Car Keys For Aging Parents and Loved Ones
Sometimes, caregivers of elderly loved ones have to make difficult choices. If an aging parent or loved one is driving in a dangerous manner then it could be the right time to take away the keys to their car.
Many vehicles have a driver's settings which is set to a specific key. This feature is especially useful if you are sharing the vehicle with a number of people.
Transponder Keys
Transponder keys are common in a majority of modern cars. They add an extra layer of security to your car that regular keys cannot. They are tiny microchips embedded in your key that send signals to the car's immobilizer system that allows it to start only when a valid, working key is within reach. This kind of technology has drastically reduced car theft rates across the world.
But it's not 100% secure. Professional thieves have discovered ways to disguise these signals and still hotwire the vehicle. They can also repurpose standard cut key blanks and design their own transponder keys. So, even if your car has transponder keys it's worth purchasing an extra.
thekeylab.co.uk will create them for you at a fraction of the cost of a car dealership. They will look over your key to determine the best methods of copying and programming. The new key can be programmed to work with your vehicle.
A reputable locksmith should also be able to assist with non-transponder keys or "flat" keys. These keys function mechanically via cuts made on the sides of the keys and don't utilize any electronic technology to connect with your vehicle. These kinds of keys are easy for kids to play with, which is why they're less secure. They are also easily copied by anyone who has the aid of a key cutter.
Smart Keys
Smart keys are a type of key fob that is used in a variety of modern automobiles. They perform the same functions as a remote control however, they come with additional features. Smart keys can unlock and lock your vehicle from a distance without pressing any buttons. They can also be used to start the engine. These functions work even if you have the key in your pocket or purse.
One of the most appealing aspects about smart keys is that they are very secure. Hackers aren't able easily to steal your car because the signals they send are encrypted. A computer in your car checks the codes projected by the smart keys before getting the engine started.
You might encounter some issues as the technology is still in development. For example, if your key and phone are too close together the cell's normal operating signals could interfere with the signal your smart key transmits.
Some smart keys come with an incredibly small color touchscreen. BMW for instance, created the Display Key, which has an LCD that allows the driver to perform different functions from the keyfob, such as locking, unlocking, or starting. The key also informs the owner when its battery is low and recommends the replacement from your dealer.
Keyless Entry
If you don't want go quite as far as a transponder key or smart key Keyless entry systems can allow you to lock and unlock your car with the touch of a button. These systems use radio waves, or RF to signal a receiver inside the vehicle. Depending on the technology employed, the signal can also be used to turn on the engine of the vehicle and deactivate the security alarm.
Keyless entry eliminates hiding spare keys, which are a prime target for thieves. It also keeps you from having to worry about losing or misplacing your car keys and could occur to anyone at any time. However, you must change the code regularly to avoid compromising your security.
The way that keyless entry works is to press the button on your app or physical key fob to transmit the radio signal of 315 Megaherz. The signal gets encrypted and scrambled before it's sent out, which means that even if hackers get access to it the signal, they won't be in a position to gain permanent access to your car.
Some keyless entry kits have the option of passive engine start which means that the car will continue to run and start the engine even if the key isn't in range. This is a security feature that's designed to prevent your car from running out of gas, as well as to prevent toxic fumes from leaking into the interior of the car.
Remote Start
Remote start systems offer convenience and peace of mind, whether your car is on the street or in your driveway. The system transmits the signal to the RES module in the vehicle by pressing a button, or by using an application.
The system also works for other features within your vehicle, like opening and closing windows, or setting the temperature of heated or cooled seats. Some systems are more versatile and feature auxiliary channels that can be used to control things like power-assisted steering, automatic climate controls, as well as rear defrost.
The good news is that the majority of Seats manufactured since 1995 have transponders embedded in the key. This means that the majority of the newer models can be used with remote-start systems. However, certain older Seat models will require a key with a transponder chip that is less basic and won't work with any remote-start systems.
Many parents have had the experience when they get back into the car seat of their child and cannot get enough strength to press the red release button. A company called NAMRA created a solution to this issue that makes it easier to unbuckle even when you have a hard time pressing down on the buckle using your thumb.