The Most Successful Smart Car Key Programming Experts Have Been Doing Three Things
Vehicle Smart Key Technology
The technology of smart keys in vehicles lets drivers unlock and start their car by simply rubbing the door handle or by putting the key into the pocket. It also allows many other adjustments like the position of the seat and internal temperature settings as well as mirror position.
However, this could also create security concerns.
Security
Smart keys are highly sophisticated key fobs that are computerized and communicate with a vehicle through one of the antennas that are embedded in the vehicle to open doors and to start the engine. In contrast to conventional keys that emit the identical frequency signal each time they are press, smart key fobs transmit encrypted signals that are specific to the specific car they belong to. This makes it difficult for criminals with a technological edge to spoof or intercept the signal and use your key to steal your vehicle.
Mercedes' Keyless Go system for instance, comes with an internal transponder that can identify the driver's key. When the Smart Key comes within 1.5 meters of a car it automatically unlocks the door and tailgate, and the engine starts when the key's button is activated.
Additionally certain smart keys- like those from BMW come with individual user settings that let the driver adjust seat, mirrors and the steering wheel's position and audio preferences at the touch of the button. They also have a backup lock that keeps the vehicle from starting without the key in the ignition.
This technology helps drivers avoid getting their car locked accidentally particularly when they are searching a purse or a backpack for keys in the parking lot of people who are not familiar with the area or where crime is high. Many systems will also inform drivers when the battery in their keys is depleted, though this feature varies from manufacturer manufacturer.
Convenience
The smart key is ideal for those who are trying to get to their destination. You can unlock, lock and start your car by pressing a button on the door handle or the trunk release. The key fob will also interact with your phone to keep track of charging, location and other data about the vehicle, according to Popular Mechanics.
You don't want to accidentally lock your keys in the car. The key fob communicates to an antenna inside the vehicle to determine if it's within the range. If not, the engine will not start. This will deter thieves who may steal your car to sell its parts.
BMW reports that the smart key employs rolling codes to stop cloning and hacking. The computer in the vehicle recognizes and verifies the code prior to launching the motor. The majority of systems also have a mechanical backup that is a key blade that's hidden to be used for styling purposes.
How Stuff Works Electronics notes that modern smart keys be able to detect keys being used and adjust the vehicle settings according to the situation. For instance, if you turn on the car while holding the key fob in your hands the windows and the sunroof are opened to let the air in the cabin breathe. You can also set the speed limit which will only be applicable when the vehicle is started using the specified key, which can be useful when loaning your car to a new 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, press and hold the lock button while pressing the unlock button.
This will prevent your smart key fob's smart chip from sending or receiving any radio signals which will increase its battery's life considerably. It is possible to reactivate the function by pressing both the unlock and lock button again.
Some smart keys also have anti-theft capabilities that protect them from being copied by thieves. For example, Mercedes-Benz smart keys use rolling codes to block unauthorised vehicle access. replacement smart car key in the car examines the code in milliseconds after the smart key is put in. BMW uses a similar method with its Display Key, which comes with a small LCD color touchscreen on the smart key to make it easier, and lets drivers lock or unlock their vehicles without ever taking the key from their pockets.
Contact Pop-Alock if you need to replace the battery on the smart key fob you have or if you are thinking of buying a car with 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 vehicle recognizes it.
Special Cases
While smart keys aren't theft-proof, they do help to deter thieves. Smart keys are designed to keep hackers from gaining access to the system. When placed in the ignition of the car, the computer verifies the code in milliseconds. This technology was invented by Mercedes-Benz and is now used by a number of premium car brands.
Another useful feature is that many smart key systems will operate if the user forgot the key in the trunk or left it in a restaurant or lost it on an excursion. Some systems will also notify the driver if the battery is not fully charged. Certain brands also offer key covers designed specifically for smart keys that protect the fob from damage.