What Is Replacement Key For Smart Car And Why Is Everyone Talking About It?
What is a Smart Key Car Key?
Smart keys are also referred to as proximity keys or key fobs. They work to unlock doors as well as start engines without a driver having to insert a physical key. They communicate via radiofrequency signals.
This helps keep vehicles secure by stopping hotwiring. Smart keys broadcast unique encrypted signals that stop them from being accessed by other vehicles.
Convenience
You can lock and unlock your vehicle without inserting the key into the ignition slot. Simply tap the door handle or trunk. Many modern vehicles also offer a feature that allows you to remotely start your engine. This is especially useful if you're bringing groceries into the vehicle or transporting passengers or equipment.
This technology is intended to prevent vehicle theft. Instead of transmitting only one frequency signal like a regular key fob does smart keys send out an array of encrypted signals to a car's antennas embedded in it when you approach it. What does this mean? Stuff Works Electronics explains that this is a way to prevent other cars from receiving and responding the same signal.
Additionally, some manufacturers incorporate a computer chip into the vehicle that can recognize the unique fingerprints of each key, which ensures that only authorized drivers use it. This can be helpful should you lend your vehicle to family and friends.
Some smart keys also store user preferences, so that seat, mirrors, and steering wheel adjustments as well as stereo presets can be automatically set when the key is within the range of the vehicle. To make life easier, certain smart keys can be set to stop the vehicle from exceeding a specific speed limit once it has been started with that particular key. This is a great way to protect new drivers and also beneficial when you have children in the back.
Security
Traditionally, keys were cut from metal to open the ignition. Smart keys eliminate this requirement. Smart keys have a specific chip that transmits an antenna signal to your car. This signal is then received by the vehicle whenever the driver presses a button on the handle of the door or trunk release. This means that it's not possible to lock your keys inside your car any longer.
The signal sent by the smart key to your vehicle is encrypted so that only you have access to it. A majority of models also shut down the engine when the vehicle hasn't been started for some time. This feature is particularly useful if you are in a risky location or you need to leave your vehicle for any reason.
Additionally, if the smart key battery gets depleted during a ride, a lot of systems come with a backup plan to open and start the vehicle. The backup system typically involves placing the key in an opening or keeping it in a particular area of the cockpit. This transfers energy to an electric motor. Some manufacturers also have an emergency mechanical key blade hidden in the key which can be used to open the trunk and begin the car if required.
Battery Life
The majority of modern cars have keyless entry and push button starting systems that are controlled by a smart key fob that makes use of proximity technology to connect with the car. These systems are powered by a small transmitter that is powered by a lithium coin-sized battery. Like all batteries, it eventually needs replacement.
Most smart batteries for key fobs last several years, but this doesn't mean that they won't go out of power and stop working quickly. If the fob is dead you won't be able unlock or start your car if you hold it up close to the front door.
It is not unusual for the transmitter of a smart key drain the battery. The smart key sends a signal every time you press a button. However, the majority of the times, it doesn't do anything. A single lock/unlock signal takes up a miniscule amount of the fob's battery power, so there is easily many years of signals worth of battery life for the average smart key battery.
The fob will also drain the battery if you place it close to other devices emitting electromagnetic fields, like phones and computers. These devices emit magnetic fields of their own, which can interfere and slow down the fob transmitter. In some instances, the fob may even cease to function completely when the fob is placed too close to these devices, according to RepairPal.
Maintenance
Unlike the traditional metal car key, a smart key utilizes technology to control the locks on your vehicle and perform some other functions. It functions by sending a signal from the fob to antennas inside and outside the vehicle. These antennas detect the signal and communicate with your car's computer. The car responds to the signal and allows the user to open or start it without using a physical key.
The fob is now a central point for many electronic features in new vehicles. The most obvious functions are locking and unlocking your car, remote starting and chirping noises to aid in locating your vehicle in a parking area. Some fobs allow you to save different settings for different drivers, as well as remotely open windows as well as the sunroof.
The fob is an intricate electronic device that includes an integrated board that can be damaged if utilized too vigorously or exposed to extreme heat or cold. The transmitter may break when it is damaged by a fall or a bang and the battery contacts may also be bent.
These issues can be difficult to diagnose and solve. You could try using your phone to avoid the issue and see if that works however it's always a good idea to keep a spare key in your pocket, just in case. You can purchase an ordinary smart key replacement that costs up to 70% less than OEM keys and comes with a 3 year warranty.