What is a Smart Key Car Key?

Smart keys are also known as proximity keys or key fobs. They can be used to unlock doors and to start engines without a driver needing to insert physical keys. They communicate with radiofrequency signals.

In addition, it helps to protect cars by blocking attempts at hotwiring. Smart keys also transmit unique encrypted signals that prevent them from being used by vehicles of other drivers.

Convenience

You can lock and unlock your vehicle without inserting the key into the ignition slot. Simply tap the handle on the trunk or door. A lot of modern cars also have the option to start your engine from a distance. This is especially useful if you are bringing groceries in as well as transporting passengers or equipment.

This technology is designed to help protect against theft of vehicles. Smart keys send out encrypted signals instead of a single frequency, like a standard keyfob. What does this mean? Stuff Works Electronics explains that this is a way to prevent other cars from receiving and responding the same signal.

Some manufacturers also use computers in their vehicles which recognizes the unique fingerprints of each key. This helps to ensure that only authorized users use it. This is useful should you lend your vehicle to family members or friends.

Some smart car key supplier keys can also save user settings, meaning that the steering wheel, seat, mirror, and stereo presets are automatically set when the key is within range of the car. Certain smart car spare key keys can be programmed to stop the vehicle from exceeding the speed limit once started with that key. This is a great method to ensure the safety of new drivers and is a good idea for families with children in the back of the vehicle.

Security

Traditionally keys were made from metal to open the ignition. Smart key technology eliminates this requirement. Smart keys have a special chip that transmits a signal from the antenna to your car. The signal is subsequently detected by the vehicle when the driver presses on the handle on the door or trunk release. It is now impossible to lock the keys in your vehicle.

The smart car key not working key's signal to your vehicle is secured so that only you can use it. Most models also disable the engine when the vehicle hasn't been running for some time. This feature is especially helpful when you're in a risky area or you have to leave the vehicle for reasons of any kind, like at a gas pump.

A lot of systems also have backup systems for opening and re-starting the car if the battery of the smart keys runs out while you are on a ride. The backup system typically involves putting the key in an opening or keeping it in a certain area of the cockpit to transfer energy to an electric motor. Certain manufacturers have a mechanical key blade that can be used in an emergency situation to open the trunk or start the car.

Battery Life

The majority of modern cars have keyless entry and push-button start systems, controlled by a smart key fob that makes use of proximity technology to communicate with the car. These systems use a small transmitter that is powered by a lithium coin-sized battery. Like all batteries that will eventually require replacement.

The majority of smart key fob batteries last several years However, that doesn't mean they'll never go out of power and stop working suddenly. If the fob is dead, it won't be able unlock or start your car when you place it near the front door.

It's not unusual for the transmitter in the smart key to drain the battery. It transmits a signal to the car each time you touch an option, but the majority times, the smart key is doing nothing. The battery of a smart car spare key key is enough to last for several years of locking and unlocking signals.

The fob can also drain the battery if placed near other devices that emit electromagnetic field such as phones and computers. These gadgets produce their own magnetic field which can interfere with the fob's own transmitter, causing it to run slower. In certain cases the fob might cease to function entirely when the fob is placed too close to these devices, as per RepairPal.

Maintenance

As opposed to the traditional car key, a smart one utilizes technology to control the locks on your vehicle and perform some other functions. It functions by sending signals from the fob to antennas located inside and outside the vehicle. These antennas receive the signal and communicate with the computer in your car. The car interprets the signal and allows you to open or begin it without using the physical key.

The fob is now a central point for numerous electronic features found in modern vehicles. The most obvious ones are locking and unlocking, remote starting and chirping sounds that aid in finding your car in a parking lot. Some fobs also let you save specific settings for different drivers and open windows remotely and sunroofs.

The fob is an elaborate electronic device with an integrated circuit board that can be damaged if it is subjected to extreme cold or heat. The transmitter may break in the event of it being knocked or dropped or smashed. The battery contacts may also be bent.

These problems can be hard to identify and repair. Try using your phone to bypass the problem and see if that helps however it's best to keep a spare key inside your pocket in a case. You can purchase a generic smart key replacement that costs up to 70% less than OEM keys and comes with a 3-year warranty.