What You Should Know About Smart Keys

Smart keys - sometimes called digital keys or information keys permit drivers to use their vehicles without having to search for a keyhole. Some vehicles have them as standard features, whereas others provide them as an upgrade.

The technology is much more advanced than the traditional key fob, as well. Some systems allow you to start your vehicle without a traditional key fob or even a key. The best systems also have battery indicators which warn you when the battery is low.

Security

Smart keys are more comfortable than traditional fobs and also come with additional security and safety features. They communicate with the computer system in your car by using radio-frequency identification (RFID). When 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 phone or press a button.

While this may sound like a convenient feature however, car thieves can hack into the system to open your doors and then start the engine. Certain manufacturers employ "rolling code" technology to ward off this. The code is projected from the key to the starter, and then verified by the computer in the car prior to the car starts. This stops thieves from making multiple copies of the key.

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

The KeySmart Pro is a great alternative to this as it comes with a built-in Tile which helps to locate your phone. If you have the application installed on your iPhone and you put the Smart Key near it, pressing its activation button causes the Tile to play a short melody and flash an LED. This is a lifesaver if you have lost your phone in a dark area or even if it's on silent mode.

Convenience

In addition to locking and unlocking your vehicle Smart keys can also store and remember individual settings such as mirror, seat and wheel positions. Some, such as BMW's Comfort Access, even allow you to start your car without having to touch the ignition button.

Modern smart keys communicate with the car's antennas using radio waves. They send a unique encrypted message which is interpreted and then acted upon by the computer. These signals can be programmed to perform a variety of functions like opening and closing the trunk, or activating the child lock.

This technology is not foolproof. Criminals with a sophisticated technology can steal the unique identification number of the smartkey, by spotting the frequency of its transmission. Fortunately, companies are trying to improve the security of the system.

One of the most useful features is that you can remotely lock and unlock your car by pressing the screen of your phone. This will save time when loading up your kids or cargo and can be especially useful if you're a parent of teens who are just learning to drive.

The sleek, compact design of a smartkey is one of its best features. This makes it easier to carry than other key organizers, which can be heavy and take up more space than is needed. The KeySmart is quiet and easy to use, and eliminates the annoying jingle.

Battery Life

Smart keys generally last half as long (two to three years) versus four to six years) as regular fobs. The smart 450 key programming keys have to communicate with the vehicle smart key at a greater rate and more frequently in order to unlock and start the vehicle. Smart keys can also be drained faster when they are located close to electronic devices such as computers, phones and screens that produce electromagnetic fields.

Fortunately, the majority of smart keys have battery backup features. According to Open Road Auto Group most smart keys come with a blade that can be used as a traditional door lock in the event that the battery of the smart key fob fails. Most have a slot that the traditional key can be placed to start the engine in the event that the smart key (Theme.sir.kr) fob is not working or dead.

A "power saving mode" is a different smart key backup. If you lose your smart key while driving, your car will still run regardless of whether it's not running. To do this, simply place the smart key flat on the steering column and press the ignition button. If you've done it correctly, the system will inform the driver that it's low on the key but still functional.

Cost

Smart keys are not always cheap. Many car owners upgrade their keys to smart ones to enhance security and convenience. It can be expensive to replace the lost smart keys and reprogram your car.

Smart keys appear like normal key fobs, however they contain a microchip, which can unlock, lock or start a car without a physical one. The chip transmits an unique code to the vehicle's system, which detects and verifies the code before starting the engine.

This technology has been in use for a while however it's not yet perfect. There have been several cases of thieves stealing vehicles using this method. There are ways to prevent this from occurring. One option is to utilize an intelligent key with rolling security codes that changes the code every time it's transmitted.

A key fob that has a display screen can also be extremely costly. BMW's Display Key, a smart key of this kind, is a prime example. Its LCD color screen can perform all the functions of a typical key fob, including locking in, unlocking, and keyless start. However, it is also able to transmit commands to the vehicle via a smartphone. This allows you to use the vehicle, and also keep in mind its charging and whereabouts. It even allows the car to park itself. This is a fantastic feature for those with handicaps or mobility issues.