Car Keys For Aging Parents and Loved Ones
Caregivers of aging loved ones are often faced with difficult decisions. If an elderly parent or loved one is driving dangerously then it could be the right time to take away the keys to their car.
A lot of cars have a driver's setting that is set to a particular key. This feature is particularly helpful when there are multiple people sharing the vehicle.
Transponder Keys
The majority of modern cars have transponder keys that provide an additional layer of security that keys made of flat metal aren't able to. These are tiny microchips embedded into your keys. They transmit a signal to an immobilizer mechanism on the vehicle, allowing it to start if a valid keys is within reach. This technology has helped to reduce car thefts all over the globe.
It's not an absolute guarantee. Professional thieves have developed ways to spoof the signals and still hotwire a vehicle. They can also reuse keys to make their own transponder. Therefore, even if your car is equipped with transponder keys it's worth purchasing a spare.
A reputable locksmith is able to make these keys for you at just a fraction of the cost of car dealerships. They will analyze your key to determine the best methods of programming and copying. The new key can be programmed to work with your vehicle.
A reputable locksmith will be able to assist with "flat" or non-transponder keys. They operate mechanically through cuts on the sides of the key, and they don't use any electronic technology to connect with your vehicle. These types of keys are easy for children to play with, which is why they're less secure. Anyone who has a key-cutter could also copy keys.
Smart Keys Keys
A lot of modern cars are equipped with smart keys, a kind of key fob that can perform the functions of a standard remote but has added features. Smart keys are able to unlock and lock your vehicle from a distance, without pressing any buttons. They can also be used to start the engine. These features work regardless of whether the key is in a purse or pocket.
One of the greatest things about smart keys is that they're very secure. The signals they send out are encrypted, which means hackers can't use them to steal your vehicle. Furthermore, a computer inside your vehicle validates the rolling code projected by the smart key before it starts the engine.
You might encounter some issues because the technology is being developed. For instance, if you key and your phone are too close to each other and your phone's normal operating signals could interfere with the signal your smart key sends.
Some smart keys feature a small color touch screen. For example, BMW developed the Display Key with a display that allows the driver to perform a variety of functions using the key fob including locking, unlocking and starting. The key will also inform the owner that their battery is low and suggest a new one from your dealer.
Keyless Entry
If you're not looking to go as far as a smart key or transponder key, a keyless entry system will let you lock and unlock your car with the touch of a button. These systems utilize radio waves, or RF to transmit signals to a receiver inside the vehicle. Based on the type of system, the signal can also trigger the engine of the car and deactivate the alarm.
Using keyless entry can eliminate the need to hide spare keys, which can be an important security risk for thieves. It also prevents you from having to worry about losing or misplacing the car key and could happen to anyone at any point. TheKeyLab should change the key code regularly to ensure your security.
The way that keyless entry works is to press the button on your app or physical key fob to send out a radio signal at 315 Megaherz. The signal gets encrypted and then scrambled before being transmitted, so that even if hackers get access to it then they won't have the ability to gain access to your car.
Some keyless entry kits include active engine start this means that the vehicle will continue to run and begin the engine when the key isn't in range. This feature is designed to prevent your car from running low on gas and prevent harmful fumes from leaking into the interior.
Remote Start
Remote start systems give you convenience and peace of mind whether the car is parked on the street or in your driveway. The system sends the signal to the RES module in the vehicle by pressing a button, or by using an app.
The system also works for other features within the vehicle, such as opening and closing windows or changing the temperature of your heated/cooled seats. Certain systems are more flexible, and include auxiliary channels which can be used to regulate things as power-assisted wheels, automated climate controls and rear defrost.
The good news is, that a majority of Seat cars produced since 1995 will feature transponder chips embedded in the key. Most of the newer models are compatible with remote-start systems. However, some older Seat models require a key with a transponder chip that is less basic and won't work with remote-start systems.
Most parents have experienced the moment when they reach into the back seat of their child's car seat but cannot manage to press down on the red car seat buckle release button. A company called NAMRA has come up with a solution to this issue making it simpler to remove the buckle even if you have a hard time pressing down on the buckle with your thumb.