Car Keys For Aging Parents and Loved Ones
Sometimes, caregivers of loved ones in their senior years have to make difficult choices. If an aging parent or loved one is driving unsafely it could be time to get rid of their car keys.
Many cars come with a driver setting set to a specific key. This feature is particularly helpful in the event that multiple people are sharing the vehicle.
Transponder Keys
Transponder keys are standard in all modern vehicles. They provide an additional layer of security that flat metal keys can't. These are tiny microchips that are embedded into your keys. They send a signal to an immobilizer mechanism on the vehicle, allowing it to start when a set of valid keys is within range. This kind of technology has dramatically reduced car theft rates across the globe.
But it's not completely safe. Professional thieves have discovered ways to disguise these signals and still hotwire the vehicle. They can also reuse key blanks to create their own transponder. Even if your vehicle comes with transponders, it's worth purchasing an extra.
A reputable locksmith will create them for you at a fraction the cost of a car dealership. The Key Lab 'll begin by examining your key and determining the best copying and programming methods. The new key can be programmed to work with your vehicle.
A reputable locksmith may also be able to help you with "flat" or non-transponder keys. They operate mechanically through cuts on the sides of the keys and don't employ any electronic technology to communicate with your vehicle. These keys are easier for children to use as they are less secure. Anyone with a key cutter can also copy them.
Smart Keys
Many modern vehicles are fitted with smart keys, a type of key fob which performs the standard functions of the remote, but it also has additional features. Smart keys can lock and unlock your vehicle from a distance without pressing any buttons. They can also be used to start your engine. These functions are functional regardless of whether the key is in your pocket or purse.
Smart keys are extremely secure. Hackers cannot easily take your car because the signals they transmit are encrypted. In addition, a computer inside your vehicle validates the code that is projected by the smart key before it begins the engine.
You might encounter some issues because the technology is being developed. If your key and phone are too close to each other, normal functioning signals of your phone could interfere with any signal sent by your smart key.
Certain smart keys come with tiny color touchscreens. For instance, BMW developed the Display Key with a touchscreen that allows the driver to perform a range of functions via the key fob including locking, unlocking and even starting. The key also alerts owner when its battery is low and recommends a replacement from the dealer.
Keyless Entry
If you don't want go as far as a smart key or transponder key A keyless entry system will allow you to lock or unlock your car at the push of a button. These systems make use of radio waves, or RF to transmit signals to an internal receiver within the vehicle. The system that is used will determine the signal can also activate the engine of the car and deactivate the alarm.
Keyless entry can eliminate the need to hide spare keys, which are a major target for thieves. You won't have to worry about losing or misplacing keys to your car that could happen at any time. But you should still change the code regularly to avoid compromising your security.
The way that keyless entry works is to press the button on your app or physical key fob, which transmits the radio signal of 315 Megaherz. The signal is encrypted and scrambled prior to sending it, so even if hackers intercept the signal, they will not be able to gain access to your vehicle.
Some keyless entry kits have passive engine start which means that the vehicle will continue to run and begin the engine even if the key isn't within range. This feature is designed to stop your car from running short on gas and prevent poisonous fumes from entering the interior.
Remote Start
Remote start systems provide convenience and peace of mind, regardless of whether the vehicle is parked on the street or in your driveway. The system sends the signal to the RES module of the vehicle by pressing a button or through an application.
This system also works for other functions within your vehicle, like opening and closing windows or setting the temperature of heated or cooled seats. Some systems are more versatile and come with auxiliary channels which can be used to control items such as power-assisted steering wheel, automatic climate controls, and rear defrost.
The good news is that most seats made after 1995 have an embedded transponder within the key. So, the majority of modern cars are compatible with remote-start systems. However, some older Seat models will require a key that has an older transponder chip and won't work with any remote-start systems.
Most parents have experienced the moment when they reach for the back seat of their child's seat and aren't able to push down on the red buckle release button. NAMRA has created a solution to this issue. It helps you unbuckle your child's seat, even if you have trouble pressing down the buckle using your thumb.