Car Keys For Aging Parents and Loved Ones
Sometimes caregivers of loved ones with a long-term illness are faced with difficult decisions. If an aging parent or loved one is driving unsafely it could be time to take away the keys to their car.
Most cars come with a driver's setting that is set to a particular key. This feature is especially helpful in the event that multiple people are sharing the vehicle.
Transponder Keys
Most modern cars come with transponder keys that provide an additional layer of security that keys made of flat metal aren't able to. These are tiny microchips that are embedded into your keys. They transmit an alert to an immobilizer system on the car, which allows it to start if a valid keys is within range. This technology has helped to reduce car thefts all over the world.
However, it's not foolproof. Professional thieves have come up with ways to fake the signals and still hotwire the vehicle. They can also use keys to make their own transponder. So, even if your car has a transponder key it's worth purchasing an extra.
A reputable locksmith is able to make these keys for you at a fraction of the cost of car dealerships. They will analyze your key to determine the best methods of copying and programming. They'll then program the new key to work with your car.
A reputable locksmith may also be able to assist you with "flat" or non-transponder keys. These are keys that operate mechanically using cuts cut into the sides of the keys, and they don't use any electronic technology to communicate with your vehicle. These keys are easier for children to use and are less secure. Anyone with a key cutter can also copy them.
Smart Keys
Smart keys are the type of key fob that can be found in many modern automobiles. They serve the same functions as a remote control, however, they come with additional features. Smart keys have the ability to lock and unlock your car at a distance without needing to press any buttons. You can also use them to start your engine. These features are functional regardless of whether your key is in your purse or pocket.
Smart keys are extremely secure. The signals they project are encrypted, so hackers can't use them to steal your car. In addition, a computer inside your vehicle validates the rolling code projected by the smart key before it begins the engine.
The technology is still developing, and you may need to work through some glitches in the system. If your phone and key are too close, the normal operating signals of your cell could interfere with any signal transmitted by your smart key.
Certain smart keys come with tiny color touchscreens. BMW is one example. BMW developed the Display Key, which has an LCD that allows the driver to perform different functions from the keyfob, including locking, unlocking and even starting. The key will also inform the owner that its battery is low and recommend an additional one from your dealer.
Keyless Entry
If you don't wish to go as far as a transponder, or smart key, you can still lock and unlock your car with the push of the button. These systems utilize radio signals, called RF that communicate with a receiver inside the vehicle. Depending on the system, the signal may also trigger the car's engine and disarm the alarm.
Using keyless entry eliminates the need to hide spare keys, which can be a major target for thieves. Also, it stops you from having to worry about losing or misplacing the car key, which can happen to anyone at any time. It is recommended to change the code often to ensure security.
The way keyless entry works is that you press the button on your mobile or physical key fob to transmit the radio signal of 315 Megaherz. The signal is encrypted and scrambled before being sent out, so that even if a hacker intercepts it then they won't have the ability to gain access to your car.
Some keyless entry systems come with active engine starting, which means that the car can run and start even if the key isn't in range. This safety feature is designed to stop your car from running out on gas and also to stop harmful fumes from leaking into the interior.
Remote Start
Whether the car is parked in your driveway or in the street remote start systems give you security and peace of mind. With a push of the button on your key fob, or a "start" button through an app, the system will send the signal to your vehicle's RES control module to turn on and warm up your engine.
This system also functions for other functions within your vehicle, such as opening and closing windows or changing the temperature of your heated/cooled seats. Some systems are more versatile and feature auxiliary channels that can be used to control items like power-assisted steering wheels automatic climate controls, as well as rear defrost.
The Keylab is, that a majority of Seat vehicles manufactured since 1995 will have an embedded transponder chip within the key. Most modern cars can be used with remote start systems. Certain older Seat models require a key that has only a transponder that is basic and will not work with remote-start systems.
Many parents have had the experience when they are reaching back into the car seat of their child, but are unable to push down on the release button that is red. NAMRA has developed an answer to this issue. It allows you to unbuckle the seat even if you're having difficulties pressing the buckle using your thumb.