15 Great Documentaries About Smart Car Key Programming
Vehicle Smart Key Technology The smart key technology found in vehicles allows drivers to unlock and start their car by simply touching the door handle, or placing the key into the pocket. It also allows various other adjustments including the position of the seat and internal temperature settings as well as mirror positioning. However, this could also result in security issues. Security Smart keys are key fobs that are computerized that communicate with the vehicle through an embedded antenna to unlock doors and activate the motor. Smart key fobs, as opposed to traditional keys, which emit the same frequency every time they're pulled, transmit encrypted signals that are compatible with the car to which they belong to. This makes it more difficult for thieves with advanced technology to intercept or fake the signal, and use your key to steal your car. For instance, Mercedes' system -known as Keyless Go — has an internal transponder that can identify the key of the driver. When the Smart Key comes within 1.5 meters of a vehicle it will automatically unlock the door and tailgate and starts the engine when the key's button is pressed. Furthermore some smart keyslike those made by BMW — have individual user settings that let the driver adjust seat, mirrors and the position of the steering wheel as well as audio preferences with the click of the button. They also have an emergency lock that stops the vehicle from running without the key. This technology prevents drivers from being unable to lock their vehicle particularly when they are searching backpacks or purses to find keys in an open parking lot with strangers or on a busy street where crime is high. Many systems will also inform motorists when the battery for their key is depleted, though this feature can vary by manufacturer. Convenience The smart key is perfect for those trying to get to their destination. By pressing the button on the trunk release lever or door handle, you can unlock, lock and get into your vehicle. Popular Mechanics explains that the key fob can be used to track charging, location, and other information about your vehicle. You don't want to accidentally lock your keys in the car. The key fob communicates with an antenna within the vehicle to determine whether it's in range. If it's not, the engine won't start. This will stop thieves from taking your vehicle and then selling parts of it. The smart key also uses rolling codes to deter hacking attempts and cloning, according to BMW. G28CarKeys in the vehicle recognizes and verifies the code prior to launching the motor. Most systems have a physical backup system in the form of a hidden key blade. How Stuff Works Electronics notes that modern smart keys be able to detect keys being used and adjust the vehicle settings accordingly. If you switch on the vehicle while holding the key in your hands, for example, the windows and the sunroof will open to ventilate the interior. You can also set the speed limit which will only apply when the vehicle is started using the specified key, a feature that could be useful if you loan 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 do this simply press and hold the lock button while pressing the unlock button. This will make it impossible for your smart key fob to send or receive any radio waves. This will greatly extend the life of its battery. You can 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. Mercedes-Benz smart keys utilize rolling codes to block access by anyone who is not authorized to use it. The car's computer is able to verify the code within milliseconds following the smart key is inserted. BMW utilizes a Display Key with a small LCD color screen. This allows drivers to lock their cars, unlock their doors, and start them without removing the smart key from their pockets. If you're considering purchasing an automobile with a smart key, or need the battery in your smart key fob replaced, call Pop-A-Lock for a quick and simple service. Our mobile locksmiths can replace the battery on any smart key, and will help you set it so that your car can recognize it. Special Cases While smart keys are not secure against theft, they can help to deter thieves. Smart key fobs use rolling security codes to prevent theft, and when placed in the ignition, the vehicle's computer verifies the code within milliseconds. This technology was invented by Mercedes-Benz and is currently used by a number of luxury car brands. Another benefit is that many smart key systems will operate even if a user forgot the key in the trunk, left it at the restaurant or if it is lost during a hike. Certain systems will notify the driver when the battery is depleted. Certain brands provide key covers specifically designed for smart keys, to shield the fob from damage.