What You Should Know About Smart Keys

Smart keys, also known as keys that are digital or information keys permit drivers to open their vehicle without having to fiddle with a traditional keyhole. Certain cars come with them as standard features, and others offer them as an upgrade option.

The technology is also more sophisticated than a traditional key fob. Certain systems have emergency start capabilities that allow you to open the car and start the engine without the use of a key fob (or even a traditional one). The best systems also have battery indicators which warn you when the battery is low.

Security

Smart keys are more useful than traditional keys as they have added security and safety features. They make use of radio-frequency identification, or RFID, to connect with your car's computer system. If the key is within range of the antenna it is able to unlock the doors and start the car without the need to use your mobile or press the button.

While this may sound like a great idea, car thieves can also hack into the system to open your doors and start the engine. Some manufacturers employ a process called "rolling codes" which prevent this from happening. This code is projected by the key onto the starter, and then verified by the computer in the car before it starts. This prevents thieves from creating multiple copies of the key.

You can also ensure your vehicle is safe by not putting the key and phone in the same pocket. If you place the two devices too close to each other can block the signals, stopping the devices from communicating correctly.

The KeySmart Pro has a built in Tile that can help you locate your phone. If you have the app installed on your iPhone and place the Smart Key near it, the press of its activation button causes the Tile to play a short melody and flash an LED. This could be lifesaving should you lose your phone or if it's on silent mode.

Convenience

In addition to locking and unlocking your vehicle Smart keys can also save and recall individualized settings like seat, mirror and steering wheel position. Some, like BMW's Comfort Access, even allow you to start your car without having touch the ignition button.

Modern smart keys use radio waves to communicate with antennas in the car, transmitting an encrypted signal that is then interpreted by the car's computer. These signals can be reprogrammed to perform various functions, such as opening and closing the trunk, or activating a child's lock.

This technology is not foolproof. It's possible for tech-savvy thieves to be able to identify the frequency transmission of a smart key and then steal its unique identification number. Fortunately for us, the industry has been working to improve the security of the system.

Another great feature is the possibility to remotely lock and unlock your vehicle with a single tap of the phone's screen. This feature will help you save time when loading children or cargo. It's particularly useful for parents of teenagers who are learning how to unlock a smart car without a key drive.

The sleek slim design of a smartkey is among its best features. This makes it easier to carry compared to other key organizers that are bulky and take up more room than is necessary. The KeySmart is also quiet and comfortable to carry, eliminating the annoying jingle which can cause you to become agitated.

Battery Life

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

Fortunately, most smart car spare key keys come with batteries backup features. According to Open Road Auto Group most smart keys have blades that can be used as a traditional door lock in the event that the battery of the smart key fails. Most have a slot that the traditional key can be placed to start the engine in the event that the smart key fob isn't working or is dead.

Another feature that smart keys offer is referred to as an "power saving mode." If you forget to bring your smart key with you while driving, you'll be able to drive your car for as long as the engine isn't running. To achieve this, you need to place the smart key flat against the steering column of your vehicle and then pressing the ignition button once. If you have done this correctly, the system will inform the driver that the key is not working but it's still functioning.

Cost

Smart keys aren't always affordable. Many car owners upgrade to smart keys to improve convenience and security. If you have lost a smart key it could cost you a lot to replace it and reprogramme your car.

Smart keys look similar to regular key fobs, but they have a microchip that allows you to unlock, lock or start a car that does not have a physical one. The chip sends a unique identifier to the vehicle's system, which recognizes it and verifies it before starting the engine.

This technology has existed for some time, but is not fully developed. There have been a few instances of thieves taking vehicles using this method. The good news is that there are solutions to stop this from happening. One way to avoid this is by using an electronic key that contains rolling security codes. The code is changed each time the key is sent.

A key fob that has a display screen is also extremely expensive. BMW's Display Key, a smart fortwo key fob key of this type, is a prime example. Its LCD color screen performs all the functions of a standard key fob like locking the door, unlocking it, and keyless start. But it can also communicate with the vehicle through an iPhone. This makes it easier to operate the vehicle and keep track of charging and location. It can even instruct the vehicle to park itself which is a wonderful option for people with restricted mobility or disabilities.