What You Should Know About Smart Keys

Smart keys, also known as digital keys or information keys - permit drivers to use their vehicles without fumbling around with the keyhole. Some vehicles come with them as standard features, while others offer them as an upgrade option.

The technology is far more advanced than the traditional key fob, as well. Some systems have emergency starting capabilities that allow you open the car and start the engine without a key fob (or even a traditional one). The most reliable systems also have indicator lights for batteries that notify you when the battery is low.

Security

Smart keys are more comfortable than traditional fobs and come with additional security and safety features. They connect to the computer system of your car via radio-frequency identification (RFID). An antenna in your car will detect the signal of the key when it is within distance, allowing you unlock your doors and start the engine without having to take out your phone or press a button.

This may seem like a convenient feature. However, car thieves can penetrate this system and open your doors, or even start the engine. Certain manufacturers employ "rolling code" technology to prevent this. This code is projected from the key to the starter and is verified by the car's computer before the car starts. This prevents thieves creating multiple copies of the keys.

Another way to keep your car safe is to make sure that you do not put your mobile phone and key in the same pocket. If you place the two devices too close to each other can block the signals, thus preventing them from sending signals properly.

The KeySmart Pro has a built in Tile that will 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 trigger the Tile to play a short tune 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 store and recall individual settings, such as seat, mirror and steering wheel position. Certain smart keys, such as BMW's Comfort Access system, allow you to start the car without pressing the ignition button.

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

This technology isn't foolproof. Criminals with a sophisticated technology can steal the unique identification number of a smartkey by picking up its frequency transmission. Thankfully, the manufacturers are working to make the system more secure.

Another great feature is the ability to remotely lock or unlock your vehicle by tapping of the phone's screen. This feature can help you save time when loading cargo or children. It is especially useful for parents of teenagers who are learning to drive.

The sleek and compact design of the smartkey is one of its greatest features. This makes it easier to carry than other key organizers that can be heavy and take up more space than they need. The KeySmart is quiet and comfortable to use, removing the annoying jingle.

Battery Life

Smart keys typically last about half the time (two to three years versus four to six years) as traditional fobs. This is because the smart keys have to communicate with the car more frequently and at a higher frequency to unlock and start it. Smart keys will also drain faster if they are placed close to electronic devices, such as phones, computers, and screens that emit electromagnetic fields.

Most smart keys come with battery backup options. According to Open Road Auto Group, most come with an emergency blade that functions as an old-fashioned key to open the door for the driver in the event that the smart keys battery dies. There is also a special slot that allows you to insert the traditional key to turn on the engine if the smart key is dead or not functioning.

A "power saving mode" is a different smart key backup. If you forget your smart key while driving, your car will continue to function even if it's not running. To do this, place the smart key flat on the steering column while pressing the ignition button. If you've done it correctly, the system will inform the driver that it is low on the key but still functional.

Cost

Although many car owners are upgrading to smart keys for convenience and security It's important to understand that the cost of these features isn't always low. It can be costly to replace an unusable smart key and reprogram your car.

new smart car key keys look similar to regular keys, but they contain a microchip, which can unlock, lock or start a car without a physical key. The chip transmits a unique code to the vehicle system, which recognizes and validates the key before beginning the engine.

This technology has existed for some time, but is not the perfect solution. There have been many instances of thieves stealing vehicles using this method. There are ways to stop this from occurring. One method to avoid this is to use a Smart Key For Car key with rolling security codes. The code changes every time the key is used.

A key fob that has an LCD screen can be extremely expensive. BMW's Display Key, a smart key of this type, is a good example. Its LCD color screen can perform all the functions of a standard key fob, such as locking the door, unlocking it, and keyless start. It can also send commands to the vehicle from smartphones. This makes it easier to operate the vehicle and keep track of charging and location. It is also able to command the vehicle to park itself which is an excellent feature for people with limited mobility or disabilities.