The Reason Why Smart Car Key Programming Is Greater Dangerous Than You Think

Vehicle Smart Key Technology Vehicle smart key technology allows a driver to unlock and start the car simply by touching the door handle or placing the key in the pocket. It also allows a variety of other adjustments including seat position, internal temperature settings and mirror position. However, this can also lead to security concerns. Security Smart keys are computerized key fobs that communicate with the vehicle via an embedded antenna. This allows them to unlock doors and start the motor. In contrast to conventional keys that emit the same frequency signal every time they are pressed, smart key fobs transmit encrypted signals that are specific to the car they belong to. This makes it much more difficult for thieves who are tech-savvy to fake or intercept the signal and use the key to steal your car. For instance, Mercedes' system — called Keyless Go — has an internal transponder that identifies the driver's key. The Smart Key automatically unlocks and opens the doors and the tailgate when it is within 1.5 meters. It also allows you to start the engine by pressing a button on its key. Furthermore, some smart keys — like those from BMW come with individual user settings that allow the driver to adjust the seat, mirrors and the steering wheel's position and audio preferences at the click of the button. They also come with a backup lock that will stop the car from starting if the key is not in the ignition. This technology stops drivers from getting their car locked accidentally, especially when searching in a purse or a backpack for keys in parking lots with strangers or on a busy street where crime is high. Some systems will also notify drivers when the battery in their keys is low, though this feature may differ from manufacturer to manufacturer. Convenience The smart key is perfect for those who are trying to get to their destination. By pressing the button on the trunk release lever or door handle, you can unlock, lock and start your vehicle. Popular Mechanics explains that the key fob can also be used for tracking charging location, charging status, and other information about your vehicle. One of the biggest advantages is that you aren't able to accidentally lose your keys. The key fob connects to an antenna in the vehicle to determine if it's within range. If it's not, the engine will not start. This will stop thieves from the vehicle and stealing parts of it. The smart key also uses rolling codes to protect against hacking attempts and cloning, according to BMW. The computer in the vehicle is able to recognize and verify the code prior to starting the motor. Most systems have a physical backup system in the form of a key blade hidden in the. Modern smart keys also recognize which keys are in use and adjust the settings of the vehicle in line with the use of the key, says How Stuff Works Electronics. For example, if you turn on the car holding the key fob in your hand the windows and sunroof can be opened to let the air in the cabin breathe. You can also set a speed limit that will only be in effect when the car is started with the selected key, which could be helpful when lending your car to a novice 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 do this, press and hold the lock button while pressing the unlock button. This will disable your smart key fob's smart chip from sending or receiving any radio waves, which will extend its battery's lifespan significantly. You can always restart this function by pressing the unlock and lock buttons again. Some smart keys have anti-theft capabilities that prevent them from being stolen by thieves. Mercedes-Benz smart keys employ rolling codes to prevent access by anyone who is not authorized to use it. When a smart key is inserted in the ignition, a computer in the car verifies the code in milliseconds prior beginning the engine. BMW makes use of a Display Key that has a tiny LCD color screen. smart forfour key G28CarKeys allows drivers to lock their cars, open their doors, and start them without taking the smart key from their pocket. Contact Pop-Alock if you need to replace the battery in your smart key fob or in the event that you are thinking of buying a car with a smart-key. We can replace the battery on any smart key, and our mobile locksmiths can help you set it up so that your car can recognize it. Special Cases While smart keys aren't secure against theft, they can help to hinder thieves. Smart key fobs are designed to stop hackers from hacking the system. When they are placed in the ignition of the vehicle the computer checks the code in milliseconds. This technology was invented by Mercedes-Benz and is currently used by many high-end car brands. Another benefit is that most smart key systems will continue to work even if a user forgot the key in the trunk, left it at an eatery or lost it on hiking. Certain systems will notify the driver when the battery is low. Certain brands also offer key covers specifically designed for smart keys. They ensure that the fob is protected from damage.