Car Seat Key: What's No One Is Discussing
Car Keys For Aging Parents and Loved Ones
Caregivers of elderly loved ones sometimes find themselves facing difficult choices. It could be time to get rid of the keys to their car from an elderly parent.
Many vehicles have a driver setting set to a specific key. This feature is particularly useful if you are sharing the vehicle with several people.
Transponder Keys
Transponder keys are found in most modern cars. They add an extra layer of security to your car that regular keys cannot. These are tiny microchips that are embedded in your key. They send signals to an immobilizer system on the car, allowing it to start if a valid keys is within range. This technology has helped reduce car thefts all over the world.
It's not foolproof. Professional thieves have discovered ways to alter these signals, and hotwire the vehicle. They also reuse keys to make their own transponder. Even if your vehicle comes with transponders, it's worth getting an extra.
A reputable locksmith will create keys for you at a fraction of the cost of a dealership for cars. They'll begin by looking over your key and determining most efficient methods for copying and programming. The new key can be programmed to work with your vehicle.
A reputable locksmith will be able to help you with "flat" or non-transponder keys. These keys connect to your car using mechanical methods and not using electronic technology. These keys are easier for children to use, making them less secure. Anyone with a key-cutter can also copy them.
Smart Keys
Many modern vehicles are fitted with smart keys, a type of key fob that fulfills the functions of a standard remote but has added features. Smart keys are able to lock and unlock your vehicle at a distance without having to press any buttons. They can also be used to start the engine. These features will work regardless of whether the key is in your purse or pocket.
One of the most appealing aspects about smart keys is that they're extremely secure. Hackers aren't able easily to steal your car because the signals they transmit are encrypted. Additionally, a computer in your vehicle confirms the rolling code projected by the smart keys before starting the engine.
The technology is still developing, and you may need to work through a few glitches in the system. For example, if your key and phone are too close together the cell's normal operating signals could interfere with the signal that your smart key sends.
Certain smart keys have an incredibly small color touchscreen. For example, BMW developed the Display Key with a display that allows the driver to perform a variety of tasks from the key fob including locking, unlocking, and even starting. The key will also alert the owner if its battery is running low and offer to order a new one from the dealer.
Keyless Entry
If you're not looking to go as far as a transponder or smart key the keyless entry system can allow you to lock and unlock your car with the press of a button. These systems use radio waves, also known as RF which communicate with the car's receiver. Based on the system being employed, the signal can also be used to turn off the engine of the vehicle and disarm the security alarm.
Keyless entry will eliminate the need to store spare keys, which are an important target for thieves. It also keeps you from having to worry about losing or misplacing the car key, which can occur to anyone at any point. However, TheKeyLab must change the code regularly to ensure your security.
The way that keyless entry works is that you press the button on your device or key fob to send the radio signal at 315 Megaherz. The signal is encrypted and scrambled prior to sending it, so even if hackers intercept it, they will not be able to gain access to your vehicle.
Certain keyless entry systems include active engine starting, which means that the car will start and start even if the key isn't within reach. This is a safety feature designed to prevent your car from running out of gas, and also to prevent harmful fumes from entering the cabin.
Remote Start
Remote start systems offer convenience and peace of mind whether your car is on the street or in your driveway. With a push of the button on your key fob, or a "start" command via an app the system will send the signal to your vehicle's RES control module to start heating up your engine.
This system can also be used to regulate heated and cooled seats, or to open and shut windows. Some systems are more flexible and incorporate additional channels that can be used to regulate things as power-assisted wheel, automatic climate controls, and rear defrost.
The good news is that most seats manufactured after 1995 have transponders embedded in the key. Therefore, the majority of newer models are compatible with remote-start systems. However, certain older Seat models will require a key that has the more basic transponder chip and will not work with any remote-start systems.
Most parents have experienced the moment when they reach for the backseat of their child's seat and can't get enough strength to press down on the red car seat buckle release button. A company called NAMRA has come up with a solution to that problem that makes it easy to unbuckle even if you're having difficulty pressing down on the buckle using your thumb.