Car Keys For Aging Parents and Loved Ones
Sometimes caregivers of loved ones who are elderly are faced with difficult decisions. It might be time to put away the car keys of an elderly parent.
A lot of cars have a driver setting set to a specific key. This feature is particularly beneficial if you share your vehicle with a number of people.
Transponder Keys
Transponder keys are standard in the majority of modern automobiles. They add an extra layer of security to the car that regular keys cannot. These are small microchips inside the key that transmit a signal to the car's immobilizer system that allows it to start only when a valid, working key is within range. This technology has helped decrease car thefts around the world.
It's not 100% secure. Professional thieves have come up with ways to disguise the signals while still hotwiring the vehicle. The KeyLab can also use standard cut key blanks and create their own transponder keys. Even if your car is equipped with an electronic transponder, it's worth getting an extra.
A reputable locksmith will create keys for you at a fraction of the cost of a car dealership. They'll begin by inspecting your key and determining the best method of copying and programming. The new key can be programmed to work with your vehicle.
A reputable locksmith should be able to assist you with non-transponder or "flat" keys. These are keys that operate mechanically through cuts on the sides of the key, and they don't use any electronic technology to communicate with your vehicle. These keys are easy to use by children as they are less secure. They can also be copied by anyone with the help of a key cutter.
Smart Keys
Smart keys are a type key fob used in many modern vehicles. They serve the same functions as a remote control, but they also come with additional features. Smart keys can be used to lock and unlock your vehicle from a distance without you needing to touch any buttons. You can also use them to start your engine. These features work regardless of the key in your purse or pocket.
One of the best parts about smart keys is that they're extremely secure. The signals they project are encrypted, meaning that hackers can't make use of them to steal your car. Additionally, a computer in your vehicle checks the code that is projected by the smart key before it begins the engine.
The technology is in the process of being developed, and you may need to work through a few bugs in the system. If your key and phone are too close to each other, the normal operating signals from your cell could interfere with any signal sent by your smart key.
Some smart keys include tiny touchscreens in color. BMW for instance, developed the Display Key, which has a screen allowing the driver to perform various functions using the keyfob like locking, unlocking and starting. The key will also inform the owner that its battery is running low and will suggest that they purchase the new key from your dealer.
Keyless Entry
If you do not want to go as far as a transponder key, you can still lock and unlock your vehicle by pressing the button. These systems use radio signals, known as RF that communicate with a receiver in the vehicle. The system that is used will determine the signal may also activate the engine of the vehicle and also deactivate the alarm.
Using keyless entry eliminates the need to hide spare keys, which are a major threat to thieves. There is no need to worry about losing or misplacing keys to your car that could happen at any time. But you should still alter the code frequently to avoid compromising your security.
The way keyless entry works is that you press the button on your device or key fob to send an audio signal of 315 Megaherz. The signal is encrypted and scrambled before it is transmitted, so even if hackers are able to intercept it, they will not be able to gain access to your vehicle.
Certain keyless entry systems feature an engine that is not starting. This means that the car will be running and start even if the key is not within range. This is a security feature that's designed to keep your car from running out of gas, as well as to prevent toxic fumes from leaking into the cabin.
Remote Start
Remote start systems give you convenience and peace of mind regardless of whether the vehicle is parked on the street or in your driveway. By pressing a button on your key fob or the command "start" from an app, the system will send the signal to your vehicle's RES control module, which will start heating up your engine.
The 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 things like power-assisted steering wheels, automatic climate controls, as well as rear defrost.
The good news is, that the majority of Seat cars manufactured since 1995 will have transponder chips embedded in the key. So, the majority of modern cars are compatible with remote-start systems. Some older Seat models require a key with an ordinary transponder, and will not work with remote start systems.
Many parents have experienced the moment when they are reaching back into the car seat of their child and are unable to press the release button that is red. NAMRA has designed an answer to this issue. It helps you unbuckle your child's seat, even if you have difficulty pushing down the buckle with your thumb.