Car Keys For Aging Parents and Loved Ones
Caregivers of elderly loved ones sometimes find themselves facing difficult decisions. If an elderly parent or loved one is driving in a dangerous manner it could be time to take away the keys to their car.
Many vehicles come with a driver setting that is set to a specific key. This feature is especially helpful when there are multiple people sharing the vehicle.
Transponder Keys
Transponder keys are standard in a majority of modern cars. They add an additional layer of security that flat metal keys can't. These are tiny microchips embedded in your key. They transmit an alert to an immobilizer system on the car, allowing it to start when a set of valid keys is within range. This type of technology has drastically reduced car theft rates across the globe.
It's not completely secure. Professional thieves have found ways to fake these signals while still hotwiring the vehicle. They can also repurpose standard cut key blanks to create their own transponder keys. Even if your car has a transponder key it's worth purchasing a spare.
A reputable locksmith can create these keys for you at much less than the price of car dealerships. They will scrutinize your key to determine the most effective methods of programming and copying. They'll then program the new key to work with your car.
A reputable locksmith should be able to help you with non-transponder keys or "flat" keys. These keys function mechanically by cutting the sides of the keys, and they don't use any electronic technology to communicate with your vehicle. These kinds of keys are easy for kids to play with, and therefore they're less secure. Anyone with a key cutter can also copy keys.
Smart Keys Keys
A majority of modern vehicles are equipped with smart keys, a type of key fob that can perform the functions of a standard remote, but it also has additional features. Smart keys are able to lock and unlock your vehicle from a distance without needing to press any buttons. You can use them to start the engine. These features will work even if your key is concealed in a pocket or purse.
One of the best parts about smart keys is that they're extremely secure. The KeyLab send out are encrypted, which means that hackers aren't able to use them to steal your vehicle. A computer in your car checks the codes projected by the smart keys before starting the engine.
The technology is in the process of being developed, and you may encounter a few glitches in the system. If your key and phone are too close, the normal operating signals of your cell could interfere with any signal sent by your smart key.
Some smart keys feature the capability of displaying a small touch screen in color. For example, BMW developed the Display Key with a touchscreen which allows the user to perform a variety of tasks from the key fob, including locking, unlocking and starting. The key also informs the owner that its battery is low and offers to order an upgrade from the 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 make use of radio waves, also known as RF, to communicate an inside receiver. The system that is used will determine the signal could also activate the car's engine and disarm the alarm.
Keyless entry prevents you from hiding spare keys, which can be an ideal target for thieves. There is no need to worry about losing or misplacing your car keys and this can occur at any moment. However, you must alter the code frequently to ensure your security.
The way that keyless entry works is that you press the button on your physical or app key fob to transmit the radio signal of 315 Megaherz. The signal gets encrypted and scrambled prior to being released, so that even if hackers get access to it and tries to steal it, they won't be able to gain permanent access to your car.
Some keyless entry systems have the option of passive engine starting, which means that the car will run and start even if the key is not in range. This feature is designed to prevent your vehicle from running low on gas and to prevent toxic fumes leaking into the interior.
Remote Start
Remote start systems offer convenience and peace of mind, whether the car is parked on the street or in your driveway. With a click of a button on your key fob or a'start' command through an app that the system sends the signal to the RES control module to activate and warm your engine.
This system also functions for other features within your vehicle, such as opening and closing windows, or setting the temperature of heated or cooled seats. Certain systems are more flexible and come with additional channels that can be used to control such items as a power-assisted steering wheel, automatic climate controls and rear defrost.
The good news is that a majority of seats made after 1995 have a transponder embedded in the key. Most modern cars are compatible with remote-start systems. Some older Seat models require a key with an unmodified transponder. These keys will not work with remote-start systems.
Many parents have had the experience when they get back into the car seat of their child, but are unable to press the red release button. A company called NAMRA has come up with a solution to this issue, making it easy to unbuckle even if you are having a difficult time pressing down on the buckle using your thumb.