Vehicle Smart Key Technology

The smart key technology in vehicles enables drivers to unlock and start their car by simply rubbing the door handle, or putting the keys in the pocket. It also allows a variety of other adjustments, like seating positions and temperature settings inside the car, stereo presets and mirror positions.

This can also cause security concerns.

Security

Smart keys are advanced key fobs that are computerized and communicate with the vehicle using one of the antennas in the car to open the doors and to start the engine. In contrast to conventional keys that emit the same frequency signal each time they are used, smart keys transmit encrypted signals that are only compatible with the car they belong to. This makes it difficult for thieves with the latest technology to spoof or intercept the signal and use the key to take your car.

For example, Mercedes' system -- called Keyless Go -- has an internal transponder, which identifies the key of the driver. When the Smart Key comes within 1.5 meters of a vehicle it instantly unlocks the door and tailgate and the engine will start when a button on the key is pressed.

Certain smart keys, such as those made by BMW are also equipped with user-specific settings that allow drivers to alter the seat, mirrors and the steering wheel's position and audio preferences at the click of a button. They also come with an emergency lock that prevents the vehicle from starting if the key is not in the ignition.

This technology stops drivers from being unable to lock their vehicle particularly when they are searching a purse or a backpack for keys in the parking lot of strangers or a busy street where crime is high. A lot of systems will alert drivers when the battery of their key is not fully charged, though this feature may differ from manufacturer to manufacturer.

Convenience

The smart key is perfect for those on the move and need to get to their destination. You can lock, unlock and start your car by pressing the door handle or trunk release. Key fobs can also connect to your phone to track charging and location as well as other information about the vehicle, explains Popular Mechanics.

The main benefit is that you can't accidentally lose your keys. The key fob communicates to an antenna in the vehicle to determine whether it is within range. If it's not, the engine won't not start. This helps deter would-be thieves who could take your vehicle and sell its parts.

BMW reports that the smart key employs rolling codes to stop cloning and hacking. The computer inside the vehicle recognizes and verifies the code prior to starting the motor. Many systems also have a mechanical backup in the form of a key blade that's hidden for styling purposes.

Modern smart keys also detect which keys are in use and smart car Key adjust the vehicle settings accordingly, notes How Stuff Works Electronics. If you turn on your vehicle while holding the key in your hand, for example, the windows and the sunroof will be opened to let air circulate the interior. You can also set the speed limit to only apply when the vehicle is started using the specified key, a feature that could be useful when loaning your vehicle to a novice driver.

Battery Life

If you're looking for a way to get more mileage out of your vehicle's smart key, or just want to make sure it won't die during a trip to the grocery store, you can activate an auto manufacturer-specific feature called Power Saving Mode. To activate it, hold the lock button down and then press the unlock button.

This will block your smart key fob's ability to send or receiving radio signals which will increase its battery's life considerably. You can always restart the function by pressing both the unlock and lock button again.

Certain smart keys also come with anti-theft features to prevent them from being copied by thieves. Mercedes-Benz smart key uses rolling codes to block unauthorized access. When the Smart Car Key (Https://Www.Thekeylab.Co.Uk/Smart-Car-Keys/) key is inserted in the ignition, a computer within the car verifies the code in milliseconds, before beginning the engine. BMW also has a similar system with its Display Key, which includes a small LCD color touchscreen on the smart key for ease of use and lets drivers lock and unlock their vehicles without ever taking the key from their pockets.

Call Pop-A-Lock if you need to replace the battery in your smart key fob in the event that you are thinking of purchasing a car that has a smart-key. We can replace the battery on any smart key, and our mobile locksmiths can assist you in setting the system so that your car can recognize it.

Special Cases

Although smart keys aren't security-wise, they can be used to stop thieves. Smart key fobs are designed to prevent hackers from gaining access to the system. When placed in the ignition of the vehicle, the computer verifies the code in milliseconds. This technology was invented by Mercedes-Benz and is now used by many luxury car brands.

Another useful feature is that most smart key systems will operate even if a user forgot the key in the trunk or left it at an eatery or lost it during a hike. Some systems will alert the driver when the battery is depleted. Some brands offer keys with covers specifically designed for smart keys, to shield the fob from damage.