The Good And Bad About Smart Car Key Programming

Vehicle Smart Key Technology

Vehicle smart key technology allows the 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 like the position of the seat the internal temperature setting and mirror position.

However, it could also cause security issues.

Security

Smart keys are key fobs that are computerized that communicate with the vehicle through an embedded antenna. It can unlock doors and activate the motor. smart roadster key programming keys, unlike conventional keys that emit the same frequency each time they're pressed, send encrypted signals that are compatible with the particular car to which they belong to. This makes it harder for tech-savvy criminals to detect or spoof the signal, and use your key to steal your car.

Mercedes' Keyless Go system, for example, has an internal transponder that identifies the key of the driver. When the Smart Key comes within 1.5 meters of a vehicle it instantly unlocks the tailgate and door, and the engine starts when a button on the key is activated.

Certain smart keys, like the ones from BMW and Mercedes-Benz, also come with user-specific settings. These allow users to alter the mirrors, seat and steering wheel's position and even audio preferences with the click of a button. They also have a backup lock that blocks the vehicle from starting if it is not connected to the key.

This technology prevents drivers from being unable to lock their vehicle especially when looking in bags or purses for keys in an open parking lot with strangers, or on a street where crime is high. A lot of systems will also notify motorists when their keys are low on battery, although this feature varies by manufacturer.

Convenience

The smart key is perfect for those in a hurry to get to their destination. By pressing the button on your trunk release or door handle you can lock, unlock and open your vehicle. The key fob will also interact with your phone to track charging, location and other data about the vehicle, says Popular Mechanics.

One of the biggest advantages is that you don't lock yourself out. The key fob connects to an antenna inside the vehicle to determine whether it is within the range. If it's not in range, the engine will not start. This helps deter would-be thieves who would steal your car to sell its parts.

The smart key also employs rolling codes to ward off hacking attempts and cloning, according to BMW. A computer inside the vehicle recognizes the code and verifies it prior to launching the engine. Most systems have a mechanical back-up in the form an unnoticed key blade.

Modern smart keys can also tell which keys are in use and adjust the vehicle settings accordingly, notes How Stuff Works Electronics. For instance, if you turn on the car holding the key fob in the palm of your hand, the windows and the sunroof are opened to let the air in the cabin breathe. You can also set the speed limit to only be applicable when the vehicle is started with the selected key, a feature that could be helpful when lending your vehicle to a novice 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 down the lock button and press the unlock button.

This will block your smart key fob's smart chip from sending or receiving any radio waves that could extend its battery life significantly. You can always activate this feature by pressing the unlock and lock buttons once more.

Certain smart keys also have anti-theft capabilities that protect them from being copied by thieves. For instance, Mercedes-Benz smart keys use rolling codes to block unauthorised access to vehicles. When a smart key is inserted into ignition, a computer inside the car verifies the code in milliseconds prior to it starts the engine. BMW uses a Display Key that has a small LCD color screen. This allows drivers to lock their cars, unlock them, and start them without taking the smart key from their pockets.

Contact Pop-Alock if you need to replace the battery on the smart key fob you have or in the event that you are thinking of purchasing a vehicle 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 can recognize it.

Special Cases

Although smart keys aren't security-wise, they can be used to deter thieves. Smart key fobs use rolling security codes to protect against theft, and when placed in the ignition, the car's computer verifies the code within milliseconds. This technology was invented by Mercedes-Benz and is now used by a variety of luxury car brands.

Another benefit is that most smart key systems will continue to work even if the user has forgotten the key in the trunk, left it at an eatery or lost it on the trail. Some systems will alert the driver when the battery is not fully charged. Certain brands also offer key covers that are specifically designed for smart car key repair keys, to shield the fob from damage.