10 Smart Car Key Programming Tricks All Experts Recommend

Vehicle Smart Key Technology The smart key technology found in vehicles allows drivers to unlock and start their car by just touching the door handle, or placing the key into the pocket. It also allows for many other adjustments, including seat position, internal temperature settings and mirror positioning. This could also raise security worries. Security Smart keys are computerized key fobs which communicate with the vehicle through an embedded antenna to unlock doors and activate the motor. In contrast to conventional keys that emit the identical frequency signal each time they are activated, smart keys transmit encrypted signals that are specific to the car they belong to. This makes it more difficult for thieves with a technological edge to steal or spoof the signal and use the key to steal your car. Mercedes' Keyless Go system, for example, has an internal transponder, which can identify the driver's keys. When the Smart Key comes within 1.5 meters of a car it will automatically unlock the tailgate and door and the engine will start when a button on the key is pressed. Certain smart keys, like the ones from BMW, also have user-specific settings that allow the driver to alter the seat, mirrors and steering wheel's position and audio preferences with the touch of a single button. They also have an emergency lock that stops the vehicle from running without the key. This technology stops drivers from getting their car locked accidentally particularly when they are searching backpacks or purses for keys on an open parking lot with people who are not familiar with the area or where crime is high. Some systems also notify drivers when the key is in danger of being depleted, though this feature differs by manufacturer. Convenience The smart key is ideal for those in a hurry to get somewhere. You can lock, unlock and start your car by pressing the door handle or the trunk release. Key fobs can also communicate with your phone to keep track of charging and location as well as other information about the vehicle, according to Popular Mechanics. You can't accidentally lock your keys in the car. The key fob communicates with an antenna in the vehicle to determine whether it is within the range. If it's not, the engine will not start. This will deter thieves from taking your vehicle and then selling parts of it. BMW reports that the smart key uses rolling codes to stop cloning and hacking. The vehicle's computer can recognize and verify the code prior to launching the motor. Most systems come with a mechanical backup system in the form of an unnoticed key blade. Modern smart keys also know which key is in use and adjust the vehicle settings as needed, according to How Stuff Works Electronics. If you switch on the vehicle while holding the key in your palm for instance windows and sunroof will open to allow air circulation to the interior. You can also set an automatic speed limit that will only be in effect when the car is powered by the selected key. This feature is useful when you lend your car to a driver who has no prior experience. 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, press the lock button until you release it and press the unlock button. This will prevent your smart key fob from having to send or receive any radio waves. This will significantly increase its battery life. It is possible to reactivate the function by pressing both the unlock and lock buttons again. Some smart keys have anti-theft functions that prevent them being stolen by thieves. For smart key replacement , Mercedes-Benz smart keys use rolling codes to block unauthorised vehicle access. When a smart key is inserted into the ignition, a computer in the car confirms the code in milliseconds prior even starting the engine. BMW utilizes a Display Key with a small LCD color screen. This lets drivers lock their vehicles, unlock their doors, and start the engine without having to take the smart key from their pockets. Contact Pop-Alock if you need to replace the battery in the smart key fob you have or should you be thinking of buying a car with a smart-key. Our mobile locksmiths will change the battery of any smart key, and will help to set it so that your car recognizes it. Special Cases Smart keys aren't 100% theft-proof but they can help deter thieves. Smart keys are designed to prevent hackers from gaining access to the system. When placed in the ignition of the car the computer validates the code in milliseconds. This technology was developed by Mercedes-Benz and is now utilized by many high-end car brands. A smart key system will continue to work even if it is not possible to remember the key in your trunk or leave it in the restaurant. Certain systems will notify the driver when the battery is depleted. Certain brands have key covers specifically made for smart keys that protect the fob from harm.