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What Can a Smart Car Key Fob Do For You? Known as fobs or keyless entry or smart keys, they were introduced by Mercedes in 1998. These computer-controlled key fobs can accomplish a variety of tasks, such as locking and unlocking a vehicle and even starting it. They transmit an encrypted and rolling message. They are protected from tech-savvy thieves. Safety A smart key fob communicates with a vehicle, via radiofrequency waves. It transmits a low-power message that, when pressed will instruct the car to open doors and begin its engine. The car is programmed to recognize the unique encrypted code of a specific key fob. This means that if the keyfob is stolen, the car will not start. A new hack allows thieves to take advantage of this type of communication. Relay attacks use devices which transmit on the same frequency as the key fob. How Stuff Works Electronics says that a burglar could slip one of these devices inside an unnoticed pocket or a hidden location to stop the remote lock command. This is a problem which could become more frequent as more and more drivers adopt smart keys . Aside from these security features, the smart key fob can make life easier by automatically adjusting to the needs of your vehicle. A key fob linked to your smartphone, for example, can detect your presence and allow you to unlock the doors so you don't have to press a remote button. It could also detect that you're leaving the car and lock it, so you aren't tempted to forget to lock the doors. A majority of smart key fobs have a battery indicator that alerts you when the battery is not fully charged. In addition, replacing the battery on the majority of models is an easy, simple process that doesn't require any special tools. Convenience Contrary to traditional keys made of metal smart keys do not need to be physically inserted into an ignition slot to unlock or start the vehicle. BMW Group explains that the driver simply needs to bring the key within reach of the car. In fact, some smart keys, including the Display Key, feature an extremely small LCD color touchscreen that allows users to access features like locking and unlocking, as well as keyless start directly from their key fobs without needing to connect with the car's Bluetooth system. A smart key could also save drivers time by automating the locking of their car doors after they leave. This feature is available in a variety of vehicles, as per Consumer Reports, and can assist in allowing drivers to navigate through parking spaces that are tight without causing injury to something or anyone. Open Road Auto Group explains that smart key systems do not transmit the same frequency signal over and over and this could make them more vulnerable to relay attacks. Smart keys are distinct to each vehicle, so a stolen vehicle can't be wired. This technology makes it extremely difficult for thieves steal cars. Security Modern cars have the most advanced electronic features ever, and some of those are located on the key fob. These devices are capable of much more than simply locking and unlocking doors or making chirping sounds to help motorists locate their car in parking spaces. However certain owners might be unaware of the full capabilities. For instance, some smart keys can trigger windows that are automatically opened and sunroof if they are press. A auto editor from CR once walked out to her Honda Accord only to find all the windows closed and the sunroof open. That's one of the reasons she was grateful for her Smart Key, which locked the vehicle automatically. Some smart keys use computer-encrypted signals to stop car thieves, according to How Stuff Works. This technology prevents hotwiring, in which thieves steal the vehicle's engine control unit (ECM) that is usually located in the front of the engine block. The ECM is responsible for a variety vital functions, including engine power and transmission control. Other technologies used in smart keys include anti-theft encryption and a security ID unique to each key. This can disable the ignition if it's not the correct one. The security ID is a digit 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 can do much more than unlock the door. It can remotely start your engine, activate the brakes and suspension and even start your vehicle. It can also provide information about your car such as the fuel level and oil temperatures. A smart car key fob, like any other electronic device requires regular maintenance to work correctly. Modern key fobs include indicators for batteries that notify the driver when it is time to replace the battery. It's easy to replace the battery and you don't need any special tools. In certain instances the smart key could stop working completely. If you suspect this to be the case, you can reset it by leaving the vehicle and then re-entering it. This will allow the car to detect that the key fob is in the vehicle and allow it to be used again. Get in touch with a locksmith if are unable to get the key fob to work. They can reprogram it to ensure that your vehicle recognizes it and allows you to utilize all of its functions. It's usually more cost-effective to do this rather than purchasing an entirely new key fob and it could save money in the long run. In some cases, a locksmith can fix an existing key fob in order to be able use it for a replacement. This can save you even more money in the long run.