How do smart keys work

The key can also store information like power seat and mirror settings [source: Braunstein ]. How good are these smart keys when it comes to anti-theft technology? Well, for one, they also use rolling codes. A computer inside the vehicle recognizes the rolling code projected by the smart key, and then verifies it before starting the engine. BMW's smart keys also use computer-encrypted microchips to ward off car thieves who want to exploit this technology [source: Popular Mechanics].

This way, no one can use just any smart key to open up your vehicle's doors or start its engine. The technology may be more advanced, but the effect is basically the same: your key matches your car.

So is this new advanced key setup a better method of keeping your vehicle safe? In many ways, it is, but researchers, hackers, and would-be car thieves are always coming up with new ways to try to steal what's yours.

If you lose your smart key, you can reorder another one. But it isn't as simple as going to a locksmith for a copy because you need a fob with a specialized chip. Keyless Entry vs. Smart Key Comparison So what are the differences between a smart key and keyless entry? Both are technologies that allow you to lock and unlock your doors remotely.

You can also use both technologies to remotely start your car, to varying degrees. Furthermore, a smart key can qualify as keyless entry, but not all keyless entry fobs are smart keys. Smart keys allow for more remote actions than a standard keyless entry fob. With smart keys, you can lock or unlock your doors depending on the proximity of your car without pressing a button. The chip in a smart key may also calibrate settings and preferences depending on the last user that used the fob.

Final Thought On the surface, you may use keyless entry and smart keys interchangeably. But keyless entry is more like a general reference to passive keyless entry.

Also, if the smart key gets lost during a ride, you can still drive your vehicle as long as the key is inside of the vehicle. If the smart key battery is low but not dead, it will also still operate. Many systems will inform the driver that the battery is low.

But the way a driver is informed varies, depending on the system. For any feedback or correction requests please contact us at research caranddriver.

New Cars. Buyer's Guide. Type keyword s to search. Today's Top Stories. How Does a Smart Key Work? To lock a vehicle with a smart key system, a driver can do any of the following this is because cars have various locking methods, depending or make or model : Get out of the car and bring their key with them Press a button on the door handle Touch a capacitive area on the door handle Use their key fob Smart Key Definition A smart key is a key designed for electronically accessing a corresponding vehicle.

Who Introduced the Smart Key System? You may be able to find more information about this and similar content at piano. Advertisement - Continue Reading Below. Many locksmiths have tested the Kwikset Smart Key lock for picking, and the result came out the same. It is almost impossible to pick a Kwikset Smart Key Lock. It is difficult to find any bolt that can pass this thorough and rough test. Kwikset is the top brand when we look for smart key locks.

For over many years, they have proved their competence over and over again. This is the reason why many are buying Kwikset Smart Key locks for their homes and office. Do you have any questions or concerns? Your email address will not be published. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Skip to primary navigation Skip to main content Skip to primary sidebar Thanks to the Internet, the popularity of smart locks has increased. Kwikset and another Canadian company called Weiser manufacture the key.

Keep reading to learn more. Is Kwikset smart key bump proof? Can one pick a Kwikset SmartKey lock? Leave a Reply Cancel reply Your email address will not be published. Copy link. Copy Copied. Powered by Social Snap.