Car Keys For Aging Parents and Loved Ones
Caregivers of their elderly loved ones are often faced with difficult decisions. If an elderly parent or loved one is driving dangerously, it may be time to get rid of the keys to their car.
A lot of cars come with a driver setting that is set to a particular key. This feature is especially helpful when there are multiple people sharing the vehicle.
Transponder Keys
Modern cars are equipped with transponder keys, which provide the security keys made of flat metal cannot. These are tiny microchips that are embedded in your key. They send a signal to an immobilizer system in the car, allowing it to start if a valid keys is within reach. This technology has helped reduce car thefts around the globe.
It's not 100% secure. Professional thieves have discovered ways to spoof the signals and still wire the vehicle. They can also use standard cut key blanks and design their own transponder keys. Even if your car comes with a transponder, it's worthwhile to get an extra.
A reputable locksmith can create them for you at a fraction of the cost of a dealership for cars. They'll start by examining your key and determining most efficient methods for copying and programming. They can then program the new key to work with your car.
A reputable locksmith should be able to assist with non-transponder or "flat" keys. These keys communicate with your car through mechanical means and not using electronic technology. These types 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 a key cutter.
Smart Keys
Smart keys are a type key fob that can be found in many modern automobiles. They perform the same functions as a remote control, but they have additional features. Smart keys have the ability to lock and unlock your vehicle from a distance without needing to press any buttons. You can also use them to start your engine. These features work regardless of whether the key is in your purse or pocket.
One of the greatest things about smart keys is that they're very secure. Hackers can't easily steal your car due to the signals they transmit are encrypted. A computer in your car also verifies the rolling codes that are projected by the smart keys prior to starting the engine.
You could encounter some glitches as the technology is still being developed. If online and phone are too close, the normal functioning signals of your phone could interfere with any signal transmitted by your smart key.
Certain smart keys have the ability to use a small touchscreen color. BMW for instance, created the Display Key, which has a screen allowing the driver to perform different functions from the keyfob. These include locking, unlocking, and starting. The key also alerts user when the battery is low and suggests the replacement from your dealer.
Keyless Entry
If you don't want to go as deep as a transponder or smart key, you are able to secure and unlock your vehicle with the push of one button. These systems use radio signals, referred to as RF which connect to a receiver inside the vehicle. Depending on the technology employed, the signal can also be used to turn off the engine of the vehicle and deactivate the alarm system for security purposes.
Keyless entry eliminates the need to hide spare keys, which are an important theft target. It also prevents you from having to worry about losing or misplacing your car keys, which can happen to anyone at any point. However, it is important to change the code regularly to avoid compromising your security.
The way keyless entry works is that you press the button on your mobile or physical key fob to send out a radio signal of 315 Megaherz. The signal is encrypted and scrambled before being released, so that even if a hacker tries to intercept it the signal, they won't be in a position to gain access to your car.
Certain keyless entry systems include an engine that is not starting. This means that the car will be running and start when the key isn't within reach. This is a safety feature that's designed to prevent your vehicle from running out of gas as well as to prevent the release of toxic fumes into the interior of the car.
Remote Start
Remote start systems offer convenience and peace of mind, regardless of whether your car is parked on the street or in your driveway. With the push of the button on your key fob or a "start" button through an app it will send the signal to the RES control module, which will activate and warm your engine.
This system can also be used to regulate heated and cooled seats, or to open and shut windows. Certain systems are more flexible and come with auxiliary channels which can be used to control items like power-assisted steering wheels automatic climate controls, and rear defrost.
The good news is that most Seats manufactured since 1995 have transponders embedded in the key. This means that the majority of the newer models are compatible with remote-start systems. However, some older Seat models require keys with an older transponder chip and will not work with any remote-start systems.
Many parents have experienced the moment when they are reaching back into the car seat of their child and struggle to push down on the release button that is red. A company called NAMRA created a solution to this issue that makes it simpler to remove the buckle even if you have a hard time pressing down on the buckle using your thumb.