How To Design And Create Successful Smart Car Key Programming Tips From Home
Vehicle Smart Key Technology
Smart keys for vehicles allow drivers to unlock and start the car simply by grabbing the door handle or placing the key in the pocket. It also allows for a variety of other adjustments, such as seating positions and temperature settings inside the car, mirror position and stereo presets.
However, this could also cause security issues.
G28 are key fobs that are computerized which communicate with the vehicle through an embedded antenna to unlock doors and activate the motor. Smart keys, unlike traditional keys that emit the same frequency each time they're used, transmit encrypted signals that are only compatible with the vehicle to which they belong to. This makes it harder for thieves with a technological edge to impersonate or intercept the signal and use the key to take your car.
Mercedes' Keyless Go system, for example, has an internal transponder which identifies the driver's keys. When the Smart Key comes within 1.5 meters of a car it instantly unlocks the tailgate and door, and the engine starts when the key's button is pressed.
Some smart keys, such as the ones made by BMW additionally have user-specific settings, which allow the driver to alter the seat, mirrors, steering wheel position, and even audio preferences with the push of a button. They also have the backup lock, which stops the vehicle from starting without the key.
This technology helps keep drivers from locking their cars, particularly when searching through a purse or backpack for keys in a parking lot packed with people or on an area with high rates of crime. Many systems also notify drivers when the key is running low on battery, but this feature differs by manufacturer.
Convenience
If you're in a hurry to get somewhere, the smart key makes getting into your car as simple as it can be. You can unlock, lock and start your car simply by pressing the door handle or the trunk release. Key fobs can also connect to your phone to track charging, location and other data regarding the vehicle, as explained by Popular Mechanics.
It isn't safe to lock your keys in the car. The key fob communicates to an antenna in the vehicle to determine if it is within the range. If it's not, the engine will not start. This helps deter would-be thieves who may steal your car to sell its parts.
The smart key also makes use of rolling codes to ward off hacking attempts and cloning, according to BMW. The vehicle's computer can recognize and verify the code prior to launching the motor. Most systems come with a mechanical back-up in the form a key blade hidden in the.
Modern smart keys also recognize which keys are in use and adjust the settings of the vehicle in accordance with the key's use, according to How Stuff Works Electronics. For instance, if start the car while holding the key fob in your hands, the windows and sunroof open to let the air in the cabin breathe. You can also set the speed limit to only be applied when the vehicle is started with the selected 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 this feature you need to press and hold the lock button while pressing the unlock button.
This will stop your smart key fob's ability to send or receiving any radio signals, which will extend its battery's lifespan significantly. You can always restart the function by pressing both the lock and unlock buttons again.
Some smart keys include anti-theft features to prevent them from being stolen by thieves. For instance, Mercedes-Benz smart keys use rolling codes to block unauthorized access to the vehicle. The computer in the car checks the code milliseconds after the smart key is put in. BMW offers a similar system with its Display Key, which features a small LCD color touchscreen on the smart key for ease of use, and allows drivers to lock or unlock their cars without ever removing the key from their pockets.
If you're considering purchasing a new car that has a smart key, or you need the battery of your smart key fob changed, contact us at Pop-A Lock for a quick and simple service. Our mobile locksmiths will replace the battery of any smart key, and will help to set it up so that your car recognizes it.
Special Cases
Smart keys aren't 100 100% secure against theft, but they do aid in deterring thieves. Smart keys employ rolling security codes to prevent theft, and when placed in the ignition, the vehicle's computer checks the code in milliseconds. This technology was developed by Mercedes-Benz and is currently used by a number of luxury car brands.
Another useful feature is that most smart key systems will operate even if the user has forgotten the key in the trunk, left it at an eatery or lost it on the trail. Certain systems will notify the driver when the battery is not fully charged. Some brands offer key covers specifically designed for smart keys to protect the fob from harm.