The 10 Most Infuriating Smart Key For Car FAILS Of All Time Could Have Been Prevented
What You Should Know About Smart Keys
Smart keys, also known as digital keys or information keys can allow drivers to gain access to their vehicle without having to fiddle with the traditional keyhole. Certain vehicles come with them as standard features, while others allow them to be upgraded.
The technology is also more sophisticated than a traditional key fob. Some systems allow you to start the car without the traditional key fob or even an actual key. The most effective ones also come with battery indicators which warn you ahead of time when the battery is about to expire.
Security
Smart keys are more practical than traditional keys and also come with additional security and safety features. They communicate with the computer system in your car by using radio-frequency identification (RFID). An antenna in your car will detect the signal of the key when it is within the range, which allows you to unlock your doors and start the engine without needing to pull out your phone or press a button.
While this may sound like a great idea however, thieves could also hack into the system to unlock your doors and start the engine. Certain manufacturers employ "rolling code" technology to block this. The code is projected by the key onto the starter, and then verified by the computer in the car before it starts. This prevents thieves from creating multiple copies of the key.
Another way to ensure that your car safe is to make sure that you do not place the key and mobile phone in the same pocket. Signals can be blocked if the two devices are close together.
The KeySmart Pro is a great option for this because it has a built-in Tile that lets you locate your phone. If you have the app installed on your iPhone and you put the Smart Key near it, a press of its activation button causes the Tile to play a short melody and flash an LED. This can be life-saving should you lose your phone or it's on silent mode.
Convenience
Smart keys can store and recall personalized settings including seat, mirror, and steering wheel positions. Some, such as BMW's Comfort Access, even allow you to start your car without having to press the ignition button.
Modern smart keys utilize radio waves to communicate with antennas in the car, transmitting an encrypted, unique signal that is then interpreted by the car's computer. These signals can be reprogrammed to perform a variety of functions like opening and closing the trunk, or engaging the child lock.
This technology isn't foolproof, however. Hackers with technical expertise can get the unique identification number of the smartkey, by spotting its frequency transmission. Thankfully, the manufacturers are working to improve the security of the system.
Another great feature is the possibility to remotely lock and unlock your vehicle by tapping of the phone's screen. This feature will save you time when loading children or cargo. It's particularly helpful when you have teenagers who are learning to drive.
The sleek slim design of the smartkey is one of its greatest features. This makes it easier to carry compared to other key organizers, which can be large and take up more space than necessary. g28carkeys.co.uk is also quiet and comfortable to carry. KeySmart is also quiet and easy to carry, removing that annoying jingle that can cause you to be irritable.
Battery Life
Smart keys generally last only half as long (two to three years versus four to six years) as traditional fobs. Smart keys must communicate with the car at a higher rate and more frequently in order to unlock and start the car. Smart keys also drain faster when they are placed close to electronic devices such as phones, computers and screens that generate electromagnetic fields.
Fortunately, all smart keys come with batteries backup features. According to Open Road Auto Group most smart keys have blades that can be used as a traditional door lock in the event that the battery of the smart key fails. A majority have a slot where a traditional key can be inserted to start the engine in the event that the smart key fob isn't functioning or is dead.
Another feature of smart keys is referred to as an "power saving mode." If you forget to take your smart key while driving, you'll be able to drive your car as long as the engine isn't running. To do this simply lay the smart key flat on the steering column and press the ignition button. If you've done this correctly, the system will notify the driver that it's low on the key, but still functional.
Cost
Smart keys are not always inexpensive. Many owners of vehicles upgrade their keys to smart ones to improve convenience and security. It can be costly to replace the lost smart key or reprogram your vehicle.
Smart keys appear like normal key fobs, however they contain a microchip which can be used to unlock, lock or start a car without a physical key. The chip transmits a unique number of digits to the vehicle's system, which then recognizes it and verifies it before beginning the engine.
This technology has been around for some time however it's not the perfect solution. This technique has been used by thieves to rob vehicles in various instances. The good news is that there are solutions to stop this from happening. One method to stop this is by using a smart key with rolling security codes. The code changes each time the key is used.
A key fob with a display screen is also very expensive. BMW's Display Key is an example of this type of smart key. Its LCD color touchscreen performs the usual functions of a keyfob such as locking, unlocking, and keyless start however, it can also send commands from smartphones to the vehicle's systems. This makes it much easier to operate the vehicle and keep an eye on charging and location. It can even instruct the car to park itself. This is a great feature if you have physical limitations or disabilities.