What is a Smart Key Car Key?

Smart keys are also known as proximity keys or key fobs. They can be used to unlock doors and to start engines without having to insert a physical keys. They communicate with radiofrequency signals.

This helps keep cars secure by blocking hotwiring. Smart keys broadcast unique encrypted signals that keep them from being accessed by other vehicles.

Convenience

You can lock and unlock your vehicle without inserting the key into the ignition slot. Simply touch the handle of the door or trunk. Many modern vehicles have the ability to remotely start your engine. This is particularly useful if you are bringing in groceries or transporting passengers or equipment.

This technology is designed to help prevent vehicle theft. Instead of transmitting one frequency signal as a standard key fob does smart keys send out an array of encrypted signals to the car's embedded antennas as you are near it. What does this mean? Stuff Works Electronics explains that it is impossible for other cars to receive and responding the same signal.

Certain manufacturers also incorporate computers in their vehicles that can recognize the unique fingerprint of every key. This can help ensure that only authorized users are using it. This is useful if you loan your car to family and friends.

Some smart car key repair keys also store user preferences, allowing mirrors, seats and steering wheel adjustments, as and stereo presets can be automatically set when the key is within the range of the vehicle. For additional convenience, certain smart keys can be set to stop the vehicle from exceeding a particular speed limit when started with that particular key. This will help keep new drivers safe and helpful if you have young children in the back of the vehicle.

Security

Traditionally keys for cars have been cut from metal and used to unlock the ignition. With the advent of smart keys, this is no longer a requirement. Smart keys come with a chip that sends a signal from the antenna to your car. The car recognizes this signal when the driver presses on the trunk release or door handle. It is now impossible to lock the keys in your vehicle smart key.

The smart key's signal to your vehicle is encrypted to ensure that only you are able to use it. In addition, many models will shut off the engine if the car was not started in the last few minutes. This is especially useful when you're in a dangerous area or you have to leave the vehicle for reasons of any kind, like at a gas pump.

Furthermore, if the smart key battery runs out during a ride, a lot of models have a backup system to open and start the vehicle. The backup system involves placing the key in an opening, or keeping it close to a specific space in the cockpit which transfers energy to an electric motor. Some manufacturers have a mechanical key blade that can be used in an emergency to open the trunk or start the car.

Battery Life

The majority of modern cars have keyless entry and push button starting systems, controlled by a smart key fob that uses proximity technology to connect with the car. These systems are powered by a tiny transmitter which is powered by a lithium coin-sized battery. Like all batteries it will eventually need replacement.

Most smart batteries for key fobs last for a long time however that doesn't mean they can't lose power and stop working suddenly. If the fob battery is dead, you won't be able unlock or start your car even when you place it close to the front door.

It is not uncommon for the sensor of a smartkey to drain the battery. The smart key will send an alert each time you press the button. However, the majority of the time, it does nothing. The battery of a smart key for car key is large enough to power several years of locking and unlocking signals.

The fob can also drain the battery when you keep it close to other devices emitting electromagnetic fields, like phones and computers. These devices emit their own magnetic fields, which can interfere and slow down the fob's transmitter. RepairPal reports that the fob might be inoperable if placed too close to the gadgets.

Maintenance

As opposed to the traditional car key, a smart key uses technology to control the locks on your vehicle as well as perform other functions. It functions by sending an indication from the fob to antennas located inside and outside the vehicle. These antennas detect the signal and then communicate with your car's computer. The car interprets the signal and allows you to open and start it without having to use the physical key.

New vehicles are loaded with advanced electronic features, and the fob has become an interface for many of these functions. The most obvious ones are locking and unlocking, remote start, and chirping sound to help you find your car in a parking space. Certain fobs let you save various settings for different drivers, and can even remotely open windows and the sunroof.

The fob is an elaborate electronic device with an integrated circuit board that can be damaged if it is used too hard or exposed to extreme heat or cold. The transmitter can be broken when it's knocked or dropped and the contacts on the battery can become bent.

These issues can be difficult to pinpoint and repair. Try using your phone to bypass the problem and see if that helps however it's a good idea to keep a backup key inside your pocket in a case. You can purchase a generic smart key replacement that's up to 70 percent less than OEM keys and comes with a 3-year warranty.