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What Can a Smart Car Key Fob Do For You? Also known as fobs, keyless entry or smart keys, they were first introduced by Mercedes in 1998. The fobs that are computer controlled are capable of carrying out a variety of tasks including locking and unlocking the vehicle or beginning it. They transmit a rolling encrypted signal. They are protected from tech-savvy thieves. Safety A smart key fob continually communicates with a vehicle by radiofrequency waves. It transmits a low-power message that, when pressed, will instruct the car to open doors and start the engine. The car is programmed to recognize the unique encryption code of a particular key fob. This means that if a key fob is stolen, the car cannot be started. But a new form of hacking can allow thieves to exploit that communication. Relay attacks are carried out with devices that transmit at the same frequency as key fobs. A thief can place one of these gadgets in a purse or hiding area to disable the lock command from a distance, according to How Stuff Works Electronics. This is a risk that could become more commonplace as more drivers switch to smart keys. A smart key fob isn't just a security feature but it can make your life easier by automatically taking care of the requirements of your vehicle. A key fob connected to your smartphone, for example, can detect your presence and then unlock the doors, meaning you don't need to push the remote button. It can also tell when you're leaving and automatically lock the vehicle, so you don't have to fret about forgetting to lock the doors. Many smart key fobs include an indicator of the battery that tells you in advance that the battery is at a low level. The majority of models let you replace the battery quickly and easily, without any special tools. Convenience Contrary to traditional keys made of metal Smart keys do not need to be physically inserted into an ignition slot in order to unlock or start the car. BMW Group explains that the driver simply needs to bring the key within the range of the car. Some smart keys, including the Display Key, come with a small LCD touchscreen that gives users to access 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 smart keys can help drivers save time is by automatizing the process of locking their car doors after they leave. Consumer Reports says that this feature is available on many vehicles. It can also make it easier for drivers to maneuver into tight spots without accidentally pushing the door or something else. Open Road Auto Group explains that smart key systems do not transmit the same frequency signal over and over in order to make them more susceptible to relay attacks. Therefore it is impossible for a stolen car to be connected to a hotwire if equipped with a smart key since 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 Some of the high-tech electronic features in today's modern automobiles are included in the key fob. These devices can do more than simply lock and unlock doors or make chirping sounds that help drivers find their car in a parking space however, some owners might not be aware of everything that these smart key fobs do. Certain smart keys, for instance, will activate the automatic windows and sunroof of an automobile when you press. A auto editor for CR once went out to her Honda Accord only to find all the windows down and sunroof open. She was thankful for her Smart Key that automatically locked the car. Some smart keys use computer-encrypted signals to deter car thieves According to How Stuff Works. This technology prevents hotwiring in which thieves steal a vehicle's engine controller module (ECM) which is typically located in front of the engine. The ECM is responsible for many important functions like engine power, transmission control and more. Smart keys also include anti-theft codes, as well as an unique ID security code assigned to each key. This can disable the ignition when the wrong key is used. The security ID is a number that is transmitted by the ECM from the key to the ignition, and then confirmed by a sensor in the car. Maintenance Smart car key fobs can do more than unlock the door. It can start your engine and also activate the suspension and brakes remotely. It also provides information about your car like the level of fuel and the temperature of your oil. A smart car key fob like any other electronic device, requires regular maintenance to function properly. Modern key fobs include indicators for the battery that inform the driver when it's time to replace the battery. It is simple to replace the battery and you don't need any special tools. In certain situations the smart key can stop working completely. If you suspect that this is the issue try resetting the smart key by leaving the vehicle and returning inside. This will allow the car to know that the key fob is still in the vehicle and let it regain functionality. If you're not able to connect your fob get in touch with a locksmith for help. They can reprogram your fob so that it can be recognized by your car and you can utilize all its features. This is typically cheaper than purchasing a new key and can save you money over time. In some cases, a locksmith can repair an existing key fob in order to be able use it for a new one. This can save you money in the end.