15 Interesting Facts About Smart Car Key Programming That You Never Knew
Vehicle Smart Key Technology
Smart keys for vehicles allow drivers to unlock and start the car simply by touching the door handle or putting the key in the pocket. It also permits a variety of other adjustments, including seat position the internal temperature setting and mirror positioning.
This can also cause security issues.
Security
Smart keys are sophisticated electronic keys that communicate with a vehicle via one of the car's embedded antennas to open the doors and start the engine. As opposed to traditional keys, which emit the same frequency signal every time they are used, smart keys transmit encrypted signals that are specific to the specific vehicle they belong to. This makes it harder for tech-savvy thieves to impersonate or intercept the signal and use the key to take your car.
Mercedes' Keyless Go system for instance, has an internal transponder that can identify the key of the driver. When the Smart Key comes within 1.5 meters of a car it will automatically unlock the door and tailgate and the engine will start when the key's button is press.
Furthermore, some smart keys -such as those from BMW include individual user settings that allow the driver to adjust the seat, mirrors and the steering wheel's position as well as audio preferences at the touch of one button. They also have the backup lock, which stops the vehicle from running without the key.
This technology prevents drivers from getting their car locked accidentally especially when looking in a purse or a backpack to find keys in an open parking lot with strangers or on a busy street where crime is high. Some systems will also notify drivers if the key battery is not fully charged, though this feature varies from manufacturer manufacturer.
Convenience
The smart key is perfect for those on the move and need to get somewhere. By pressing the button on the trunk release or door handle, you can open, lock and begin your vehicle. Popular Mechanics explains that the key fob can also be used for tracking charging or location as well as other vehicle information.
It isn't safe to lock your keys in the car. The key fob communicates to an antenna inside the vehicle to determine whether it is within range. If it's not, the engine will not start. This helps deter would-be thieves who would steal your vehicle in order to sell the parts.
The smart key uses rolling codes to protect against hacking attempts and cloning, according to BMW. The vehicle's computer recognizes and verifies the code prior to starting the motor. Most systems also have a mechanical backup that is an unnoticed key blade to enhance the appearance of the.
Modern smart keys also recognize the key that is being used and adjust the car settings as needed, according to How Stuff Works Electronics. For instance, if you turn on the car while holding the key fob in your palm, the windows and sunroof can be opened to ventilate the cabin. You can also set the speed limit to only be applicable when the vehicle is started using the specified key, which could be useful when loaning your car to a new 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, hold down the lock button and press the unlock button.
This will stop your smart key fob from sending or receiving radio signals that could extend its battery's life considerably. You can always reactivate this function by pressing the unlock and lock buttons again.
Some smart keys include anti-theft features that stop them from being copied by thieves. For instance, Mercedes-Benz smart keys use rolling codes to stop unauthorized access to the vehicle. The computer in the car checks the code milliseconds after the smart key is put in. BMW also 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 or unlock their cars without ever removing the key from their pockets.
Contact us at Pop-A Lock if you require to replace the battery on your smart key fob or should you be thinking of buying a car with a smart-key. We can replace the battery in any smart key, and our mobile locksmiths can help you set the system so that your car can recognize it.
Special Cases
While smart keys aren't safe from theft, they do assist to hinder thieves. Smart key fobs are designed to deter hackers from hacking into the system. When they are placed in the ignition of the vehicle the computer validates the code in milliseconds. This technology was developed by Mercedes-Benz and is now utilized by a variety of luxury car brands.
Another useful feature is that the majority of smart key systems will continue to function even if the user has forgotten the key in the trunk or left it at an eatery or lost it on the trail. Some systems will also alert the driver if the battery is running low. Some brands offer key covers specifically designed for smart keys to keep the key safe from damage.