10 Smart Car Key Programming Tricks Experts Recommend
Vehicle Smart Key Technology The smart key technology in vehicles enables drivers to unlock and start their car by simply pressing the door handle or putting the keys in the pocket. It also allows for a variety of other adjustments like the position of the seat and internal temperature settings as well as mirror position. However, this could cause security issues. Security Smart keys are key fobs that are computerized which communicate with the vehicle through an embedded antenna to unlock doors and activate the motor. Smart keys, unlike conventional keys that emit the same frequency each time they're pulled, transmit encrypted signals that are compatible with the particular car to which they belong. This makes it more difficult for thieves with advanced technology to spoof or intercept the signal and use your key to steal your vehicle. Mercedes' Keyless Go system for instance, has an internal transponder that identifies the driver's keys. The Smart Key automatically unlocks and opens the doors and tailgate when it is within 1.5 meters. It also allows you to start the engine by pressing the key. Furthermore there are smart keys thatlike those made by BMW include individual user settings that allow the driver to adjust seat, mirrors and the position of the steering wheel as well as audio preferences with the click of the button. They also come with a backup lock that stops the car from starting without the key in the ignition. This technology prevents drivers from accidentally locking their vehicles, particularly when they have to search their purse or backpack to locate keys in a parking area full of strangers or in a busy street with high crime rates. Many systems also alert drivers when their keys are not fully charged, however this feature is different for each manufacturer. Convenience If you're in a hurry to get somewhere the smart key makes entering your car as easy as it can be. You can lock, unlock and start your car by pressing a button on the door handle or the trunk release. Popular Mechanics explains that the key fob can also be used to monitor charging location, charging status, and other information about your vehicle. You shouldn't lock your keys in the car. The key fob communicates to an antenna inside the vehicle to determine whether it is within range. If it's not, the engine won't start. This can deter thieves who would steal your vehicle to sell its parts. BMW reports that the smart key employs rolling codes, as well as to prevent hacking and cloning. smart car keys replacement inside the vehicle reads the code and validates it prior to starting the engine. Most systems come with a mechanical back-up in the form an unnoticed key blade. How Stuff Works Electronics notes that modern smart keys can also detect the key being used and adjust the vehicle settings accordingly. If you turn on your vehicle while holding the key in your hands for instance windows and the sunroof can be opened to allow fresh air to enter the interior. You can also set an upper limit on speed that will only be applied when the vehicle is started using the selected key, which could be useful if you loan your car to an inexperienced 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 do this, hold the lock button until you release it and press the unlock button. This will prevent your smart key fob to transmit or receive radio waves. This will greatly extend the battery's life. You can always activate the function by pressing the unlock and lock button again. Some smart keys include anti-theft features to prevent them from being copied by thieves. Mercedes-Benz smart key uses rolling codes to prevent access by anyone who is not authorized to use it. The car's computer is able to verify the code within milliseconds following the smart key is put in. BMW uses a similar method with its Display Key, which includes a small LCD color touchscreen on the smart key for added convenience, and allows drivers to lock or unlock their cars without ever removing the key from their pockets. Contact Pop-A-Lock if your need to replace the battery in your smart key fob considering purchasing a vehicle with a smart-key. We can replace the battery in any smart key and our mobile locksmiths can help you set it up to make sure your vehicle recognizes it. Special Cases While smart keys aren't secure against theft, they can help to hinder thieves. Smart key fobs are designed to keep hackers from hacking the system. When they are placed in the ignition of the vehicle, the computer verifies the code in milliseconds. This technology was developed by Mercedes-Benz and is currently used by a variety of luxury car brands. Another great feature is that many smart key systems will continue to function in the event that the user forgets the key in the trunk, left it at the restaurant, or lost it on the trail. Certain systems will notify the driver when the battery is low. Certain brands also offer key covers specifically designed for smart keys to keep the fob protected from harm.