Caregivers of loved ones who are aging sometimes find themselves facing difficult decisions. It could be time to take away the keys to their car from an aging parent.
A lot of cars come with a driver's set-up that is set to a specific key. This feature is especially useful if you are sharing the vehicle with several people.
Transponder Keys
Modern cars are equipped with transponder keys, which provide the security keys made of flat metal cannot. They are tiny microchips in your key that send signals to the car's immobilizer system which allows it to start only when a valid, working key is within reach. This technology has helped to decrease car thefts around the world.
It's not an absolute guarantee. Professional thieves have found ways to spoof the signals while still hotwiring the vehicle. They can also reuse key blanks to create their own transponder. Therefore, even if your car comes with transponder keys it's a good idea to get a spare.
A reputable locksmith will make these keys for you at less than the cost of car dealerships. They'll begin by inspecting your key and determining the best copying and programming methods. They'll then program the new key to work with your vehicle.
A reputable locksmith should also be able assist you with non-transponder or "flat" keys. These keys connect to your car using mechanical means and not via electronic technology. They are more convenient for children to use and are less secure. Anyone who has a key-cutter could also copy them.
Smart Keys Keys
Many modern vehicles are fitted with smart keys, a type of key fob that can perform the basic functions of a remote, but also comes with additional features. Smart keys are able to lock and unlock your car from a distance without pressing any buttons. They can also be used to start the engine. These features work even if the key is hidden in your pocket or purse.
One of the great things about smart keys is that they are very secure. The signals they project are encrypted, which means that hackers aren't able to use them to steal your vehicle. In addition, a computer in your vehicle checks the code that is generated by the smart key before starting the engine.
The technology is still developing and you might encounter a few bugs in the system. If your key and phone are too close to each other, the operating signals from your phone could interfere with any signal transmitted by your smart key.
Some smart keys have the capability of displaying a small touch screen in color. For instance, BMW developed the Display Key equipped with a screen that lets the user perform a range of functions from the key fob such as locking, unlocking, and starting. The key will also alert the owner that their battery is low and will suggest that they purchase a new one from your dealer.
Keyless Entry
If you don't want to go as far as a smart key or transponder key the keyless entry system will let you lock and unlock your car at the push of a button. These systems utilize radio signals, also known as RF to communicate with a receiver in the vehicle. Based on the type of system, the signal could also activate the car's engine and disarm the alarm.
Using keyless entry removes the need to conceal spare keys, which are an important theft target. It also stops you from having to worry about losing or misplacing the car key which could occur to anyone at any point. But you should still update the code on a regular basis to ensure that you are secure.
You can use your app for key fobs or physical key fob to transmit a radio signal that is 315 Megaherz. The signal gets encrypted and scrambled before being released, so that even if hackers intercept it, they won't be able to gain access to your car.
car seat key come with active engine start, which means the vehicle will continue to run and begin the engine when the key isn't in range. This safety feature is designed to stop your car from running short on gas and to prevent harmful fumes from leaking into the interior.
Remote Start
Remote start systems can provide convenience and peace of mind regardless of whether the vehicle is parked on the street or in your driveway. With the push of a button on your key fob, or the command "start" from an app that the system sends the signal to your vehicle's RES control module to start up and warm up your engine.
The system can also be used to control heated or cooled seats, or to open and shut windows. Some systems are more flexible and include auxiliary channels which can be used to control things as a power-assisted wheel automated climate controls and rear defrost.
The good news is that most Seats made since 1995 include transponders embedded in the key. This means that the majority of the newer models can be used with remote-start systems. Some older Seat models require a key that has only a transponder that is basic and cannot be used with remote-start systems.
Most parents have experienced the moment when they reach into the back seat of their child's car seat but cannot manage to push down on the red car seat buckle release button. A company called NAMRA has come up with a solution to this issue, making it easier to unbuckle the seat even if you're having trouble pressing down on the buckle with your thumb.
