How To Tell If You're All Set To Smart Car Key Programming
Vehicle Smart Key Technology
The smart key technology in vehicles allows a driver to unlock and start the car by touching the door handle or putting the key in the pocket. It also allows a variety of other adjustments like seat positions, internal temperature settings, mirror position and stereo presets.
However, this could lead to security concerns.
Security
Smart keys are advanced electronic keys that communicate with a vehicle through one of the antennas that are embedded in the vehicle to unlock the doors and begin the engine. Unlike conventional keys, which emit the identical frequency signal each time they are activated, smart keys transmit encrypted signals that are specific to the specific car they belong to. This makes it more difficult for thieves with the latest technology to fake or intercept the signal and use the key to steal your car.
Mercedes' Keyless Go system, for example, has an internal transponder, which can identify the driver's key. When the Smart Key comes within 1.5 meters of a car it instantly unlocks the door and tailgate and starts the engine when a button on the key is hit.
Certain smart keys, such as the ones made by BMW and Mercedes-Benz, also come with user-specific settings that permit drivers to alter the seat, mirrors and steering wheel's location and audio preferences with the press of a single button. They also come with an emergency lock that will stop the car from starting without the key in the ignition.
This technology assists drivers from locking their vehicles, particularly when searching through a purse or backpack to find keys in a parking area packed with people or on a busy street with high rates of crime. A lot of systems will alert drivers when the battery of their key is depleted, though this feature can vary by manufacturer.
Convenience
If you're in a hurry to get to a place, the smart key makes entering your car as simple as it can be. By pressing the button on your trunk release or door handle you can lock, unlock and open your vehicle. Popular Mechanics explains that the key fob can also be used to monitor charging, location, and other information about your vehicle.
One of the biggest advantages is that you can't accidentally lock yourself out. The key fob communicates with an antenna in the vehicle to determine whether it's within range. If it's not in range, the engine will not start. This will deter thieves from stealing your vehicle and selling its parts.
BMW reports that the smart key uses rolling codes as well to stop cloning and hacking. A computer in the vehicle detects the code and confirms it prior to launching the engine. Most systems also have a backup mechanical system in the form of an unnoticed key blade to enhance the appearance of the.
Modern smart keys can also tell which keys are in use and adjust the car settings in line with the use of the key, says How Stuff Works Electronics. For instance, if start the car while holding the key fob in your hand the windows and sunroof open to ventilate the cabin. You can also set an upper limit on speed that will only be in effect when the car is started with the selected key, which could be helpful when lending 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, press the lock button down and then press the unlock button.
This will disable your smart key fob from sending or receiving any radio signals which will increase its battery life significantly. You can always reactivate this feature by pressing the unlock and lock buttons again.
Some smart keys also have anti-theft capabilities that protect them from being copied by thieves. For have a peek here , Mercedes-Benz smart keys use rolling codes to stop unauthorized access to vehicles. The car's computer examines the code in milliseconds after the smart key is placed. BMW has a similar system with its Display Key, which has a small LCD color touchscreen on the smart key to make it easier and lets drivers lock, unlock, and start their vehicles without ever taking the key from their pockets.
Contact us at Pop-A Lock if you require to replace the battery on your smart key fob or if you are thinking of purchasing a vehicle with a smart-key. We can replace the battery on any smart key, and our mobile locksmiths are able to help you set the system so that your car can recognize it.
Special Cases
Smart keys are not 100 100% safe from theft, but they can help deter thieves. Smart key fobs are designed to keep hackers from hacking into the system. When placed in the ignition of the car the computer checks the code in milliseconds. This technology was invented by Mercedes-Benz and is now utilized by a number of automobile brands that are luxury.
Another useful feature is that the majority of smart key systems will operate if the user forgot the key in the trunk or left it at the restaurant or if it is lost during an excursion. Certain systems will also notify the driver when the battery is running low. Certain brands provide key covers specifically designed for smart keys. They ensure that the fob is protected from damage.