Think You're Cut Out For Smart Car Key Fob Replacement? Take This Quiz

What Can a Smart Car Key Fob Do For You? Known as fobs, keyless entry or smart keys, they were introduced by Mercedes in 1998. These key fobs controlled by computers can perform a variety of functions, including locking and unlocking a vehicle and also starting it. They work by broadcasting an encrypted, rolling signal. They are protected from thieves who are tech-savvy. Safety A smart key fob communicates with a vehicle by radiofrequency waves. It sends out a low-power signal that, when pressed, tells the car to unlock doors and start the engine. The car recognizes the unique encrypted code that is generated by a specific keyfob. This means that even when the key fob is stolen, it won't be used to begin the car. A new vulnerability allows thieves to exploit this communication. Relay attacks are based on devices that transmit on the same frequency as the key fob. The thief could place one of these gadgets in a pocket or hiding area to disable the lock command from a distance, says How Stuff Works Electronics. It's a problem that is likely to become more prevalent as more drivers adopt smart keys. Aside from these security features, the smart key fob can make life easier by automatically attending to your vehicle's needs. A key fob that is connected to your smartphone, for example can detect your presence and then unlock the doors, so you don't need to press the remote button. It can also sense that you're leaving the car and lock it, so you won't forget to lock the doors. A lot of smart key fobs also have an indicator of the battery that tells you ahead of time when the battery is low. Most models allow you to replace the battery quickly and easily, without any tools or equipment required. Convenience As opposed to a traditional metal key smart keys do not require physically inserting into an ignition slot in order to unlock or start the car. BMW Group explains that the driver only needs to bring the key within reach of the car. Some smart keys, including the Display Key, come with tiny LCD touchscreen that gives drivers access to features like locking, unlocking, and keyless starting directly from their key fob, without the need to connect the Bluetooth system in the car. Another way that smart keys can help save time for drivers is by automatizing the process of locking their car doors when they leave it. Consumer Reports says that this feature is available on a wide range of automobiles. It also makes it easier for drivers to maneuver into tight spots without accidentally pushing someone or something. Open Road Auto Group explains that smart key systems do not transmit the same frequency signal repeatedly and this could make them more susceptible to relay attacks. So a stolen vehicle can't be connected to a hotwire if equipped with a smart key because the encrypted signal that the key fob transmits is unique to each vehicle. This technology makes it extremely difficult for thieves to steal a car. Security Today's newer cars pack in more high-tech electronic features than ever before, and many of them are housed on the key fob. These devices do more than open and close doors, or make chirping sounds to assist drivers in finding their car in a parking space, but some owners may not be aware of everything that smart key fobs are able to do. For instance, certain smart keys can activate windows that are automatically opened and sunroof if they are hit. One auto editor from CR was able to walk into her Honda Accord to find the windows closed and the sunroof fully open. This is one of the reasons she was so grateful for her Smart Key, which locked the vehicle automatically. smart car key replacement near me use encrypted computer signals to thwart car thieves according to How Stuff Works. This technology is able to prevent hotwiring which is when thieves steal the vehicle's engine control module (ECM), which is usually located in the front of the engine block. The ECM is responsible for many important functions including engine power, transmission control, and more. Smart keys also have anti-theft codes and a unique security ID code assigned to each key. This could disable ignition when the wrong key is used. The security ID is a digit that is transmitted by the ECM from the key to the ignition and then validated by a sensor inside the car. Maintenance A smart car key fob can do more than just unlock your door. It can start your engine and operate the brakes and suspension remotely. It also can provide information about your vehicle including fuel level and oil temperature. Like all electronic equipment smart car key fob needs regular maintenance to function properly. The majority of modern key fobs have battery indicators that warn the driver when the battery is running low. It's simple to replace the battery, and you don't need special tools. In certain instances the smart key may stop working completely. If you suspect that's the case, attempt to reset it by getting out of the vehicle and then coming back inside. This will let the car recognize that the fob is present and allow it to return to normal operation. Contact a locksmith in the event that you have trouble getting your key fob to work. They can reprogram the fob so that it can be recognised by the car and you can use all its features. It's typically more affordable to do this rather than purchasing a new key fob, and it could save money in the long run. In some cases locksmiths can fix an existing fob to allow it to be used to make a new key. This can save you even more money in the end.