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What Can a Smart Car Key Fob Do For You? Mercedes introduced the first fobs in the year 1998. They are also known as smart keys, keyless entry, or keyless entry fobs. Key fobs that are computer controlled can accomplish many things, including locking and unlocking cars as well as launching it. They function by broadcasting an encrypted, rolling signal. This helps protect them from hackers with a technological edge. Safety A smart key fob continuously communicates with a vehicle by radiofrequency waves. It transmits a low power signal that, when pressed it, signals the vehicle to open doors and begin the engine. The car recognizes the encrypted code that is generated by a specific key fob. This means that if the keyfob is stolen, the car cannot be started. A new hack allows thieves to exploit this method of communication. Relay attacks utilize devices that transmit at the same frequency as the key fob. The thief could place one of these gadgets in a purse or hiding location to thwart the lock command from a distance. How Stuff Works Electronics. This is a risk which could become more frequent as more and more drivers adopt smart keys. A smart key fob isn't just a security feature but can also make your life easier by automatically taking care of the requirements of your vehicle. For instance the key fob linked to your smartphone could detect your presence and open the doors, meaning that you don't have to hit the remote button. It can also sense when you're leaving and automatically lock the car, meaning you don't have to worry about not locking the doors. Many smart key fobs have a battery indicator that warns you well in advance when the battery is running low. The majority of models let you replace the battery quickly and without any tools or equipment required. Convenience Smart keys are not required to be physically inserted into an ignition slot to unlock or start the vehicle. BMW Group explains that the driver is only required to bring the key within range of the car. In fact, some smart keys, such as the Display Key, feature small LCD touchscreen that enables users to access features like locking, unlocking, and keyless start directly from their key fob without needing to connect to their car's Bluetooth system. A smart key could also help drivers save time by automating the closing of their car doors after they leave. This feature is available in a wide range of automobiles, according to Consumer Reports, and can also help get into tight parking spaces without accidentally hitting something or someone. Open Road Auto Group explains that smart key systems do not transmit the same frequency signal in a series of which can make them more susceptible to relay attacks. Smart keys are specific to each vehicle therefore a stolen vehicle cannot be wired. This technology makes it extremely difficult for thieves to steal a car. Security A few of the most advanced electronic features that are present in modern automobiles are contained in the key fob. These devices are capable of more than locking and unlocking doors or making chirping sounds to help drivers locate their car in parking spaces. However many owners are unaware of the full capabilities. Some smart keys, for instance, will activate the automatic windows and sunroofs on a vehicle when the key is pressed. A CR auto editor once walked out to her Honda Accord only to find all the windows closed and sunroof up. She was thankful for her Smart Key that automatically locked the car. According to How Stuff Works, some smart keys use computer encrypted signals to protect against car thieves. This technology prevents hotwiring, in which thieves take the engine control module (ECM) which is typically located in the front of the engine block. The ECM controls a variety of important functions, including engine power and transmission control. Other smart keys' features include anti-theft codes and an individual security ID assigned to each key, which can disable the ignition if it's not the right one. The security ID is a number that is transmitted by the ECM from the key to the ignition, and then verified by a sensor in the car. Maintenance A smart car key fob does much more than unlock your door. It can remotely start your engine, turn on suspension and brakes, and even start your vehicle. It also can provide information about your vehicle such as fuel level and oil temperature. Like any piece of electronic equipment the smart car key fob needs regular maintenance to function properly. Modern key fobs come with indicators for batteries that notify the driver when the battery is running low. Replacing the battery is a straightforward procedure, and no specialized tools are required. In some cases the smart key might stop working completely. If G28 Car Keys suspect that this is the cause, try to reset the smart key by removing the vehicle and coming back inside. This will enable the car to understand that the key fob is in the vehicle and allow it to regain its functionality. If you are unable to make your fob work Contact a locksmith for help. They can reprogram it so that the car can recognize it again and allows you to utilize all of its features. It's generally cheaper to do this instead of buying the new fob for your key, and it could save money in the end. In some cases, a locksmith can repair an existing key fob to be able use it for a replacement. This could save you money in the end.