What Experts Say You Should Know
What is a Smart Key Car Key?
Differently referred to as proximity keys, key fobs or remote keys, smart keys are used to unlock doors and start engines without the driver needing to insert the key. They communicate with one another by using radiofrequency signals.
This helps to keep cars secure by stopping hotwiring. Smart keys transmit unique encrypted signals that prevent access to other vehicles.
Convenience
Instead of putting the key into an ignition slot it is possible to lock and unlock your car simply by touching the handle on your door or trunk. Many modern vehicles also offer a feature that allows you to start your engine from a distance. This is especially helpful if you're bringing in groceries or transporting passengers and equipment.
This technology is designed to help protect against theft of vehicles. Instead of sending a single frequency signal as a standard key fob, a smart key sends out a series of encrypted signals to a car's antennas that are embedded when you are near it. What does this mean? Stuff Works Electronics explains that this stops other vehicles from receiving and responding the same signal.
Additionally, car smart key replacement employ a computer chip inside the vehicle that can recognize the unique fingerprint of each key, which can ensure that only authorized drivers use it. This is helpful if you lend your car to family members and friends.
Certain smart keys also store user settings so that mirrors, seats and steering wheel adjustments, as along with stereo presets can be set automatically when the key is within reach of the vehicle. Some smart keys can be programmed to stop the vehicle from crossing the speed limit once you start the car with that key. This can help keep novice drivers safe and is useful if you have young children in the back of the vehicle.
Security
Traditionally keys were made of metal to unlock the ignition. Smart keys eliminate this requirement. Smart keys are equipped with an electronic chip that transmits the signal to your car's antenna. The car can detect this signal when the driver presses on the trunk release or door handle. It is now impossible to lock your keys into your vehicle.
The signal that the smart key sends to your car is encrypted, meaning that only the owner can use it. In addition, many models will disable the engine if the vehicle has not been launched in the past few minutes. This is especially helpful if you are in a hazardous area or have to leave your vehicle for any reason.
Furthermore, if the smart key battery is depleted during a ride, a lot of systems offer a backup method to open and start the vehicle. The backup method is to insert the key in the slot, or putting it close to an area of the cockpit where the energy is transferred to an electric motor. Certain manufacturers also include an emergency mechanical key blade hidden in the key that could be used to open the trunk and start the car if needed.
Battery Life
Most newer cars have keyless entry and push-button starting systems, controlled by a smart key fob that utilizes proximity technology to connect with the car. These systems use a tiny transmitter that is powered by a lithium coin-sized battery. Like any other battery it will eventually need replacement.
The majority of smart key fob batteries last for a while, but it doesn't mean they won't go out of power and stop working at any time. If the fob battery is dead, you won't be able unlock or start your car holding it near the front door.
It is not uncommon for the sensor of a smartkey to drain the battery. The smart key sends an alert each when you press a button. But the majority of time, it doesn't do anything. One single lock/unlock button takes only a fraction of the battery power in the fob, so there is easily several years worth of signals worth of battery life in the average smart key battery.
The fob will also drain the battery if you keep it close to other devices that emit electromagnetic fields, for example phones and computers. These devices produce their own magnetic field, which can affect the fob's transmitter, causing it to run slower. RepairPal reports that the fob can be inoperable if placed too close to the gadgets.
Maintenance
Unlike the traditional metal car key, a smart key utilizes technology to control the locks on your vehicle and perform other functions. It works by sending an electronic signal from the fob to antennas inside and outside the vehicle. These antennas receive the signal and then communicate with the computer in your car. The car interprets the signal and allows you to begin or open it without the physical key.
New cars are loaded with modern electronic features and the fob has become an instrument for many of these functions. The most obvious ones are locking and unlocking, remote starting, and chirping to aid in finding your vehicle in a parking lot. Some fobs allow you to store various settings for different drivers, and can even remotely open windows and the sunroof.
The fob is a complex electronic device with an integrated circuit board that can be damaged if it is placed in a position that is too harsh or exposed to extreme cold or heat. The transmitter can be broken when it is dropped or banged or smashed. The battery contacts may also be bent.
These issues can be challenging to identify and solve. Try using your phone to bypass the issue and see if it works, but it's a good idea keep a spare key in your pocket, just in case. You can buy an ordinary smart key replacement that's up to 70% less than OEM keys and comes with a 3-year warranty.