Car Keys For Aging Parents and Loved Ones
Sometimes, caregivers of loved ones who are elderly are faced with difficult decisions. It may be time to get rid of the car keys of an aging parent.
A lot of cars have a driver's setting which is set to a particular key. This feature is particularly useful 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 send an alert to an immobilizer system in the car, allowing it only to start when a set of valid keys is within range. This technology has helped to reduce car thefts across the globe.
However, it's not completely secure. Professional thieves have found ways to spoof these signals while still hotwiring the vehicle. They can also reuse standard cut key blanks and create their own transponder keys. Even if your vehicle has a transponder key it's a good idea to get a spare.
A reputable locksmith will create them for you at a fraction the cost of a dealership for cars. They'll begin by examining your key and determining best method of copying and programming. The new key can be programmed to work with your vehicle.
A reputable locksmith will also be able help you with "flat" or non-transponder keys. These keys communicate with your car using mechanical methods, not electronic technology. These keys are easy for kids to play with, meaning they're less secure. They are also easily copied by anyone who has the aid of a key cutter.
Smart Keys Keys
Many modern vehicles are equipped with smart keys, a kind of key fob that fulfills the functions of a standard remote, but also comes with additional features. Smart keys are able to lock and unlock your vehicle from a distance without pressing any buttons. They can also be used to start your engine. G28 Car Keys are functional even if your key is concealed in a pocket or purse.
One of the most appealing aspects about smart keys is that they are very secure. Hackers cannot easily take your car since the signals they transmit are encrypted. A computer in your car also examines the rolling codes that are projected by the smart keys prior to making the engine start.
The technology is still in development, and you may be faced with some glitches in the system. If your phone and key are too close to each other, normal operating signals from your phone could interfere with any signal sent by your smart key.
Some smart keys include the ability to use a small touchscreen color. For instance, BMW developed the Display Key with a touchscreen that lets the driver perform a variety functions via the key fob including locking, unlocking, and even starting. The key also alerts owner that its battery is low and recommends an additional battery from your dealer.
Keyless Entry
If you don't want go as far as transponder or smart key the keyless entry system will allow you to lock or unlock your car with the push of a button. These systems use radio waves, also known as RF, to communicate a receiver inside the vehicle. The system that is used will determine the signal could also turn on the engine of the car and deactivate the alarm.
Using keyless entry removes the need to conceal spare keys, which are a major security risk for thieves. It also keeps you from having to worry about losing or misplacing your car's key which could occur to anyone at any time. It is recommended to change the code frequently to ensure your security.
The way that keyless entry works is that you press the button on your mobile or physical key fob to send the radio signal of 315 Megaherz. The signal is scrambled and encrypted prior to sending it, which means that even if hackers intercept it, they won't be able gain permanent access to your vehicle.
Some keyless entry kits include active engine start, which means the car will continue to run and start the engine even if the key isn't in reach. This safety feature is designed to keep your car from running short on gas, and to avoid harmful fumes escaping into the interior.
Remote Start
Remote start systems can provide convenience and peace of mind whether the 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 the system will send the signal to the 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 adjusting heated/cooled seats. Certain systems are more flexible and include additional channels that can be used to control items as a power-assisted steering wheel, automatic climate control, and rear defrost.
The good news is that a majority of seats manufactured after 1995 have transponders embedded in the key. The majority of 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 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 push down on the release button that is red. A company called NAMRA created a solution to this issue that makes it easy to unbuckle even if you're having difficulty pressing down on the buckle using your thumb.