10 Things We We Hate About Car Seat Key
Car Keys For Aging Parents and Loved Ones
Caregivers of their elderly loved ones are often faced with difficult choices. It may be time to remove the keys to their car from an elderly parent.
A lot of cars have a driver setting configured to a specific key. This feature is particularly useful in the event that multiple people are sharing the vehicle.
Transponder Keys
Transponder keys are common in all modern vehicles. They provide an extra layer of security to your car that flat metal keys can't. They are tiny microchips in your keys that send a signal to the immobilizer system of your car, allowing it to start only when a valid key is within reach. This type of technology has dramatically reduced car theft rates around the globe.
It's not 100% secure. Professional thieves have found ways to spoof the signals and still hotwire the vehicle. They can also repurpose standard cut keys and make their own transponder keys. Even if your car comes with a transponder, it's worthwhile to get an extra.
A reputable locksmith is able to make these keys for you at much less than the price of car dealerships. They'll begin by looking over your key and determining best method of copying and programming. The new key can be programmed to work with your vehicle.
A reputable locksmith should be able assist you with non-transponder or "flat" keys. These keys operate mechanically using cuts cut into the sides of the key and do not use any electronic technology to connect with your vehicle. These keys are easy to use by children which makes them less secure. Anyone with a key cutter can also copy keys.
Smart Keys
A majority of modern vehicles are equipped with smart keys, a kind of key fob which performs the functions of a standard remote, but it also has additional features. Smart keys can unlock and lock your vehicle from a distance, without pressing any buttons. You can also use them to start your engine. These features work regardless of whether the key is concealed in a purse or pocket.
One of the most appealing aspects about smart keys is that they are very secure. Hackers can't easily steal your car due to the signals they send are encrypted. In addition, a computer inside your vehicle validates the code that is generated by the smart key before it begins the engine.
There are some issues that you may encounter as the technology is still in development. If your phone and key are too close to each other, the normal operating signals from your phone could interfere with any signal transmitted by your smart key.
Certain smart keys have a small color touchscreen. For example, BMW developed the Display Key with a screen which allows the user to perform a variety of tasks via the key fob such as locking, unlocking, and starting. seat key alerts owner when its battery is low and will offer an additional battery from the dealer.
Keyless Entry
If you don't want to go as far as a transponder or a smart key, you can secure and unlock your vehicle by pressing a button. These systems make use of radio signals, known as RF to communicate with a receiver inside the vehicle. Based on the system, the signal can also trigger the engine of the car and deactivate the alarm.
Keyless entry makes it impossible to hide spare keys, which can be a prime target for thieves. There is no need to worry about losing or misplacing keys to your car that could happen at any time. It is important to change the code frequently to ensure your security.
The way keyless entry works is to press the button on your physical or app key fob to send the radio signal at 315 Megaherz. The signal is scrambled and encrypted before it is sent out, so even if hackers are able to intercept it, they will not be able to gain access to your vehicle.
Some keyless entry systems include passive engine starting, which means that the car will run and start when the key is not in range. This is a safety feature designed to prevent your car from running out of gas as well as to keep toxic fumes from leaking into the interior of the car.
Remote Start
When your car is in your driveway or on the streets remote start systems give you peace of mind and convenience. The system sends the signal to the RES module of the vehicle by pressing a button, or by using an app.
The system can also be used to regulate heated and cooled seats, or to open and shut windows. Some systems are more versatile and feature auxiliary channels that can be used to control things such as power-assisted steering wheel, automatic climate control, and rear defrost.
The good news is that a majority of seats manufactured after 1995 have a transponder embedded in the key. Therefore, the majority of newer models can be used with remote-start systems. However, some older Seat models require a key with a more basic transponder chip and will not work with any remote-start systems.
Many parents have experienced that moment when they reach for the back of their child's car seat but struggle to push down on the red 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 have a hard time pressing down on the buckle using your thumb.