A The Complete Guide To Smart Car Key Programming From Start To Finish

Vehicle Smart Key Technology The smart key technology in vehicles allows a driver to unlock and start the car simply by touching the door handle or putting the key in the pocket. It also allows for various other adjustments, including the position of the seat as well as internal temperature settings and mirror position. However, this can also cause security issues. Security Smart keys are computerized key fobs which communicate with the vehicle via an embedded antenna. This allows them to unlock doors and begin the motor. Smart key fobs, unlike conventional keys that 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 more difficult for tech-savvy criminals to detect or spoof the signal, and then use your key to steal your vehicle. For instance, Mercedes' system -known as Keyless Go — has an internal transponder that identifies the driver's key. 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 the key. Certain smart keys, like those from BMW, also have user-specific settings, which allow drivers to alter the seat, mirrors and the steering wheel's position and audio preferences at the press of a single button. They also come with a backup lock that blocks the vehicle starting without the key. This technology helps drivers avoid accidentally locking their vehicles particularly when they are searching a purse or a backpack for keys on a parking lot with people who are not familiar with the area or where crime is high. vehicle smart key of systems will alert motorists when the battery for their key is depleted, though this feature may differ from manufacturer to manufacturer. Convenience The smart key is ideal for those who are in a hurry to get somewhere. You can lock, unlock and start your car simply by pressing the door handle or the trunk release. Key fobs can also communicate with your phone to keep track of charging, location and other information about the vehicle, explains Popular Mechanics. It isn't safe to lock your keys inside the car. The key fob communicates to an antenna in the vehicle to determine whether it's within the range. If it's not in range, the engine will not start. This will stop thieves from taking your vehicle and then selling its parts. BMW reports that the smart key uses rolling codes, as well as to prevent hacking and cloning. The computer inside the vehicle recognizes the code and verifies it before starting the engine. Most systems also have a mechanical backup in the form of a key blade that's hidden to serve as a styling tool. How Stuff Works Electronics notes that modern smart keys can also detect the keys used and adjust the car settings in accordance with the key's use. For example, if you turn on the car holding the key fob in your hand, the windows and sunroof open to let the air in the cabin breathe. You can also set the speed limit to only be applied when the vehicle is started using the chosen key, a feature that can be useful when loaning 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 activate it you need to press and hold the lock button while pressing the unlock button. This will prevent your smart key fob to transmit or receive radio waves. This will significantly increase the battery's life. You can reactivate this feature by pressing the unlock and lock buttons once more. Certain smart keys come with anti-theft features to prevent them from being stolen by thieves. Mercedes-Benz smart key uses rolling codes to prevent unauthorized access. When the smart key is inserted in the ignition, a computer in the car checks the code in milliseconds prior to even starting the engine. BMW uses a similar method with its Display Key, which has an LCD touchscreen on the smart key for ease of use, and lets drivers lock or unlock their vehicles without ever taking it from their pockets. If you're thinking about buying a new car that has a smart key, or if you require your smart key fob's battery changed, contact us at Pop-A Lock for a quick and simple service. We can replace the battery in any smart key, and our mobile locksmiths can help you set it up so that your vehicle can recognize it. Special Cases While smart keys are not theft-proof, they do help to hinder thieves. Smart keys utilize rolling security codes that prevent the hacking of keys, and when they are placed in the ignition, the car's computer validates the code within milliseconds. This technology was invented by Mercedes-Benz and is now used by a variety of automobile brands that are luxury. Another helpful feature is that most 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 if it is lost on an excursion. Some systems will also alert the driver if the battery is low. Certain brands have key covers designed specifically for smart keys to guard the fob from damage.