What Can a Smart Car Key Fob Do For You?

Known as fobs or keyless entry or smart keys, they were first introduced by Mercedes in 1998. These key fobs controlled by computers can accomplish many things, including locking and unlocking vehicles as well as starting it.

They work by transmitting a rolling encrypted message. This makes them more resistant to tech-savvy thieves.

Safety

A smart key fob that communicates continuously with the vehicle via radiofrequency waves. It transmits a low-power message that, when pressed, tells the car to unlock doors and start its engine. The car is programmed to recognize the unique encryption code of a particular key fob. This means that even if the key fob is stolen, it won't be used to start the car.

A new vulnerability allows thieves to take advantage of this method of communication. Relay attacks are carried out with devices that transmit at the same frequency as keys. How Stuff Works Electronics says that a thief could place one of these devices inside an unnoticed pocket or a hidden location to stop the remote control of the lock. This is a problem which could become more frequent as more motorists adopt smart keys.

A smart car spare key key fob isn't only a security feature but can also simplify your life by automatically taking care of the needs of your vehicle. For instance an electronic key fob connected to your smartphone can detect your location and unlock the doors, meaning it's not necessary to press a button on the remote. It can also sense when you're leaving the car and auto-lock the vehicle, so you don't have to fret about not locking the doors. Many smart key fobs feature an indicator for batteries that tells you when the battery is depleted. The majority of models let you replace the battery quickly and easily without the need for any special tools.

Convenience

Contrary to traditional keys made of metal smart keys do not require physically inserting into an ignition slot to unlock or start the car. Rather, the driver simply needs to have it on their person and have it within reach of the vehicle, as explained by the BMW Group. Some smart keys, including the Display Key, come with a small LCD touchscreen that allows drivers to access features like locking, unlocking and keyless starting directly from their key fob without needing to connect to the Bluetooth system of the car.

A smart key could also save drivers time by automating the locking of their doors when they leave. This feature is offered in many automobiles, according to Consumer Reports, and can assist in allowing drivers to maneuver into tight parking spots without accidentally squeezing something someone else.

Additionally, smart key systems generally do not transmit the same frequency signal repeatedly, as this could make them more susceptible to relay attacks, according to Open Road Auto Group. So the vehicle that is stolen cannot be wired hot if it's equipped with a smart-key because the encrypted signal that the key fob transmits is unique to each car. This technology makes it extremely difficult for thieves to steal a vehicle.

Security

A few of the most advanced electronic features that are present in modern automobiles are included in the key fob. These devices can do much more than locking and unlocking doors or making chirping sounds to help drivers locate their car in parking spaces. However certain owners might be unaware of the full capabilities.

Certain keys, such as example, will trigger the auto windows and sunroofs of vehicles when you press. A Auto editor of CR once walked out to her Honda Accord only to find all the windows closed and the sunroofs open. She was grateful for her smart car key reprogramming Key that automatically locked the car.

Some smart keys use computer-encrypted signals to thwart car burglars according to How Stuff Works. This technology stops hotwiring, which is when thieves steal the vehicle's engine control unit (ECM) that is usually located in the front of the engine block. The ECM controls many vital functions like engine power, transmission control and more.

Other technologies in smart keys include anti-theft codes and an individual security ID assigned to each key. This could disable the ignition in the event that it's not the right one. The security ID is a specific code that is transmitted from the ECM to the key when it's put into the ignition. It is then verified by a sensor inside the car.

Maintenance

A smart car key fob can do more than just unlock your door. It can remotely start your engine, trigger suspension and brakes, and even start your vehicle. It can also provide information about your car, such as the fuel level and oil temperatures.

Like all electronic equipment like a smart car key fob requires regular maintenance to function properly. Modern key fobs have battery indicators to alert drivers when it's time to replace the battery. It is easy to replace the battery and you don't require special tools.

In some cases however the smart key could cease to function completely. If you suspect that this is the issue try resetting the smart key by removing the vehicle and coming back inside. This will allow the car to know that the key fob remains in the vehicle and let it to regain its functionality.

Contact a locksmith in the event that you are unable to get your key fob to function. They can reprogram it so that the car can recognize it once more and allows you to use all of its functions. It's usually more cost-effective to do this rather than purchasing an entirely new key fob and it can save you money in the end. In some cases the locksmith may fix an existing fob so that it can be used to create new keys. This can help you save more money in the long run.