Car Keys For Aging Parents and Loved Ones
Caregivers of elderly loved ones often face difficult choices. If an elderly parent or loved one is driving in a dangerous manner then it could be the right time to remove their car keys.
Many cars have a driver's setting that is set to a particular key. This feature is particularly beneficial if you share your vehicle with a number of people.
Transponder Keys
Modern cars are equipped with transponder keys that provide a layer of security that keys made of flat metal aren't able to. These are tiny microchips embedded in your key. They transmit a signal to an immobilizer system in the car, which allows it to start when a valid keys is within reach. This kind of technology has drastically reduced car theft rates around the globe.
However, it's not foolproof. Professional thieves have found ways to disguise the signals, and hotwire a vehicle. They can also repurpose keys to make their own transponder. Even if your vehicle comes with a transponder, it's worth getting an extra.
A reputable locksmith can make these keys for you at just a fraction of the cost of car dealerships. They'll begin by inspecting your key and determining the best copying and programming methods. The new key can be programmed to work with your vehicle.
A reputable locksmith should also be able to help you with "flat" or non-transponder keys. These keys connect to your car using mechanical means, not electronic technology. These keys are simpler to use by children and are less secure. Anyone with a key-cutter can also copy them.
G28 of modern vehicles are equipped with smart keys, a type of key fob that performs the same functions as the remote, but also comes with additional features. Smart keys have the ability to lock and unlock your car from a distance, without needing to touch any buttons. You can also use them to start your engine. These functions are functional regardless of whether the key is in your purse or pocket.
Smart keys are extremely secure. Hackers can't easily steal your car due to the signals they send are encrypted. In addition, a computer in your vehicle confirms the code that is projected by the smart keys before starting the engine.
The technology is still being developed and you might have to deal with a few glitches in the system. If your key and phone are too close to each other, the functioning signals of your phone could interfere with any signal transmitted by your smart key.
Certain smart keys have tiny touchscreens in color. BMW, for example, created the Display Key, which has a screen allowing the driver to perform a variety of functions from the keyfob, such as locking, unlocking and starting. The key will also inform the owner that their battery is running low and suggest a new one from the dealer.
Keyless Entry
If you don't want to go quite as far as a smart key or transponder key Keyless entry systems allows you to lock and unlock your car at the touch of a button. These systems use radio waves, or RF to signal an internal receiver within the vehicle. Depending on the system used, the signal may also be used to turn on the engine of the vehicle and disarm the alarm system for security purposes.
Keyless entry prevents you from hiding spare keys that are an ideal target for thieves. You don't have to worry about losing or misplacing keys to your car, which can occur at any moment. It is important to change the code regularly to ensure your security.
You can use your key fob app or a physical key fob transmit a radio signal in the range of 315 Megaherz. The signal is encrypted and then scrambled before being sent out, which means that even if a hacker intercepts it and tries to steal it, they won't be able to gain permanent access to your car.
Certain keyless entry systems come with the option of passive engine starting, which means that the car can run and start when the key isn't within reach. This is a safety feature that's designed to keep your car from running out of gas, as well as to keep harmful fumes from entering the cabin.
Remote Start
Whether the car is parked in your driveway or on the streets Remote start systems can provide peace of head and convenience. With a push of a button on your key fob or the command "start" from an app, the system will send the signal to your vehicle's RES control module, which will turn on and warm up your engine.
The system can also be used to adjust the temperature of seats or open and close windows. Certain systems are more flexible and come with auxiliary channels which can be used to control things such as power-assisted steering wheel, automatic climate control, and rear defrost.
The good news is that most Seats made since 1995 include a transponder embedded in the key. Most newer cars can be used with remote start systems. Certain older Seat models require keys with a basic transponder and will not work with remote-start systems.
Many parents have had the experience when they get back into the car seat of their child, but struggle to press the release button that is red. A company called NAMRA created a solution to that problem, making it easy to unbuckle even if you're having difficulty pressing down on the buckle using your thumb.