys come with 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 programmer key dies. Most also have a special slot that allows you to insert the traditional key to turn on the engine in the event that the smart key is dead or not working.

A "power saving mode" is a second smart key backup. If you forget your smart key while driving, your vehicle will continue to run until it is not in operation. To achieve this, you have to lay the Smart Forfour Key Replacement key flat against the steering column of your vehicle, while pressing the ignition button once. If you have done this correctly, the system should inform the driver that it's not in the right place but still functioning.

Cost

Smart keys aren't always inexpensive. Many owners of vehicles upgrade to smart keys to enhance security and convenience. If you lose a smart-key, it could cost you a fortune to replace it and then reprogramme your vehicle.

Smart keys look similar to regular key fobs, but they are equipped with a microchip that can unlock, lock, or start a car without having a physical one. The chip sends a unique identifier to the vehicle's computer system, which recognizes it and verifies it before beginning the engine.

This technology has been in use for a while however it's not the perfect solution. There have been several cases of thieves stealing vehicles using this method. The good news is that there are solutions to stop this from happening. One method to stop this is by using a smart key that has rolling security codes. The code changes every time the key is used.

A key fob with display screens can be quite expensive. BMW's Display Key, a smart key of this kind, is a prime example. Its color LCD screen performs all the functions of a typical key fob like locking or unlocking the key, as well as keyless start. However, it can also communicate with the vehicle from smartphones. This allows you to use the vehicle and keep the track of its charging and its location. It can even tell the vehicle to park itself, which is a great option for people with restricted mobility or disabilities.