10 Startups Set To Change The Smart Car Key Fob Replacement Industry For The Better

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. They are computer-controlled and capable of performing a variety of functions including locking and unlocking your car or beginning it. They transmit a rolling encrypted signal. They are protected from hackers with a technological edge. Safety A smart key fob continuously communicates with a vehicle by radiofrequency waves. It sends a low-power signal that, when pressed it, signals the vehicle to unlock doors and start the engine. The car recognizes the encrypted code that is generated by a specific key fob. This means that even in the event that the key fob gets stolen, it isn't used to start the car. A new hack allows thieves to exploit this type of communication. Relay attacks employ devices which transmit on the same frequency as the key fob. How Stuff Works Electronics says that thieves can put one of these gadgets into an unnoticed pocket or a hidden location to block the key fob's lock command remotely. This is a risk which could become more frequent as more motorists switch over to smart keys. A smart key fob isn't only a security tool but can also make your life easier by automatically taking care of the needs of your vehicle. For example the key fob connected to your smartphone will detect your proximity and unlock the doors, meaning that it's not necessary to press the remote button. It can also sense that you're leaving the car and close it, so you won't forget to lock the doors. A majority of smart key fobs have an indicator for batteries that tells you when the battery is low. Most models allow you to replace the battery quickly and conveniently without the need for any special tools. Convenience Unlike a traditional metal key smart keys do not require physically inserting into an ignition slot to unlock or start a car. Instead, the driver has to put it on them and bring it within the range of the vehicle, as described by the BMW Group. In fact, some smart keys, like the Display Key, feature an extremely small LCD touchscreen with color that allows users to access features such as locking, unlocking, and keyless start right from their key fobs without needing to connect to their car's Bluetooth system. smart fortwo key replacement can also help drivers save time by automating the locking of their car doors after they leave. This feature is offered in a wide range of vehicles, according to Consumer Reports, and can help navigate through parking spaces that are tight without accidentally squeezing something someone else. Open Road Auto Group explains that smart key systems don't transmit the same frequency signal over and over which can make them more vulnerable to relay attacks. Smart keys are specific to each vehicle so a stolen car cannot be connected to a hotwire. This makes it extremely difficult for thieves to steal a car. Security Some of the top-of-the-line electronic features found in the latest automobiles are included in the key fob. These devices can do more than just lock and unlock doors or emit chirping sounds to assist motorists in finding their car in a parking area, but some owners may not be aware of all that these smart key fobs are able to do. Certain keys, such as instance, can trigger the auto windows and sunroofs of a vehicle when the key is pressed. One CR auto editor went into her Honda Accord to find the windows completely shut and the sunroof completely open. That's one of the reasons she was thankful for her Smart Key, which locked the vehicle automatically. Some smart keys employ computer-encrypted signals to thwart car thieves, according to How Stuff Works. This technology prevents hotwiring, which is when thieves steal the engine control module (ECM), which is usually located in the front of the engine block. The ECM is responsible for a variety vital functions, such as transmission control and engine power. Other smart keys' features include anti-theft coding and a security ID unique to each key. This could disable the ignition in the event that it's not the correct one. The security ID is a number that is transmitted by the ECM from the key to the ignition and then validated by a sensor in the car. Maintenance Smart car key fobs do more than just unlock the door. It can start your engine and activate the suspension and brakes remotely. It also provides information about your car, including the level of fuel and the oil temperature. Like any piece of electronic equipment smart car key fob requires regular maintenance in order to function properly. Key fobs that are modern have indicators for batteries that notify the driver when the battery is running low. Replacing the battery is a simple procedure, and no specialized tools are required. In some cases however the smart key might cease to function completely. If you suspect that this is the case, try to reset the smart key by removing the vehicle and returning inside. This will enable the car to understand that the key fob is still in the vehicle and allow it regain functionality. If you are unable to connect your fob, contact a locksmith to assist. They can reprogram it so that your vehicle recognizes it again and allows you to utilize all of its functions. This is usually less expensive than buying a brand new fob and can save you money over time. In certain instances, the locksmith can fix an existing key fob to be able to swap it to purchase a new one. This can help you save more money in the long run.