7 Things You've Never Known About Smart Car Key Programming
Vehicle Smart Key Technology The technology of smart keys in vehicles lets drivers unlock and start their vehicle by simply touching the door handle or putting the key in the pocket. It also allows a variety of other adjustments, like seating positions, internal temperature settings, mirror position and stereo presets. This can also cause security issues. Security Smart keys are key fobs that are computerized that communicate with vehicles via an embedded antenna. This allows them to unlock doors and start the motor. Smart keys, unlike traditional keys, which emit the same frequency every time they're pressed, send encrypted signals which are only compatible with the particular car to which they belong. This makes it much more difficult for thieves with a technological edge to fake or intercept the signal and use the key to steal your car. For instance, Mercedes' system — called Keyless Go — has an internal transponder, which identifies the driver's keys. The Smart Key automatically unlocks and opens the doors and the tailgate when it is within 1.5 meters. It also begins the engine by pressing a button on its key. Furthermore there are smart keys that- like those from BMW come with individual user settings that let the driver adjust the mirrors, seat and the steering wheel's position and audio preferences with the click of a button. G28 come with the backup lock, which stops the vehicle from starting without the key. This technology prevents drivers from locking their car, especially when fumbling in a purse or backpack for keys in a parking lot packed with people or on an area with high rates of crime. Many systems also alert drivers when their keys are not fully charged, however this feature varies by manufacturer. Convenience The smart key is ideal for those in a rush to get to their destination. You can lock, unlock and start your car by pressing a button on the door handle or the trunk release. The key fob will communicate with your phone to track charging, location and other information about the vehicle, according to Popular Mechanics. You can't accidentally lock your keys inside the car. The key fob communicates with an antenna in the vehicle to determine if it's in range. If it's not, the engine will not start. This will deter thieves from absconding with your vehicle and selling parts of it. The smart key also uses rolling codes to protect against hacking attempts and cloning, says BMW. A computer within the vehicle reads the code and verifies it before starting the engine. The majority of systems also have a mechanical backup in the form of the key blade, which is hidden to serve as a styling tool. Modern smart keys also know which keys are in use and adjust the settings of the vehicle in line with the use of the key, says How Stuff Works Electronics. If you start the vehicle while holding the key in your hand, for example windows and the sunroof will open to allow air circulation to the interior. You can also set the speed limit to only be applied when the vehicle is powered by the selected key. This feature can be useful if you're loaning your vehicle to a person with no experience. 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, then press the unlock button. This will stop your smart key fob from transmitting or receiving radio waves that could extend its battery's life by a significant amount. You can always restart this feature by pressing the unlock and lock buttons once more. Certain smart keys have anti-theft features to prevent them from being stolen by thieves. For instance, Mercedes-Benz smart keys use rolling codes to block unauthorised access to vehicles. The car's computer examines the code in milliseconds after the smart key is inserted. BMW uses a similar method with its Display Key, which comes with a small LCD color touchscreen on the smart key for added convenience and enables drivers to lock and unlock their cars without ever removing it from their pockets. Contact us at Pop-A Lock if you require to replace the battery in your smart key fob or considering purchasing a car with smart-key. We can replace the battery in any smart key and our mobile locksmiths will help you set it up to make sure your vehicle recognizes it. Special Cases Smart keys are not 100 100% theft-proof, but they aid in deterring thieves. Smart keys are designed to keep hackers from hacking into the system. When they are placed in the ignition of the car, the computer verifies the code in milliseconds. Mercedes-Benz developed this technology, which is currently utilized by luxury car brands. A smart key system will work even if you don't remember the key in your trunk or leave it in an establishment. Certain systems will notify the driver when the battery is depleted. Certain brands also offer key covers specifically designed for smart keys to protect the fob from harm.