What You Should Know About Smart Keys

Smart keys, also known as digital keys or information key enable drivers to get into their vehicle without the need to use traditional keyholes. Some vehicles come with them as standard features, whereas others offer them as an upgrade option.

The technology is more advanced than the traditional key fob too. Some systems have emergency-starting capabilities that let you open the car and start the engine without the use of a key fob (or even the traditional one). The best systems also include indicators for batteries that alert you when the battery is running low.

Security

Smart keys are more convenient than traditional fobs and also come with additional security and safety features. They make use of radio-frequency identification, or RFID, to communicate with your car's computer system. 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 make use of your phone or push a button.

While this may seem like a useful feature however, thieves could also hack into the system to open your doors and start the engine. Certain manufacturers use "rolling code" technology to prevent this. The code is projected by the key onto the starter, and later verified by the computer of the car before it starts. This prevents thieves creating multiple copies of the keys.

Another method to keep your vehicle secure is to make sure that you don't put the key and mobile phone in the same pocket. The signals could be blocked when the two devices are close.

The KeySmart Pro has a built in Tile that will help you locate your phone. If you have the app installed on your iPhone and you place the smart key replacement Key near it, a press of its activation button triggers the Tile to play an elongated melody and flash an LED. This can be life-saving should you lose your phone or it's on silent mode.

Convenience

In addition to locking and unlocking your vehicle Smart keys can also be used to store and recall individualized settings like mirror, seat and wheel alignment. Some, such as BMW's Comfort Access, even allow you to start your vehicle without having to hit the ignition button.

Modern smart keys communicate with the car smart key replacement's antennas through radio waves. They send a unique encrypted message which is interpreted and acted upon by the computer. These signals can be programmed for different functions, including opening and closing the trunk or activating a child's lock.

This technology isn't 100% secure, however. It is possible for cybercriminals to recognize the frequency of a smart key and then steal its unique identification number. Thankfully, the manufacturers are striving to make the system more secure.

One of the most useful features is the ability to remotely lock and unlock your vehicle by pressing the screen of your phone. This feature can help you save time when loading cargo or children. It is especially useful if you have teenage kids who are learning to drive.

One of the most appealing features of a smart key for Cars key is its sleek slim design. This makes it easier to carry than other key organizers that can be large and take up more space than is necessary. The KeySmart is quiet and easy to use, eliminating that annoying jingle.

Battery Life

Smart keys typically last about half the time (two to three years) versus four to six years) as regular fobs. This is because the smart keys communicate with the car more frequently and at a higher speed to unlock and start it. Smart keys also drain faster when they are placed near electronic devices like phones, computers, and screens that produce electromagnetic fields.

Most smart keys come with battery backup options. According to Open Road Auto Group, the majority of smart keys have an emergency blade that functions as an old-fashioned key to unlock the door of the driver in the event that the smart key fob battery fails. The majority of them have a slot in which the traditional key can be inserted to start the engine in the event that the smart key fob isn't working or dead.

Another smart key backup feature is called an "power saving mode." If you forget to bring your smart key while driving, you are able to drive your vehicle for as long as the engine is not running. To do this, lay the smart key for cars key flat on the steering column and press the ignition button. If you've done it correctly, the system will inform the driver that the key is not working but it's still functioning.

Cost

Many car owners are upgrading to smart keys for greater convenience and increased security, it's important to know that these features aren't always cheap. If you lose a smart key it can cost a significant amount to replace it and re-programme your car.

Smart keys look like regular key fobs, but they are equipped with a microchip that can be used to unlock, lock or start a vehicle without a physical one. The chip transmits a unique code the vehicle's system, which recognizes it and validates it prior to starting the engine.

This technology has been around for a while, but it's not the perfect solution. This method has been employed by thieves to steal cars in a variety of cases. The good news is that there are methods to stop this from happening. One option is to use a smart key with security codes that roll, which changes the code each time it's used.

A key fob that has display screens can be quite expensive. BMW's Display Key, a smart key with this kind of display, is an example. Its LCD color screen can perform all the functions of a standard key fob, like locking the door, unlocking it, and keyless start. It can also send commands to the vehicle via an iPhone. This makes it much easier to operate the vehicle and keep the track of charging and location. It can even tell the vehicle to park itself which is an excellent feature for people with limited mobility or disabilities.