Don't Buy Into These "Trends" About Smart Car Key Fob Replacement
What Can a Smart Car Key Fob Do For You?
They are also known as fobs, keysless entry or smart keys, they were first introduced by Mercedes in 1998. These computer-controlled fobs are capable of carrying out a variety of tasks, such as locking and unlocking the car or beginning it.
They function by sending an encrypted, rolling message. This keeps them safer from hackers with a technological edge.
Safety
A smart key fob communicates with a vehicle through radiofrequency waves. It emits a low power signal that, when pressed the button, instructs the vehicle to open doors and begin the engine. The car is programmed to recognize the unique encryption code of a specific key fob. This means that even when the key fob has been stolen, it won't be used to start the car.
A new vulnerability allows thieves to exploit this communication. Relay attacks are carried out with devices that transmit at the same frequency as keys. How Stuff Works Electronics says that a burglar could slip one of these devices in a pocket or hidden spot to block the remote lock command. It's a problem that could become more commonplace as more drivers adopt smart keys.
Apart from these security features, the smart key fob can make life easier by automatically attending to the needs of your vehicle. For instance the key fob connected to your smartphone will detect your presence and open the doors so that it's not necessary to press the remote button. It can also recognize that you're leaving the vehicle and automatically lock it, so you won't forget to lock the doors. A lot of smart key fobs have an indicator of the battery that tells you ahead of time when the battery is at a low level. Most models allow you to replace the battery quickly and easily, without any special tools.
Convenience
Smart keys do not need to be inserted physically into an ignition slot to open or start the car. BMW Group explains that the driver just needs to bring the key within reach of the car. In fact, some smart keys, like the Display Key, feature small LCD touchscreen in color that allows users to access features such as locking, unlocking, and keyless start right from their keys without needing to connect to the car's Bluetooth system.
A smart key could also save drivers time by automating the locking of their doors when they leave. This feature is present in a variety of vehicles, as per Consumer Reports, and can help maneuver into tight parking spots without causing injury to something or the person.
Furthermore, smart key systems typically do not send the same frequency signal over and over which could make them more vulnerable to relay attacks, as explained by Open Road Auto Group. So it is impossible for a stolen car to be connected to a hotwire if equipped with a smart key as the encrypted signal that the key fob transmits is unique to each car. This technology makes it difficult for thieves to steal the car.
Security
Some of the latest electronic features in today's newer automobiles are contained in the key fob. These devices do much more than lock and unlock doors, or make chirping sounds to aid drivers in finding their car in a parking space However, some owners may not be aware of all that these key fobs can do.
For instance, certain smart keys are able to activate windows that automatically open and sunroof if they are hit. A auto editor from CR once walked out to her Honda Accord only to find all the windows closed and the sunroof open. This was one of the reasons she was thankful for her Smart Key, which locked the vehicle automatically.
According to How Stuff Works, some smart keys use computer encrypted signals to prevent car thieves from stealing. This technology blocks hotwiring, which thieves steal the engine controller module (ECM) which is typically located in front of the engine. The ECM controls a variety of vital functions, including engine power and transmission control.
Other features of smart keys include anti-theft codes and a unique security ID assigned to each key, which can block the ignition if it's not the correct one. The security ID is a unique code that is transmitted from the ECM to the key when it's inserted in the ignition and confirmed by a sensor in the car.
Maintenance
Smart car key fobs can do more than just unlock the door. It can start your engine and activate the suspension and brakes remotely. It also can provide information about your vehicle, like the level of fuel and oil temperature.
A smart car key fob, just like any other electronic device, requires regular maintenance to function efficiently. Modern key fobs have battery indicators to alert the driver that it is time to replace the battery. It is simple to replace the battery and you don't require any special tools.
In certain situations, however, a smart key may stop functioning entirely. If you suspect that this is the case Try to reset the smart key by exiting the vehicle and coming back inside. This will enable the car to understand that the key fob is still in the vehicle and let it to be used again.
Contact a locksmith if you cannot get your key fob working. They can reprogram the fob so that it can be recognized by the car again and you can make use of all of its features. This is usually less expensive than buying a brand new fob and can save you money over time. In some instances, the locksmith can repair an existing key fob in order to be able to swap it as a replacement. This could save you more money in the end.