Smart Keys For Cars

Smart keys are wireless remotes which allow you to open doors and pop the trunk without the requirement for a mechanical blade. It can also be used to start the car without turning a key.

Most smart keys come with battery indicators that notify you of an empty battery ahead of time. It's easy to replace the battery with no special tools.

Convenience

Smart keys can open doors and trunks as well as turn on the engine of the car without the driver having to use a key made of metal. They also have features that can deter burglaries and thefts, such as the panic key which makes noises to deter potential thieves in remote areas such as underground garages.

These key fobs do all these things by sending an audio signal between the car and the key fob by using wireless technology that is low-power. This is a wonderful convenience, especially for those who are often traveling and don't have much time to spare.

Smart keys are usually more like plastic cards than actual keys. They can be used to unlock the trunk or doors when they are pressed by the fob. Some even come with built-in touchscreens that allow drivers to control specific settings on their vehicle, such as climate and audio.

The RFID signal that is sent between the key fob to a car is unique, encrypted and linked to the computer onboard which makes it nearly impossible for thieves who are tech-savvy to wire a stolen vehicle equipped with one. The fobs can also be programmed to send the same frequency signal each when they're utilized, so the computer that's onboard won't recognise an old one as the "true" signal.

Security

Many people are hesitant to use digital keys for their car due to the fact that they worry about security. While having a physical key fob at hand does feel safer, it's important to realize that digital keys are also more secure than you think. They're encrypted, and the signal that they transmit to a vehicle is analyzed by a computer onboard. The car won't begin in the event that the Smart Forfour Key key fob is compromised.

Smart keys unlike traditional key fobs work by using the built-in antennas in your car to connect with it, and perform functions like unlocking and starting your vehicle. This technology allows you to gain access to your vehicle without having an actual key that you insert into the ignition or lock.

If you have lost your smart key or if its battery dies it is possible to find an alternative way to open and start your car. For instance, emergency starting can be accomplished by putting the key in a slot or holding it close to a certain area in the cockpit, in which an inductive coil can transfer energy is hidden.

The majority of smart keys come with a low battery indicator that warns you before the device is dead. You can easily replace the battery yourself in the event of a need.

Auto-adjusting settings

Instead of the physical keys for your car smart keys make use of radio waves to unlock and lock the car. They also allow you to remotely start your engine and keep track of the location of the vehicle should you're not sure where it's parked.

Some smart keys can be programmed to automatically adjust the exterior and interior of the vehicle based on the key detected. The car will adjust seat position and mirror settings, as well as the temperature control based on the key being used. This is useful if you have multiple drivers, or you want to limit certain features when you loan your car to a novice driver.

Another benefit of smart keys is the fact they employ encryption to protect against theft, which isn't a possibility with traditional keys. This technology makes it difficult for thieves with the latest technology to steal a car by imitating a valid signal as reported by How Stuff Works Electronics. Smart keys send a unique encrypted signal each time the vehicle is locked or remotely opened.

Just like any other battery-powered device the battery of a smart key will eventually deplete its juice. Most systems are built with a backup system to open the door and start the car in the event that the battery fails. The emergency method is different, but usually involves either holding the key within range of the car's lock sensor or pressing a button on the key that activates the emergency starter.

Battery Backup

Modern smart keys, which are sometimes referred to as keyless entry systems or passive entry, utilize a transmitter and a receiver to unlock your vehicle. The transmitter is located in the key fob you carry around and the receivers are found inside and outside your vehicle. The receivers detect the radio frequency signals sent by your smart key when you approach your vehicle and open the ignition and doors.

Although this system has a number of advantages, including not having to search in darkness to find keys, it may be vulnerable to certain kinds of attacks. How Stuff Works Electronics reports that if the battery of your key dies or is lost an attacker could detect its low-frequency transmission signal and open your vehicle. The majority of smart keys are encrypted signals, making hacking more difficult.

However, these systems may also be interfered with through electromagnetic fields created by cell phones, computers and other devices. If you notice that your smart key fob is not functioning correctly, it could be due to an interference problem. In this scenario it is advised not to place your key near these devices until the battery of the fob has been replaced. Fortunately, many smart keys will warn you well in advance when their batteries are drained and the procedure for replacing the batteries is quite easy.